A Brief History of Aya Yorgi Church
Aya Yorgi Church is one of the most remarkable religious landmarks on Buyukada, drawing visitors for its history, pilgrimage traditions, and sweeping Marmara Sea views. According to Patriarchate records, Aya Yorgi Church was constructed in 1751. The small two-story tiled building is known as the old church and includes a small church, chapel, and prayer place. The newer building on the hill was built of face stone in 1905 and opened for use in 1909.
The church takes its name from Aya Yorgos, or Saint George, who came to be referred to as Aya Yorgi by the Greeks over time. He was a soldier in Cappadocia who lived in the 3rd century and became one of the best-known and most beloved saints and martyrs in Christianity. According to legend, the people of a city were terrorized by a murderous dragon. At first they offered sheep, but the dragon was not satisfied, and eventually people were chosen at random to be sacrificed. When the king's daughter was selected, Saint George arrived, gravely wounded the dragon, and led it back to the city with a girdle around its head. He offered to kill the dragon if the people became Christians. More than 15,000 people and the king converted, and Saint George killed the dragon.
Every year on April 23 and September 24, huge crowds of Christians come to Aya Yorgi Church. It is accepted as one of the two pilgrimage points of Christians, besides the House of the Virgin Mary in Ephesus. In the Orthodox tradition, April 23 is St. George's Day. September 24 is the commemoration day of Aya Thekla, who devoted herself to the new religion of Jesus' apostle Paulus.
Those who come to the church often come to pray and make a wish. They take off their shoes at the start of the road leading to the church, grab a bell, and do not speak during the entire walk. It is also believed that the wishes of those who tie ropes to the bushes and walk the road with a reel rope will come true. This uphill road is also known as the “path of torment.”
This tradition is based on a religious story. According to it, during the Byzantine era, the island was under siege of the Greeks. The priests wanted to save the icons and sacred objects in the church of Aya Yorgi, so they buried them in the ground. Many years later, a shepherd on the island saw Aya Yorgi in his dream. In the dream, Aya Yorgi told him to climb the road to the church and stop to dig when he heard bell sounds. After the dream repeated for several days, the shepherd climbed the road barefoot and remained silent along the way. When he reached the church, he heard bell sounds just as he had been told, began digging, and found the unscathed icons and sacred objects buried in the ground. It is believed that those who manage to climb the “path of torment” barefoot without speaking are half-pilgrims.
What to See Inside Aya Yorgi Church
You will meet many different people along the way, especially if you visit on April 23 or September 24. People from different religions and nationalities come together here to pray, meet each other, and spend time in a unique atmosphere. Even if you are not religious, it is hard not to get carried away by the feeling of the place.
After a 15-minute walk, you will arrive at the Buyukada Aya Yorgi Church. A sign on the front door reminds visitors to be silent and dress appropriately. Although the church is not very large, there are many icons, motifs, paintings, and religious monuments worth seeing. The most striking is the icon showing Aya Yorgi killing the monster coming out of the sea with his spear. Aya Yorgi's own icon also draws much attention, and people leave gifts such as flowers in front of it to thank him.
Outside the church, you can enjoy a beautiful view of the Marmara Sea. The main attraction nearby is the café next to the church, Yucetepe Kır Gazinosu. It is run by a local Turkish family and is known for its food as well as one of the best views you can have in Istanbul.
If you are planning a wider island day trip, you may also want to read our guide to the Princes' Islands. Many visitors combine Buyukada with classic Istanbul sights such as Hagia Sophia or a scenic Bosphorus Cruise on another day.
How to Go to Aya Yorgi Church
To visit the church, you first need to get to Buyukada. Since the island is a popular destination, ferries go there from many different points across Istanbul, including Beşiktaş, Bostancı, Sirkeci, Kartal, Büyükçekmece, Bakırköy, Eminönü, Kadıköy, Kabataş, Yalova, Avcılar, Karaköy, and Yeşilköy.
After you arrive on Buyukada, you will need to hire a bicycle to get to the church. Since it stands on the highest hill on the island, almost every local knows where it is, so you can ask around if you do not have a tour guide. For ferry details and route updates, it is best to check official operators such as Şehir Hatları. You can also find general background information about the site on Wikipedia.
You can visit Aya Yorgi Church every day of the week between 8.30 AM and 4 PM, except for Sundays between 9 AM and 12.15 PM, when it is reserved for worship. Entrance to the church is free for everyone. As schedules can change, it is wise to confirm current access details before your visit.
