388) Armenians of Istanbul

Introduction

 

When I discovered the Web, I found a lot of document about Armenian question and Armenian-Turkish relationship. Most of the documents contains hatred and dislike. Both the Turks and Armenians insist on figting and no one thinks about the possibility of peace and brotherhood.

 

On the other hand, in the history you can find the evidence of good relations between Turks and Armenians. The Armenians of Ottoman Empire took part in army, in the goverment and in all aspects of social life. Many of the palaces, goverment buildings and even some mosques were built by Armenian architects. In the cities, Armenians and Turks were living together as neighbors and they had no problems during hundreds of years.

 

I want especially the Armenians read my pages, because I want to remind them the history, the way we lived together long years. And despite everything, we have Armenians living in Istanbul. I want to show them, the Turks are not primitive, uncivilized and barbarian people as they have been told.

 

My purpose is to build a bridge between Armenians and us again. It's hard to build it after all happened till 1915. But it's possible, if there is a little love and tolerance left in people's hearts.

 

If you have any dislike about the pages, please write to me.

 

esme at busim.ee.boun.edu.tr dated 1997

 

Where Do They Live?

 

This map shows the Armenian population density in Istanbul. Nobody knows the exact number of Armenians in Istanbul, because all the Armenians are not registered to the Patriarchate. Estimated number is 50.000. Most of the community lives in Kurtulush, Sishli, Samatya, Kumkapu, Kadikoy and Uskudar. Also most Armenians have a summer residence in Kinali Island. This Island is populated %90 by Armenians.

 

Here is a list of districts in Istanbul that are populated by Armenians. In near future, I'll add the pictures of these areas.
Samatya
Kumkapu
Kadikoy
Uskudar
Kartal
Kurtulush
Kuzguncuk
Ferikoy
Rumelihisari
Kinaliada

 

Churches

 

Istanbul is rich of churches contrary to the common idea. Just after the First World War, there were even more churches than mosques. There are lots of Armenian churches in Istanbul. Most of them belongs to the Gregorian community. There are also 6 Katholic and 2 Protestant churches.There are also many churches that are not in use today. Some of them are converted to mosques. The architecture of Armenian churches slightly differs from those of Greeks and can be distinguished. Due to the official restrictions in Ottoman period, it was impossible to build large and attractive churches, so the main aim of both Greek and Armenian churches was to fullfil the needs only. The style and fashion were not important. It's why the inside views of the churches are more and more beautiful than the outside. Here are a few examples of Armenian churches of Istanbul. I have the pictures of all the Armenian churches in Istanbul. So if you want the picture of a specific church, please write to me and I'll even upload or post to you.
Kumkapi Surp Asdvadzadzin
Uskudar Surp Garabed
Uskudar Surb Hac
Samatia Katholic Church
Samatia Surp Agop
Yenikoy Surp Asdvadzadzin
Kuzguncuk Church
Kadikoy Surp Tekavor
Gedikpasa Protestant Church
Buyukdere Katholic Church

 

Armenian Press

 

Armenian press in Istanbul is one of the oldest press institutions of Turkey. The first armenian newspaper in Constantinople was probably "Tidak buzantian", founded in 1812. In 1846, Utudjian founded Hayastan (organ of the Patriarcate). The same Utudjian founded in 1852 MAssis, who publeshed since 1887 the most famous armenian writers in Constantinople. In 1884, Arpiarian founded AREVELK, then, in 189 Hayrenik, and the daily Buzantian was founded in 1896.

 

The oldest newspaper that is still circulated is "Jamanak". Jamanak was established in 1908 and it's still being printed daily. The newspaper is printed in Armenian, but two pages is written in Turkish with Armenian Alphabet. There are many books written in Turkish with Armenian Alphabet. Jamanak is sold 1200 copies daily. One of the manager of the newspaper, Ara Kotcunian says that the rate is low because most Armenians cannot read or write in Armenian. Some of them even cannot speak Armenian either.

 

Another daily newspaper published in Armenian is "Marmara". It was established in 1940. It is sold daily between 1200-2000. This rate changes due to the season. Armenian newspapers are sold better in summer, because most Armenians scattered all over Istanbul are gethered at the Islands(especially Kinaliada) and the national feelings become stronger.

 

Except for these two daily newspapers, there's a theatre journal printed in Armenian Alphabet "Kulis", which is circulated twice a month. Also there's a health journal published by Surp Pirgic Armenian Hospital.

 

 

Source: Armenians of Istanbul Website -last updated on 20 August 1997)

(geocities.com/CapitolHill/5503) is dedicated to the Armenian-Turkish brotherhood.