Aya Yorgi Church: The Sacred Site for Wish-Seekers in Büyükada

Berfin Ceren Meray
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Aya Yorgi Church, nestled in the picturesque island of Büyükada, is a captivating destination for Christians and tourists alike. It draws visitors from near and far who are looking for a unique and memorable experience. The church is among the first places that tourists visit when they arrive on the island. Constructed in 1751, the church has an impressive history that never fails to fascinate its visitors. The original building, known as the old church, consisted of a small chapel and a prayer place, and is covered with tiles. Today, this two-story structure remains a popular spot, visited by millions of tourists who are in awe of its charm and spiritual significance.

Information About the Aya Yorgi Church

Aya Yorgi Church is located in Büyükada in Istanbul. According to the information obtained from the Patriarchate records, this place was built in 1751. The small church, chapel and prayer place built on this date are known as the old church. This two-storey, tile-covered small building is visited by millions of tourists.

The church, which is made of cut stone behind the bell tower on the hill, is known as the New Aya Yorgi Church. This place was also built in 1905 and opened for use in 1909.

Aya Yorgi Church, which has a history of thousands of years, is located on Yüce Tepe at a height of 204 meters, on one of the points of Büyükada close to the sky. Aya Yorgi Church, which took its name from Saint Georgios of Cappadocia, who was killed for his Christian faith in the third century BC, was built in 963 BC during the reign of Byzantine Emperor Nikephoros Fokas, according to rumors.

This church, along with the House of the Virgin Mary in Ephesus, is one of the two pilgrimage points in Turkey by Christians. For this reason, every year on April 23 and September 24, this place receives an influx of visitors.

Of course, these dates are also important. In the Orthodox denomination, April 23 is considered the “name day” of the Yorgos. September 24 is also the date on which Aya Thekla, who devoted herself to the new religion spread by Paulus, the apostle of the Prophet Jesus, and survived by miracles despite being repeatedly tried to be killed, is commemorated. It is believed that those who walk barefoot to the Aya Yorgi Church on these dates and leave without speaking at all are 'half pilgrims'.

Where is the Aya Yorgi Church? How to Get There?

Aya Yorgi is located in Büyükada in Istanbul. Therefore, in order to go to church, you first need to go to Buyukada. It is possible to pass from the piers to Büyükada by motor or ferry.

After arriving in Büyükada, you can go to the Aya Yorgi Church by renting a bicycle or on foot. Keep in mind that you have to climb a very steep slope to get to the church.

Address: Büyükada-nizam, Insel Büyükada, 34970 Adalar/Istanbul

The Story of the Aya Yorgi Church

Many stories and legends have been told about the Aya Yorgi Church to this day. One of them is as follows:

According to legend, Büyükada was occupied during the Byzantine period. During the occupation, the priests bury the sacred objects under the ground for later removal. After many years, a shepherd sees sacred objects in a dream. In the shepherd's dream, a saint is calling the shepherd to a place he does not know. When the shepherd wakes up, he goes to the place where the saint said. He walks barefoot up a steep slope and hears a bell ringing. When he hears the sound of the bell, he digs the ground. Together with many sacred objects from under the ground, the icon of the church is removed to the icon. September April 23rd to September 23rd, according to the belief, people who go to the church barefoot and without speaking at all become pilgrims. In addition, visiting between these dates is considered more sacred than other times.'

Making a Wish at the Church of St. George to the Moon

The most common thing that people who come to the Aya Yorgi Church do is to wish here. Those who climb the slope where the church is located wish here. After making a wish, people who take keys or locks with them have to bring these items back to the church if their wishes are accepted.

According to another belief, when the hill starts to climb, the view prevails that the fortunes will be opened to the end when the reel connected here at one end is opened and climbed up. You can also write wishes and hang them on the trees by the side of the road along the slope.

Aya Yorgi Church Visiting Hours and Entrance Fee

This place can be visited every weekday until 16.00. Visitors are not allowed in only because of the mass held here on Sundays.

There is no charge for visitors at the entrances of Aya Yorgi Church. For this reason, you can visit here for free.

Places to Visit When You Come to Büyükada

While you have already visited the Aya Yorgi Church and come to Büyükada, do not neglect other places you can visit. Here are other places you can visit in Büyükada:

Greek Orphanage

Museum of the Islands

Dilburnu Nature Park

Buyukada National Park