The Şişli Cemetery of the Stavrodromion Community has been recognized by the Association of Significant Cemeteries in Europe (ASCE) as one of the most important cemeteries in Europe and was officially included in the network in October 2018.

As a member of ASCE, the Şişli Cemetery is promoted internationally as an important part of the world’s cultural heritage. This recognition contributes to highlighting our Greek Orthodox cultural identity within the European and global community through ASCE’s communication networks.

The Eminent Stavrodromion Community was represented at the ASCE General Assembly, held in Dresden (Germany) on September 4–6, by Father Gedeon, who presented the Şişli Cemetery of the Holy Transfiguration as a custodian and promoter of our Greek Orthodox cultural heritage within the international network of historic cemeteries.

It is worth noting that in Turkey, to date, only two cemeteries have been included in the ASCE network: the Şişli Cemetery and, more recently, the Balıklı Cemetery.

Finally, within the framework of the General Assembly, it was proposed that the ASCE General Assembly in 2027 be held in Istanbul, an event that will be a particular honor and an opportunity for the further promotion of our cultural presence.