This cemetery, also known as Şişli Rum Ortodoks Mezarlığı, is located in the Şişli district of Istanbul, just across from the Cevahir Mall. It was founded in 1859 and serves as the final resting place for those who professed the Orthodox faith in Istanbul.
Spread over 52 acres, the cemetery houses the graves of various Orthodox nationalities and ethnoreligious groups. Here, you'll find Greek graves, as well as memorials for Russians, Serbians, Bulgarians, Arabs, and Turkish/Turkic Christians. It truly reflects the diverse tapestry of cultures and faiths that have called Istanbul home.
As we approach the center of the cemetery, you'll notice a magnificent structure known as "Metamorphosis" or "Our Lord Saviour's Transfiguration" - a funerary church that stands as a testament to the love and respect the community has for their departed loved ones. The church was erected in 1888, funded by Schilizzi Stephanovik's sons, as a permanent tribute to their parents.
Among the many resting here, you'll find some notable figures who have left their mark on history. One such individual is Eleni Fotiadou, a renowned photojournalist whose work captured the essence of Istanbul. Anastasia Georgiadou, also known as "Deniz Kızı Eftalya," was a celebrated singer whose melodies could move your soul. And let's not forget Demetrius Stefanovich Schilizzi, a prominent figure in his time, and Georgios Zariphis, a renowned Greek Ottoman banker and financier.
As we conclude our tour of the Şişli Greek Orthodox Cemetery, take a moment to appreciate the beauty and tranquility that surrounds us. Reflect on the lives of those who rest here, their legacies intertwined with the rich tapestry of Istanbul's history.
If you'd like to learn more about this cemetery or explore other fascinating landmarks in Istanbul, don't hesitate to ask.
