Anatolia Protestant Church

Hidden behind high walls on Misbah Muayyeş Street, lies the Anatolia Protestant Church. This unassuming location holds a fascinating story. The Anatolia Protestant Church, also known as the Tubini Church, traces its origins back to the 1850s. A family named Tubini, originally from the Aegean island of Syros, settled in Kadıköy, Istanbul. Their primary business was banking, but their influence extended far beyond finance. The Tubinis, of Italian descent and French nationality, owned a significant portion of Kadıköy, stretching from the PTT building all the way to Moda. They built a grand mansion at the corner of Mühürdar Street and Misbah Muayyeş Street. Adjacent to this mansion, on the Misbah Muayyeş Street side, they constructed the Tubini Church, a Catholic church named in their honor. The church sits within a secluded courtyard, accessible through a discreet door on the street. Originally, the church’s garden was an expansive space reaching down to the sea, encompassing a vegetable garden and a house for the priest. However, in the mid-20th century, road construction and land subdivisions significantly reduced the garden’s size. The Anatolia Protestant Church stands as a testament to the Tubini family’s impact on Kadıköy. It is a hidden gem, offering a glimpse into Istanbul’s diverse religious history.