02.11.2026 11:00
The Church of the Virgin Mary, located in Istanbul's Fatih district and popularly known as the "Church of the First of the Month," was flooded by citizens who wanted to make wishes on November 1. Many people hoping their wishes would come true formed long queues in front of the church.
At the Ayın Biri Church, located in the Vefa neighborhood of Fatih, the crowd seen on the first day of every month was repeated again on November 1. Citizens who wanted to make wishes and pray headed to the church from the morning hours. Long queues forming in front of the church drew attention.
IT IS VISITED ON THE FIRST DAY OF EVERY MONTH
Known among the public for the belief that wishes come true, the church hosts visitors of different faiths. Those who come to the church, which is especially visited on the first day of every month, pray for health, work, marriage, and various personal wishes.
As part of the tradition maintained at the Ayın Biri Church, visitors pray by taking keys that symbolize their wishes. Some visitors who believe their wishes have come true return to the church to offer their gratitude.
THE KEY IS THE SYMBOL OF WISHES
One of the church's most striking traditions is the key ritual. Visitors take symbolic keys in the hope that their wishes will come true. It is said that those whose wishes come true bring the key back. This tradition, maintained for years, has made the church one of Istanbul's visiting points where people of different faiths come together.