Allocation of Terra Santa Monastery to Beyoğlu Municipality terminated

The General Directorate of Foundations of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism has made an important statement regarding the allocation of the Terra Santa Monastery to the Beyoğlu Municipality. It was determined that the historic building, which was allocated for 10 years on December 12, 2022, to be used exclusively for social, cultural, and artistic activities as well as a youth center, was not being used in accordance with the stated purpose. The statement emphasized that the recent statements made by the Beyoğlu Municipality were misleading to the public.

The General Directorate of Foundations stated that the Terra Santa Monastery was restored and opened for service between 2018 and 2022. As a result of inspections conducted on the four allocated buildings, it was determined that one was operating as a cafeteria for commercial purposes and the other three structures were left vacant. This situation was deemed to be in violation of Article 63 of the Foundations Regulation, and it was decided to terminate the allocations.

Following the notification of the cancellation of the allocation sent to the Beyoğlu Municipality on July 29, it was requested that the properties be handed over to the General Directorate of Foundations; however, no response was received from the municipality. Upon this, the General Directorate of Foundations applied to the Beyoğlu District Governorship and requested the evacuation of the properties.

It was stated that after the administrative process is completed, the buildings of the Beyoğlu Terra Santa Monastery will be allocated to the Yunus Emre Institute, which is affiliated with the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, and will be used there for education and cultural activities.

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— VAKIFLAR GENEL MÜDÜRLÜĞÜ (@VakiflarGM) September 26, 2024

TERRA SANTA MONASTERY

The Terra Santa Monastery is a historic structure located in the Beyoğlu district of Istanbul. Built in the 19th century, the monastery was used by the Catholic Franciscan order and is considered an important religious center for Christianity. The monastery draws attention with both its architectural beauty and its historical significance. The church, library, and various social areas within it were used for religious and cultural events in the past.

The monastery, which has been renovated through restoration work in recent years, was allocated for social and cultural activities. However, as it was not used in accordance with the purpose of the allocation, the agreements were terminated, and the structure is planned to host education and cultural events in the future. The Terra Santa Monastery continues to be an important part of Istanbul's historical and cultural heritage.

News Source: İHA