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Heart and Soul: Istanbul’s church of wishes

Heart and Soul: Istanbul’s church of wishes

The sacred spring that unites people of all faiths in hope

The Documentary Podcast · BBC World Service

September 27, 202426m 30s

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Show Notes

In Turkey's largest city, Istanbul, queues of people of all faiths visit a Greek Orthodox Church on the first day of each month to make a wish. Emily Wither spoke to devotees who shared their hopes and desires, as they stood patiently in long lines. No one knows exactly how the tradition started, but visitors take a gold key and descend the stairs to the underground Byzantine chapel to visit an ancient spring believed to have miraculous and spiritual powers. Once their wish comes true, they return the key to the church, who pass it on to others wishing for good luck.