Publications & Papers
HAGİA TRIAS CHURCH
Even though it is more commonly known as “Aya Triada” among the locals, the structure called “Hagia Trias” is one of the most significant buildings in Istanbul and has a marvelous view from Taksim square.
The structure, which is in a big yard between Istiklal Street, Sıraselviler Street and Menekşe Street was built on higher ground than street level.
On map showing the areas damaged in the Great Beyoğlu Fire in 1870, the land where the church sits today is seen as a large cemetery with a small church [Aya Yeoryios] in it. This small church, built by a society active around Taksim called Aya Mina Cemiyeti is known to have been made of timber.
The name Aya Triada/Hagia Trias means “holy trio” in Greek, more commonly translated as “trinity.”
You can enter the big yard where Aya Triada stands from two main doors on Menekşe Street and there is also a small entrance that connects to Sıraselviler Street.
The structure has a rather modern architectural settlement despite its period. The lead covered dome of the building which was built with a permission guaranteed in the period of Sultan Abdulaziz [1861-76], should be considered as a sign of the rights accorded to the non-Muslim citizens of the Ottoman Empire after the Reform.
It’s said the first surveys for the structure were done by the architect Potessaroya and then Master Vasilaki loannidis took over on the construction. Despite that, Mustafa Cezar gives the name Kampnaki as the architect of the building.
The portraits, which belong to Jesus Christ, the Virgin Mary and other saints are known to belong to the artist Sakellarios Megaklis and the marble ornaments were done by Aleksandros Krikelis.
Inside the borders of Beyoğlu, there was another church with the same name which also belongs to the Greek Catholic Society. We would like to state that this second church, which is on Hammalbaşı Street, across from the English Embassy, was built in 1867 burned down in the 1870 Beyoğlu Fire and rebuilt in 1880.
We believe we must always remember that this and the likes of this structure, which belong to an first era of Istanbul, are necessary examples of our city culture and we must protect and carry them to the future fort he wealth of this city.