Historic Iron Church in Istanbul reopens after restoration

Cross-shaped Bulgarian church was built on the banks of Istanbul’s Golden Horn in 1898

Last updated: November 05, 2018 | 15:12

1 MIN READ

Reuters

Istanbul: Turkey’s president and the Bulgarian prime minister have unveiled the historic Iron Church in Istanbul after a seven-year restoration project.

In Sunday’s opening ceremony, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said the 120-year-old Sveti Stefan Church remains the “single example” of a church built on an iron skeleton.

The cross-shaped Bulgarian church was built on the banks of Istanbul’s Golden Horn in 1898 with 500-tons of prefabricated iron components shipped from Austria. Its restoration since 2011 cost an estimated $3.5 million.

Erdogan said the church contributes to the “beauty and wealth of Istanbul” and is the latest example of Turkey’s efforts to restore synagogues, chapels and churches.

Bulgarian Prime Minister Boyko Borisov said his country would work to “normalize and improve” Turkey-European Union relations as his country assume the EU’s presidency.

People visit the St. Stefan Bulgarian Orthodox Church.

A visitor takes pictures at the St. Stefan Bulgarian Orthodox Church.

Bulgarian women in traditional costumes dance during the re-opening of the St. Stefan Bulgarian Orthodox Church.

Bulgarian women in traditional costumes are seen during the re-opening of the St. Stefan Bulgarian Orthodox Church.

People light candles as they visit the St. Stefan Bulgarian Orthodox Church.

A woman wearing a traditional Bulgarian dress poses in front of the Bulgarian St Stephen's Church, also known as the 'Iron Church', after its reopening ceremony, in Istanbul on January 7, 2018. The leaders of Turkey and Bulgaria on January 7 reopened the Bulgarian St Stephen's Church after seven years of restoration, a gesture of harmony in an often turbulent relationship between the two neighbours. / AFP / OZAN KOSE

An armed Turkish special force police officer stands guard on the tower of of the Bulgarian St Stephen's Church.

An armed Turkish special force police officer stands guard on the tower of of the Bulgarian St Stephen's Church, also known as the 'Iron Church', after its reopening ceremony.

Get the latest news and updates straight to your inbox