Located on Serdar-ı Ekrem Street near Şişhane, the Crimean Memorial English Church stands on land that was once a Greek Orthodox cemetery. Sultan Abdülmecit granted the land to the British to commemorate the Crimean War. The foundation was laid on October 19, 1858, and the church was inaugurated on October 22, 1868, with the British ambassador Lord Stratford de Redcliffe attending the ceremony. The church is situated near the Russian Embassy, extending towards Galip Dede Street.
Queen Victoria and the Car Thrown into the Sea
When the church opened, Abdülaziz ruled the Ottoman Empire, and Queen Victoria reigned in England. She gifted a newly manufactured car from London to the Ottoman Sultan (likely Abdülaziz or Abdülmecit). However, the car was deemed a “work of the devil” by the Sheikh ul-Islam and was thrown into the sea at Sarayburnu. This remarkable event marks one of the first appearances of automobiles in Istanbul.
Neo-Gothic Architecture and Unique Features
Designed by G.E. Street, the architect of London’s Law Courts, the Crimean Church features Neo-Gothic architecture. It stands in a walled garden and is accessed via steps from the street. Notable features include the apse, rose-patterned windows on the west side, two small spired towers flanking the entrance, and a northwest bell tower with a baldachin-style spire. Black cut stones came from Büyükada, while soft yellow stones framing the windows and corners were imported from Malta.
The church was closed in 1970 due to a lack of congregation. In 1991, Anglican refugees from Sri Lanka requested its reopening. The church was restored and reopened for worship.
Visiting Information
The Crimean Memorial English Church is a must-visit in Istanbul for its historical and architectural value. Visiting hours are from 9:00 AM to 1:30 PM.
