Saint John the Forerunner Church

Saint John the Forerunner Church means not only a beautiful building and great history - this is the smallest church of Constantinople. It is only 15 m long!
This ancient building is located in Fatih district, close to many Istanbul sights such as Pammakaristos Church, situated 400 m to the north. Besides, there are Chora Church, Church of St. Mary of the Mongols and Church of the Holy Apostles.

Saint John the Forerunner

As the church is named in honor of this Saint, let’s talk about this personality.
Saint John the Forerunner, also known as John the Baptist, is the closest predecessor of Jesus Christ, who predicted his coming. He lived in the desert and led the movement of baptism for the Jews. He was the one who baptized Jesus Christ in the waters of the Jordan River. John the Baptist was killed as a result of intrigues of the Jewish Princess Herodias and her daughter Salome.
John the Baptist was partly buried in Samaria, but his head and right arm were taken by St. Luke the Apostle, returning to his native Antioch. In 362 pagans from Sebaste destroyed the tomb of the Saint under Julian the Apostate, burned remains of the Baptist and dispelled his ashes.
Therefore, at present only his right arm and head have been preserved. There are many stories and versions concerning the place where these relics are kept. The exact location of the true relics is unknown. Therefore, many churches claim they have the true remains of John the Baptist and according to their statements there are 12 heads of the saint, 7 jaws, 4 arms, 9 hands and 8 fingers.

Today the Church of St. John the Baptist in Istanbul is named Ahmet Pasha Mosque. Until 1961, the building stayed ruined.