Gölyazı Culture House & Church of Saint Panteleimon

Saint Panteleimon Church of Gölyazı (Apolyont) is an important, authentic example of Greek-Orthodox religious architecture in Anatolia. It was built in the years between 1908-1918, as the newest among the five churches of the village of Apolyont, built in order to serve the needs of the inhabitants of

“Yeni Mahalle", the new neighborhood founded at the north of Apolyont bridge after the destructive fire of 1900.

Saint Panteleimon Church is a three-nave basilica, has a rectangular shape, built on two levels, with a narthex on the western side. On the eastern side of the church, there is a tripartite apsis section. Architectural pieces belonging to ancient structures (a marble capital and pedestal, as well as a marble altar) were used as pedestals for the first two (original) posts. Saint Panteleimon Church, built both in its inner and outer walls with irregular use of stones and bricks, reflects the style of late Ottoman period Greek-Orthodox İstanbul architecture thanks to its simple neoclassical elements, dimensions, and imposing front façade.

Saint Panteleimon Church, abandoned at the end of the Greek-Turkish War, was used for various purposes, but time and fire caused serious damages in a way that the church was hardly preserved to our days. After restoration and renovation works conducted by Nilüfer Municipality Saint Panteleimon has been serving since 2014 as a culture house.