Every Sunday in Constantinople, eleven Protestant church services are held in four different languages. These services offer spiritual support to a diverse international community and are led by various religious groups.
Services by the Church of England
The Church of England holds three services:
One is in the chapel of the British embassy, where the British ambassador has a chaplain, a physician, and a secretary, all appointed by the British government.
Another service is held at St. Paul’s Church, built 50 years ago as a memorial to British soldiers who died in the Crimean War.
A third service takes place in a chapel in the suburbs, in the historic town of Chalcedon (now called Kadıköy) A Young Man’s Journey from Islam to Protestantism.
Other Protestant Churches and Embassies
A chapel connected to the Dutch embassy hosts union services attended by Presbyterians, Methodists, and Dutch Reformed Christians. There is also a German embassy chapel, where a Lutheran chaplain leads services.
In addition, the American Board of Foreign Missions supports Protestant services at:
Robert College, The American College for Girls in Scutari (Üsküdar), The American and English communities in Bebek, near the Bosphorus
There are also churches operated by the Scotch Presbyterians and the Established Church of Scotland. French Protestants living in Galata and Pera attend a charming church in that area.
Missionary Work in the City
Protestant missions serving the local population are found throughout the city. They are organized by various religious societies from Britain, Germany, the Netherlands, and the United States.
The American Board of Foreign Missions has a major presence in Turkey, with:
176 missionaries, including 40 men and over 100 unmarried women
130 organized native churches, 25 of which are self-supporting
There are about 50,000 registered Protestants across Turkey, and 13,000 are official church members. Most of them are of Greek or Armenian origin.
Challenges Faced by Local Protestants
There are two large Protestant congregations of Armenians and Greeks in Constantinople. They have already bought land and raised funds to build churches. However, for the past 8 to 10 years, they have been denied building permits by the Ottoman authorities.
Even with help from the American ambassador, they have not been able to get permission to build new churches. No Protestant church can be built in Constantinople unless it is sponsored by a foreign embassy or legation. Private landowners also refuse to sell land for church construction due to legal risks and government restrictions.
Churches Protected by Foreign Legations
The only Protestant churches allowed in the city are those that were built under the protection of foreign embassies. Without this diplomatic support, it would be impossible to open a Protestant place of worship in the capital.
A Quiet but Strong Presence
Despite these difficulties, the Protestant community in Constantinople remains active and committed. Supported by missionaries and foreign allies, they continue to hold services, educate students, and serve the community—quietly but powerfully.
