Istanbul Armenian Churches And Their Architectural Formations

Abstract

The fact that Istanbul has served as the capital of four different empires in its history has enabled the city to gain an important position politically and militarily. While the city was under different administrations, it became a political, commercial, military, social and economic central location. Various religious and ethnic groups contributed to making the city a center.  This situation also revealed the identity structure of the city. Armenians, who have a decisive place in the cultural and social life of Istanbul, have shown variable population movements. Armenians are referred to as "Krikor" or "Gregorian" with the nickname "Enlightener" (Lusavoriç) within the framework of ethnic and religious identity. For Christian Armenians, Krikor the Illuminator has an important place in their history. Armenians, who accepted Christianity through the Surp Krikor Illuminator in 301 AD, are known as the first state to accept Christianity. The Armenian Church is called Apostolic because it is accepted that the church was founded through the apostles. Within the scope of the study, the plan type, architectural features, materials used and decoration programs of the Armenian churches identified within the borders of Istanbul were examined and the existence of these structures was tried to be documented.