Armenian Heritage Tour

Updated on 2014-01-20

Daily Program

Today, you will be exploring the harmony of different cultures and faiths that have been living in Istanbul for many centuries. After the arrival of Ottoman Turks in 1453, Istanbul became the Capital of Ottoman Empire. Comprehending the synergy that is generated by coexistence of diverse cultures, Sultan Mehmet the Conqueror secured a social ambience of freedom for ethnic groups with different faiths, which accelerated the economic and social improvement of Istanbul. In 1461 Sultan Mehmet the Conqueror permitted to open a Patriarchate in Istanbul. The Armenian Patriarchate of Istanbul (officially Armenian Patriarchate of Constantinople) is the religious head of the Armenian community in Turkey. The Armenian Patriarchate of Istanbul has exerted a very significant political role earlier and today still exercises a spiritual authority, which earns it considerable respect among Orthodox churches. This morning you will be meeting your guide at the lobby of your hotel for your day of celebrating the Armenian Heritage of Old Constantinople. Start your day of exploration with a visit to the biggest and oldest of Armenian Church of Istanbul, Holy Resurrection Armenian Church in Kumkapi where the Armenian Patriarchate of Istanbul is located. There is no information about the exact date of construction. After the 1902 and 1985 fires, the church has been repaired. You will have a chance to visit/see Bezciyan Armenian School left side of the church. The school was established in 1830 by Kazaz Harutyun Amira Bezciyan and has been serving as a highly qualified educational institution for the Armenian Community in Istanbul. Next, you will explore Kumkapi, the oldest Armenian neighborhood of Istanbul. One can see churches where Muslims and Armenian community lived in harmony to constitute the Ottoman society. Afterwards, you will explore Beyoglu (Pera) District where you will visit St. Trinity (Sourp Yerrortutyuon) and Holy Resurrection Armenian Chapel. During your tour of the district you will perceive the dominating European feel of Istanbul as the once terminating point of Orient Express. The non-Muslim community in Pera formed a more occidental style of life that was a reflection of what was lived in London, Paris and Venice at the time. Passage Des Fleurs and Passage d’Europe stand out among the major venues where one can distinguish the joy and nostalgia expressed by the authentic ambience of then. Later in the day, you will find yourself wandering through one of the earliest shopping malls ever built in history, Grand Bazaar where you will also get the opportunity to visit the little kiosk of Nick Merdenyan, the unique artist of Istanbul painting patterns and inscriptions on dry leaves. An artist honored by Laura Bush and Hillary Clinton, Nick has brought his own interpretation to the art of calligraphy by choosing an out-of the-ordinary material to apply his art. His works concentrate on themes that relate to either of Christianity, Islam or Judaism and sometimes concepts that combine all of the three religions to convey messages of love, peace and tolerance.

Notes

Rate Includes:

- Transportation by A/C non-smoking deluxe minivan for touring mentioned in the itinerary.

- Services of the English-speaking professional private tour guide throughout the program.

- All entrance and parking fees for the sightseeing.

- Complimentary refreshments on vehicle throughout the journey.

 

Rate Excludes:

- Accommodation in Istanbul.

- Meals and beverages.

- Personal expenses.

- Gratuities for guide and driver.

 

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