Fethiye Camii Istanbul
St. Mary Pammakaristos Church
Zekeriya from Istanbul
Okay here is the deal, Istanbul is full of mosques and churches. Some are very easily reachable while some are hard because even the locals are not aware of them. This one is called St. Mary Pammakaristos Church or The Church Of The Theotokos Pammakaristos (The Joyous Mother Of God) originally, strangely it was not immediately converted into a mosque after the conquest of Constantinople but operated as a Church until 1573.
It's in a district which does reflect modern Turkey one bit but the experience is fabulous. Honestly as a local when I go to this district I feel like a foreigner. This unique Byzantine Church is standing on the terrace overlooking the Golden Horn. It is located in a rather open field where you can walk around and observe the structure. The mosaics of the church are not as mind-blowing as St. Chora but yet are unique in their context. You can see the naked mosaic of Jesus Christ which is a rare scene. Unfortunately most of the interior walls were demolished but then restored when the structure was converted into a museum. You can visit this off the beaten church/mosque/museum if you are in the area. Don't forget to take photos as the mosaics are losing their touch as years go by.
Istanbul Spotter Zekeriya
About this spot
Our Istanbul City Guide
Find your way with 241 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Loved it? Join us!
Loved this Spot?Join your international community. Share your favs and become part of our international community!
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in Istanbul
Lil Bake
Lovely spot for a sweet snack
Lil Bake is a small, lovely spot in the heart of Moda, Istanbul. My favorite used to be the pistachio Paris breast, until I tasted their croissants...
by
Cemre
Sandal
Banyan
High-end Asian fusion in Ortakoy
"Banyan" is my bar/restaurant of choice in Istanbul's Ortaköy for a drink or dinner after work. In their terrace you'll feel as if you're on a ship's deck.
by
Emre
Kamar
Vogue Restaurant Bar
Molecular cocktails & sushi
"Vogue Restaurant Bar" is one of Istanbul's higher end spots. The food is great, but I would recommend the signature (molecular) cocktails. How about...
by
Emre
Kamar
Grand Bazaar
Fat round evil eyes
"Grand Bazaar" is my place to buy the best Istanbul souvenir: round, fat evil eyes! Just don't forget to bargain...
by
Zekeriya
S. Sen
Norm Coffee
Such a cozy spot
"Norm Coffee" Istanbul makes me feel as if I'm in a spaceship travelling to a coffee planet every time! It's just one of my favorite spots in the city.
by
Zekeriya
S. Sen
Forno Balat
Friendly cafe in the Golden Horn
"Forno Balat" in Istanbul has amazing breakfast -- the best scrambled eggs and open-buffet and homemade jams I've tasted in Turkey.
by
Emre
Kamar
Groove
A cosy music store
"Groove" is my suggestion for music lovers who're in Istanbul looking for record shops! Sami, "the music doctor", will guide you through this journey...
by
Zekeriya
S. Sen
The Letter Opener
A gorgeous gift
"The Letter Opener" is one of the best souvenirs to get for friends back home when you're in Istanbul and I recommend you get them from Grand Bazaar.
by
Zekeriya
S. Sen
The Tortoise Trainer
Painting by Osman Hamdi Bey
The "Tortoise Trainer" is one of my favorite paintings to be found in Istanbul. You can see it in the contemporary/orientalist Istanbul Pera museum.
by
Zekeriya
S. Sen
Turkish Tea
Enjoy a glass of tea
Turkish Tea is had after each meal, and it's a reflection of hospitality. When in Istanbul, have it at small local tea houses in Sultanahmet.
by
Zekeriya
S. Sen
Kurucu Ali Baba Restaurant
The best haricot bean
"Kurucu Ali Baba Restaurant" is one of the restaurants that serve haricot beans just outside Suleymaniye in Istanbul. Great service, worth the money...
by
Zekeriya
S. Sen
Heading to Istanbul?
241 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
... for just €9.99
Heading to Istanbul?
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 241 Insider Tips
✓ Escape the Crowds
✓ Find Spots nearby
✓ Authentic Stories
... for just €9.99
City guides by those who know the city in and out!
Our Locals' Favorite Art & culture
Our team loves Istanbul
Get to know our other Spotters from Istanbul
As featured on:
