Crimean Church

Located on Serdar-ı Ekrem, one of the beautiful streets in the heart of historical district Beyoğlu in Istanbul, Crimean Church was built by the Ottoman Sultan Abdülmecid in memory of the English soldiers engaged in the Crimean War. Thus, it is known as the Crimean Memorial Church.

Even though it is located on a narrow street and concealed among the buildings, this magnificent stone building succeeds in drawing the attention thanks to its neogothic style, and its foundation was laid in a ceremony in 1858 with the participation of the Ambassador of the United Kingdom Lord Stratford Canning, and its contruction was completed in the same year.

Designed by G. E. Street, the architect of many buildings, including the Court House in London and bearing classical English architecture features, the church is standing in the middle of a yard surrounded with high stone walls. It is told that a part of the stones used for its construction was brought from Malta.

The two small towers just above the entrance gate are accompanied by a bigger and sharp bell tower. The lengthily and high-ceiling hall takes you to the Medieval times with its leaded rose windows and round-arched windows.

Closed down when the community decreased in the 1970s, the church was left unattained for a long time as it was not in use; in 1990, it was repaired by the Sri Lankan refugees under the guidance of the Anglican Church's priest and opened for worship for their use. 

The church is open to visits from 9 am to 1:30 pm, and special events such as exhibitions and concerts are organized at times.