Istanbul, June 6, 2025
Photo: romfea.gr
The Holy Synod of the Patriarchate of Constantinople has unanimously approved plans to restore the historic Prinkipo Greek Orthodox Orphanage and develop ecotourism activities, following decades of failed attempts to secure funding for restoration of the deteriorating structure.
The decision was announced Tuesday following the Synod’s examination of development possibilities for the 215,000-square foot wooden building on Buyukada (Prinkipo) island off Istanbul’s coast. The structure, which belongs to the Patriarchate, is the largest wooden building in Europe and second largest in the world.
Built in 1898 by French-Ottoman architect Alexandre Vallaury as a planned luxury hotel, the building never received operating permits from Sultan Abdul Hamid II. In 1903, it was purchased by Eleni Zarifi, wife of a prominent Greek banker, who donated it to the Ecumenical Patriarchate for use as an orphanage.
The building served as an orphanage from 1903 to 1964, providing services to thousands of children, particularly in the 1920s and 1930s, until Turkish authorities sealed it in 1964. After lengthy legal battles, a court ruling in October 2010 returned legal ownership to the Patriarchate.
The wooden building complex has suffered extensive damage after being abandoned to decay for decades. Restoration estimates suggest at least 60 million euros would be required for conversion of the architecturally unique structure.
According to sources of the outlet Ekathimerini, long-term lease arrangements are being considered with investors from Turkey, Greece and multinational hotel chains to turn the orphanage building into a luxury hotel. The Patriarchate stated that ecotourism activities will be “fully harmonized with the environment and architectural character of the Princes’ Islands.”
Past plans for the restored building included a center for theological studies and interfaith dialogue or an environmental center.
The Synod’s decision was made “with respect for the historical legacy of the Greek Orphanage, which historically served the needs of the Roman Community, and with a view to the sustainable development of the Marmara island complex.”
A special committee appointed by the Patriarchate will oversee the next steps toward implementing the development plans.
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