SAMATYA – THE ARMENIAN DISTRICT

This is a walk to areas where the traditional Istanbul Fish Festival is organized. Up to recent times, Samatya was mostly inhabited by Armenians, who own the church of Surp Kevork (St. George), also called Sulu Monastery - which dates back from before the Ottoman conquest. The Greek orthodox have churches such as Hristos Analipsis and Haghios Menas. There is Latin churches as well. Turks have impressive mosques such as Ramazan Efendi Camii, which is Sinan's work of art, and Kocamustafapaşa Camii, which is the former Byzantine Church of St Andrew. The walk covers many other historic places. Entry to the churches may vary at the moment of each visit.