The Secret Beneath Koço: Aya Ekaterini Holy Spring in Kadıköy Moda
Updated: 5 hours ago
Hidden beneath a century-old meyhane in Moda lies a remarkable piece of the city's multicultural heritage. The Aya Ekaterini Ayazma (Holy Spring), an underground Orthodox shrine dedicated to Saint Catherine of Alexandria, was discovered in 1924 and is preserved today beneath Koço Restaurant in Kadıköy Moda.
Discovery and History
The holy spring was discovered in 1924 by Greek fishermen who noticed water seeping from the ground near the Moda coastline. Upon excavation, they uncovered an underground chamber with a natural spring, which they dedicated to Saint Catherine (Aya Ekaterini in Greek). Konstantinos Koço Korontos founded his restaurant in Moda in 1928; today the sacred space is preserved beneath Koço, where a meyhane and a place of worship coexist.
A Rare Saint Catherine Shrine
What makes this ayazma extraordinary is its rarity: as far as we know, it is the only ayazma in Istanbul dedicated to Saint Catherine. The underground chapel features marble walls, a marble fountain, and an icon of Saint Catherine. Every Monday, Orthodox priests conduct prayers at the shrine.
Istanbul's Holy Springs
Istanbul holds more than 200 ayazmas, sacred water springs hidden beneath its streets. Many date from the Byzantine era, and some remain active today. The word comes from the Greek for "holy": an ayazma is a small place of worship built over a natural spring dedicated to a Christian saint, where people of all faiths come to pray, make wishes and seek healing.
One of the city's most famous is the Balıklı Greek Orthodox Monastery ayazma, known for its miraculous fish and healing waters. Aya Ekaterini, by contrast, is a small underground chapel beneath a meyhane in Moda.
Visiting the Holy Spring
The Aya Ekaterini Holy Spring is open to visitors of all faiths. After your meal at Koço, simply ask the staff to guide you downstairs to the ayazma. Visitors can light a candle and make a wish. According to tradition, one should wish for health, money, business, or education at this shrine, but not for love — as Saint Catherine was martyred at the age of 18 before experiencing love.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an ayazma?
An ayazma is an Orthodox holy spring, a sacred water source often found in churches or underground chambers. Istanbul has many historic ayazmas, and as far as we know, Aya Ekaterini beneath Koço Restaurant is the only one dedicated to Saint Catherine.
Is the holy spring open to non-Orthodox visitors?
Yes, the Aya Ekaterini Holy Spring welcomes visitors of all faiths. Muslims, Christians, and people of other beliefs visit to light candles and make wishes. There is no entry fee.
How do I find Koço Restaurant?
Koço Restaurant is at Moda Caddesi No:171, Kadıköy, Istanbul, directly across from the Moda Pier. Reservations: 0216 336 07 95.
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