For the post-restoration church, click here [1].
This is on the main artery of Vatan Caddesi, shrouded with scaffolding in 2014 and enduring one of Fatih Belediyesi’s uncompromising restorations. It’s an awkward-looking building, an agglomeration of different churches and bits built on. The two bulging domes give it the aspect of a cartoon frog. Some of the foundations date from the 6th century and the two main churches come from the 10th and the late 11th centuries. The charm is in the details. There was some nice sculpture here. The brick swastika decoration on the eastern façade was pretty. There are some chapels on the roof. Let’s see what the restoration does with it. (41.014863,28.943878)
[2]Feneri Isa Camii on an October night in 2010.
[3]The view from Vatan Caddesi.
[4]Part of a frieze from the Church of the Panachrantos in the Archaeological Museum of Istanbul
[5]The mescit that served worshippers during the restoration has been demolished (August 2017)
[6]Brickwork on the central apse of the south church
[7]August 2017: Some of the stonework placement looks a bit rough
September 2017: The temporary mescit has been demolished and the restored mosque looks ready to enter service.
[8]Final touches are made to the restored domes
As of July 2019, the restoration is complete and the mosque is open for use.
[9]