I took this photo inside Saint Stephen’s Orthodox Church, a richly ornamented, three-domed cross-shaped basilica that holds deep historical and cultural significance. Located on the shores of the Golden Horn in Istanbul, this church became a pivotal site for the Bulgarian National Revival. Its origins trace back to a small wooden church, donated by the statesman Stefan Bogoridi and inaugurated on 9 October 1849.
The golden chandelier in the foreground captures the viewer’s attention with its intricate craftsmanship, while the soft candlelight gently illuminates the figure of Jesus in the background. This interplay of light and sacred art creates a profound sense of spirituality and reverence. The altar faces the Golden Horn, and above the narthex, a 40-meter-high belfry with six bells, cast in Yaroslavl, completes the church’s grandeur. This sacred space is tied to the 19th-century Bulgarian nationalist movement, culminating in the Ottoman Sultan Abdülaziz’s 1870 firman recognizing the Bulgarian Exarchate. The church embodies the unity of faith and the enduring spirit of a community, making it a true historical and architectural treasure.