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Ecumenical Patriarch receives Constantinople Deputy Mayor Nuri Aslan at the Phanar

September 2, 2026 · 1 min read

Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew received Nuri Aslan, Deputy Mayor of the Constantinople Metropolitan Municipality, at the Phanar on Wednesday, September 2, 2026.

During their cordial meeting, Aslan expressed his interest in the initiatives of the Ecumenical Patriarchate and the issues facing the Greek Orthodox community of Constantinople.

The Deputy Mayor was accompanied by the Municipality’s Secretary General, Professor Volkan Demir, while Elder Metropolitan Apostolos of Derkoi attended the meeting on behalf of the Ecumenical Patriarchate.

On the occasion of his courtesy visit, Aslan presented the Ecumenical Patriarch with a panoramic photograph of historic Constantinople and a special edition featuring old maps of the city. Patriarch Bartholomew, in turn, offered his guest a number of commemorative gifts.

Photo: Nikos Papachristou

Source: Orthodox Times · Read the full story →

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💬 Comments (9) 🌐 Show original

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მარიამ გელაშვილი

კარგია, რომ ნური ასლანმა პატრიარქს ძველ რუკებთან ერთად პანორამული ფოტო მიუტანა. ისტორიული ქალაქის სურათები ყოველთვის გულს უხარებს. მეც ისეთი ძველი რუკა მაქვს სახლში, ბაღის წიგნებს შორის.

Kristina Dhima

This old photo of Constantinople that Nuri gave to Aslan looks interesting to me, especially the old maps. It reminds me of the small map we have in the sacristy of our church in Gjirokastër. Did any of you ask what the City Hall thinks about the problems of the Greek Orthodox community there?

Ilie Ionescu

I am glad that Nuri Aslan also brought those old maps of Constantinople, they are similar to the ones I once saw at an antiques fair in Iasi. But more importantly, it seems to me that he spoke about the problems of the Greek community there - what did he specifically say about them? Maybe someone else will tell us.

Ilie Constantinescu

I also enjoy those old maps, Ilie, as if they give you the feeling that you are walking through the city of a hundred years ago. From what I've read in other accounts, Aslan mostly mentioned the difficulties with church properties and schools that are gradually closing. What do you think, does the municipality really want to help or is it just a protocol visit?

Maria Munteanu

Yes, those old maps are really beautiful, Ilie, I also remember one I bought from an antique dealer in Chisinau about ten years ago. On the community issues, from what I read, Aslan talked mostly about the restoration of some historical buildings, but I don't know if the municipality really helps with the closing schools. What do you think, do you think this visit will change anything concrete?

Andrea Prifti

Yes, that little map in the sacristy has shown us many times what the old quarters looked like. I would have asked Nuri Aslan if the City Hall has any concrete plans to repair the church roofs that leak every winter. Do you think he took that part of the community's problems seriously?

Those old maps are really interesting, I saw some similar ones at an antiques fair in Bucharest a few years ago. As far as I know, the municipality promised help with the properties before, but so far the schools keep closing one by one, so I doubt it's more than protocol. Do you think that the Patriarchate could insist more on concrete guarantees at the next meeting?

Vasilika Thanasi

Yes, that little map in the sacristy of our church in Gjirokastra really makes you think of the old neighborhoods. I would have liked to know if Nuri Aslan spoke specifically about the confiscated community property, because that concerns us more than the maps. Do you think that visit was just a courtesy or something more serious?

Andrei Lungu

I was also looking at that picture with the old maps, it's like you can see how the streets changed during the time of the sultans. From what I know from a friend who still lives there, the problem with the properties is more at the government level than at the town hall, so I think this visit is more protocol. Did you hear anything specific about what Aslan said about schools?