Mor Efrem Suryani Holy Orthodox Church is the first church to be built during the Republican Era after 1923. The Church belongs to a community called Suryanis who are the earliest Christians in the world. The Church opened in 2023 in the 100th anniversary of the Turkish Republic.
The Church is located in one of the most beautiful old İstanbul neighbourhoods where a large community of Christians from different Christian traditions lives. I have been to the Church and was impressed by its spacious and well lit interior and large scale iconography which give one a sense of elevation.
The Church takes its name from the most important spiritual leader of Suryanis: Mor Efrem.
Mor Efrem
Photos from the first mass at the Church in 2023
I have talked to some Suryani friends who told me that the new Church does not resemble the traditional Suryani Churches which has a humbler and warmer character but it is still a delight to visit.
So if you visit Yeşilköy which is one of the nicest remaining neighbourhoods in İstanbul, make sure to see the first Church built after 1923 in Turkish soil.
