Kariye Mosque

Kariye Mosque, originally known as the Church of the Holy Saviour in Chora, is one of Istanbul’s most important examples of Eastern Roman art and architecture. Located near Edirnekapı in the Fatih district, the monument is especially famous for its beautifully preserved mosaics and frescoes. The name “Chora” refers to the building’s original location outside the ancient city walls. Although the site has much earlier origins, the present structure was largely shaped through rebuilding and expansion during the 11th and 12th centuries. Its most remarkable decoration was added in the early 14th century, when the statesman and scholar Theodore Metochites sponsored an extensive artistic programme. The mosaics present scenes from the lives of Jesus Christ and the Virgin Mary with extraordinary colour, detail and emotional expression. The frescoes in the funerary chapel include dramatic images of resurrection, salvation and the Last Judgement. Together, these artworks are considered among the finest surviving achievements of late Byzantine art. After the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople, the building was converted into a mosque during the reign of Sultan Bayezid II. A minaret and other elements required for Islamic worship were added, while many of the Christian images were covered rather than destroyed, helping them survive for centuries. Kariye was converted into a museum in 1945, and restoration work later revealed its mosaics and frescoes once again. Its status was changed back to a mosque in 2020, and following an extensive restoration, it reopened for worship and visits in May 2024. The building’s relatively modest exterior contrasts with its richly decorated interior. Its domes, marble surfaces, detailed mosaics and narrative frescoes create an intimate atmosphere that distinguishes Kariye from Istanbul’s larger imperial monuments. Kariye Mosque forms part of the Historic Areas of Istanbul, inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1985. Today, it remains both an active place of worship and an exceptional cultural monument representing Istanbul’s Eastern Roman and Ottoman heritage. Visitors should dress modestly, remain respectful and be aware that access may be restricted during prayer times.