“An Armenian Catholic Church in Istanbul?” you ask. Saint Leon is one of the active Armenian churches in Turkey. Hundreds of Armenian churches once dotted Turkey. Today many lie in ruins or serve different purposes. Saint Leon remains a testament to Istanbul’s diverse religious past.
Istanbul is well known for its mosques. However, under Ottoman rule, many religions thrived here. Saint Leon stands as a reminder of this diversity. While the Armenian population has decreased, some churches like Saint Leon remain.
Saint Gregory the Illuminator Church of Galata is another example. It is the oldest extant Armenian Apostolic church in Istanbul. Built in the late 14th century, it predates the Ottoman conquest. The Galata church was demolished in 1958 but rebuilt in the 1960s. It stands as the city’s only church built in the traditional Armenian style. This style features a dome with a conical roof.
Saint Gregory the Illuminator Church has a rich history. According to a manuscript, it was founded in 1391. An Armenian merchant from Crimea named Kozma bought the land. Galata offered more protection under Genoese control. Blacksmith Aved built the altar and a chapel.
The church appears in an Ottoman survey from 1455. This shows the Armenian presence continued into the Ottoman era. Patriarch Grigor Kesaratsi was buried at the church wall in 1635. Fires often damaged the church. It survived the 1660 Galata fire, but it burned in 1731. Sargis Khalfa restored it in 1733. The church burned again in 1771. Architect Minas Khalfa restored it in 1799 adding a chapel.
Hovhannes Golod was buried under the church. His crypt was decorated with Kütahya and Dutch tiles. The original church featured French, Italian, Chinese porcelain and Tunisian tiles. European visitors described the church. William Holden Hutton noted its fine manuscripts and an ancient picture of Christ.
The state seized Saint Gregory the Illuminator Church and demolished it in 1958. This happened to widen the street. Architect Bedros Zobyan designed a reconstruction plan in 1962. The church reopened in 1966. The new church is smaller than the original. A basement houses the chapel and Golod’s grave.
Saint Leon and Saint Gregory the Illuminator Church are part of Istanbul’s vibrant history. They stand as symbols of faith. These churches remind us of the diverse cultures that have shaped this city. As we conclude our visit to Saint Leon remember the resilience of Istanbul’s Armenian community. Their stories echo within these walls.