The Sacred Spring of Balıklı

Istanbul · Turkiet · Monastery

The monk refused to believe the city had fallen — so the half-fried fish leapt from the pan into the spring, and swim there still.

By Silivrikapı outside the land walls lies a sacred spring in a vault beneath the monastery church. The legend dates it to 29 May 1453. A monk was frying fish beside the spring when another came running with word that the wall was breached and the city lost. The monk refused to believe it and answered that he would believe it the day the fish in his pan jumped back into the water. At that instant the half-fried fish rose and threw themselves into the pool. According to tradition they swim there still, red on one side and black on the other, scorched by the pan. The spring is called Zoodochos Pigi, the life-giving source, and pilgrims still go down the steps to drink. The pool lies in half-darkness beneath the church floor, and the fish show only when someone touches the water.

FAQ

Where is The Sacred Spring of Balıklı located?

The Sacred Spring of Balıklı is in Istanbul, Turkiet.

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