Istanbul’s Ayios Nikolaos Church Viewed From Air

The Ayios Nikolaos Church in Istanbul’s Topkapı district, originally built in honor of St. Nicholas, was restored during Sultan Mahmud II’s reign thanks to donations from the local Muslim community. Historian Zafer Bilgi highlighted the collaborative restoration effort led by the Gazi Ahmet Pasha Mosque congregation, noting, “The Ottomans preserved ethnic diversity in Istanbul as a unified community.” The 1831 restoration was funded by donations gathered by Mosque Imam Hacı Kaim Efendi from both mosque members and local businesses, exemplifying Ottoman support for interfaith heritage. The historic church, adjacent to the city walls and neighboring the Surp Nigoğayos Church, was recently captured in aerial views.