Fener Patriarchate plans hotel conversion for historic Büyükada Orphanage

Accordint to turkiyetoday, The Fener Greek Orthodox Patriarchate has announced plans to convert the long-abandoned Greek Orphanage on Istanbul’s Büyükada Island into a hotel, citing decades of unsuccessful efforts to secure restoration funding.

Regarded as Europe’s largest wooden building, the orphanage has been closed since the 1960s and is now in a critical state of disrepair. Following a meeting led by Patriarch Bartholomeos, the Holy Synod said the conversion aims to preserve the structure through “environmentally conscious tourism” aligned with the island’s character.

 “Despite repeated initiatives, restoration funding could not be secured,” the Patriarchate said. “This project respects the orphanage’s legacy while supporting the cultural and economic development of the Princes’ Islands.”

Originally built as a hotel in the 19th century but never used as such, the building served the Greek Orthodox community until its closure by Turkish authorities in 1964. Reports suggest the site may be leased to a consortium of Turkish, Greek, and international tourism firms responsible for its renovation and operation.