A proposed identification for Zosima's Apolikaptii Monastery in Constantinople

Dietrich A., DİETRİCH R.

Byzantion: Revue Internationale des Etudes Byzantines, vol.77, pp.116-123, 2007 (Scopus) identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Review
  • Volume: 77
  • Publication Date: 2007
  • Journal Name: Byzantion: Revue Internationale des Etudes Byzantines
  • Journal Indexes: Scopus, IBZ Online, L'Année philologique, Index Islamicus, Linguistic Bibliography, MLA - Modern Language Association Database
  • Page Numbers: pp.116-123
  • Ankara University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

This article examines the use of the medieval Russian account of the deacon Zosima's journey to Constantinople and the Holy Land as a source to help identify extant Byzantine structures in modern Istanbul. In particular, it focuses on the otherwise unattested Apolikaptii Monastery mentioned in Zosima's work, previous attempts at identifying this building, and the problems associated with each of these proposed identifications. The article then looks at other medieval works and modern research that may help to clarify the interpretation of Zosima's description of the Apolikaptii monastery's location relative to other known Byzantine structures. Finally, a new identification for the Apolikaptii monastery that more closely fits the criteria of Zosima's account is proposed.