Özyeğin University announced the restoration of Panagia Paramythia Church in Fener, İstanbul with the support of the Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP). The project will last three years and will contribute to the protection of the historical urban social fabric of the Fener neighborhood and also to the tourism activities of the city.
Özyeğin University has initiated the restoration of Panagia Paramythia with the support of the Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP). The University held a special ceremony for the launch of Church with the participation of Julie Eadeh, the U.S. Consul General in Istanbul. Hosted by Özyeğin University’s Rector Esra Gençtürk PhD, the event was organized at the University’s Campus and the group also had a visit to Panagia Paramythia.
The restoration of Church is projected to last three years and will contribute not only to the protection of the historical urban social fabric of the Fener neighborhood, but also to expanding tourism activities therein. Once the project is completed, the Panagia Paramythia Church will become a cultural center bringing the Fener community together with the specialists and academics engaged in cultural heritage while also hosting events like concerts and exhibitions.
During the event Alessandro Camiz, Assoc. Prof. Özyeğin University, Faculty of Architecture and Design Project also made a presentation explaining the process and importance of the project.
A unique cultural heritage
The Greek Orthodox Church of Panagia Paramythia is located in the district of Fener, Istanbul, which was predominantly occupied by the Greek community of the city until the mid 20th century. The church was dedicated to a miraculous early 9th century icon of Mary that is currently located in the Monastery of Vatopedi (Mount Athos, Greece). The dedication “Paramythia”, meaning “condolence” is related to the contents of that miracle, celebrated on January 21 of the Eastern Orthodox liturgical calendar.
The Church of Panagia Paramythia was built in 1578. It has a special historical significance since the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople was housed there in 1587, after the expulsion of the Patriarchate from the Church of Theotokos Pammakaristos. The church was used as the center of the patriarchal seat until 1597.
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