Aya Georgios Kilisesi, Isparta'nın Barla kasabasındaki Rum Mahallesi'nde yer alan 18. Yüzyıl kilisesidir. Moloz taşla örülü dikdörtgen planı, üç nefli iç mekanı ve apsisiyle Anadolu Rum köy kiliselerinin tipik örneğini sunar; günümüzde harap durumda olup dışarıdan ziyaret edilebilir.
This church, which you encounter when you enter Barla and walk towards the Greek Quarter, is the most tangible trace remaining from the town's pre-exchange population. The outer walls, narthex, and central space of the rectangular-plan structure are built with rubble stone. The narthex is on the south side of the building; on the east side, there is a round-arched window at the top and a niche below it. The central space has three naves, with an apse to the east and a niche on each side.
The structure is quite damaged today, with not much left of the roof and interior decorations. Nevertheless, its stonework and plan scheme are valuable for those who want to see a typical example of Greek village churches in Anatolia. Barla itself is one of the villages that inspired Reşat Nuri Güntekin's Çalıkuşu (The Wren); the church, along with the Çeşnigir Pasha Mosque and the Roman bridge, is part of a short walking tour of the town.
It is not a structure open for active worship, but a protected ruin. Visits are mostly in the form of viewing from the outside and taking photographs; it is advisable to confirm the possibility or arrangement for entering on site.
Guide's Note
When to Visit?
Since Barla is at an altitude close to Eğirdir Lake, even summer months are cool. Spring and autumn are suitable for both walking around the town and comfortably photographing the church's exterior. In winter, access to Barla can be difficult depending on weather conditions; check road conditions before setting off.
How to Get There?
From Isparta city center to Eğirdir is approximately 30 km, and a few more kilometers from there to Barla Town. If you are going by your own car, simply follow the Eğirdir-Barla road. If you are using public transport, you can ask about minibuses departing from Eğirdir bus station to Barla. Upon entering the town, if you ask for directions to the Greek Quarter, you will be directed to the church.
How Much Time Should You Allocate?
15-30 minutes is sufficient for the church itself; the structure is small and ruined, so it doesn't require a long visit. However, if you plan to see the rest of Barla, including the Çeşnigir Pasha Mosque, the Roman bridge, and traditional houses, it would be more appropriate to allocate half a day.
Route Suggestion
Upon entering Barla, first head to the Greek Quarter to see the church, then walk towards the town center to visit the Çeşnigir Pasha Mosque and the historic bridge. Spending the afternoon by Eğirdir Lake combines Barla's historical texture with the lake view on the same day.
Photo Spots
The round-arched window on the east facade and the niche below it are among the most distinctive details of the structure. The light hitting this facade in the morning hours shows the stone texture more clearly. Taking photos of the church together with the old Greek houses around it creates a composition that reflects the general atmosphere of Barla.
Things to Pay Attention To
The structure is severely damaged, so it is advisable to be careful before entering. There may be loose stone pieces on the walls that pose a risk of falling. Since the church is a ruin closed to active worship, visits are conducted as respectful observation from a distance.
Barla and the Historical Context of the Church
Barla was a town that hosted a significant Greek population until the 1923 population exchange. The Aya Georgios Church was one of the centers of this population's religious life. After the Greeks left the town due to the exchange, the structure gradually fell out of use and reached its current ruined state. It should not be confused with the Aya Ishotiya (Yorgi) Church, a similar church in Isparta's Doğancı Quarter; they are different structures.
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