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THE MONASTERY OF THE PANTOCRATOR
On one of the high hills of the north-eastern side of Istanbul, looking over the Golden Horn, there stands a five-domed structure which today is known as the Zeyrek Killise Camii. Up until the end of the 15th Century, this magnificent structure was the spiritual centre of one of the greatest Christian institutions ever known, the Monastery of the Pantocrator (All-Holding) Saviour Christ. Within the realm of this monastery one of the first “modern” hospitals in history was established. Composed of five wards (surgical, gynaecological, and two pathological) and a separate hospital for the elderly, this well-organized hospital provided care to the people of Constantinople from 1136 AD. Serving the hospital were two full time chaplains, who conducted religious services four times a week and provided spiritual support and guidance to patients and staff. From the mid 15th century, the monastery was converted into a mosque. Today, there are few remains left of the hospital. UNESCO is now restoring the Byzantine monastic structure. |
