Phanariot Greeks

Phanariot Greeks were members of a wealthy and influential Greek community in the Ottoman Empire, particularly known during the 17th to 19th centuries. Based primarily in the Phanar district of Constantinople (modern-day Istanbul), they often held high positions within the Ottoman administration, such as administrative officials and diplomats. This community played a crucial role in preserving Greek culture and Orthodox Christianity under Ottoman rule. They facilitated educational and religious initiatives, contributing to the Greek War of Independence in the 1820s, which sought to establish Greece as an independent nation. Their legacy continues to influence Greek identity today.