# The Chora > Mediated Wiki article. Canonical URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/The_Chora > Markdown URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/The_Chora.md > Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Chora > Source revision: 1352258576 > License: Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/) Medieval Greek Orthodox church/mosque in Istanbul, Turkey Kariye Mosque Greek: Μονή της Χώρας Turkish: Kariye Camii 2024 perspective view Religion Affiliation Greek Orthodox Church (before 1500), Sunni Islam (1500–1945, 2020–present), Directorate of Religious Affairs of Turkey (1924–1945, 2020–present) Status Mosque (since 2020) Location Location Istanbul, Turkey Location within the Fatih district of Istanbul Coordinates 41°01′52″N 28°56′21″E / 41.03122°N 28.93903°E / 41.03122; 28.93903 Architecture Type Church Style Byzantine architecture, Ottoman architecture, Islamic Minaret 2 Exterior rear Front The **Chora Church** or **Kariye Mosque** ([Turkish](/source/Turkish_language): *Kariye Camii*) is a [Byzantine](/source/Byzantine_architecture) church, now converted to a [mosque](/source/Mosque) (for the second time), in the [Edirnekapı](/source/Edirnekap%C4%B1%2C_Istanbul) neighborhood of [Fatih](/source/Fatih) district, [Istanbul](/source/Istanbul), [Turkey](/source/Turkey). It is famous for its outstanding Late [Byzantine mosaics](/source/Byzantine_mosaic) and [frescos](/source/Fresco). In the 16th century, during the [Ottoman](/source/Ottoman_Empire) era, it was converted into a mosque; it became a museum in 1945, and was turned back into a mosque in 2020 by President [Recep Tayyip Erdoğan](/source/Recep_Tayyip_Erdo%C4%9Fan).[1][2] The interior is covered with some of the finest surviving Byzantine Christian [mosaics](/source/Mosaic) and [frescoes](/source/Fresco), which were left in plain sight during Muslim worship throughout much of the Ottoman era.[3] They were restored after the building was secularized and turned into a museum. The church is located in the western [Fatih](/source/Fatih) district of İstanbul. It stands on sedimentary layers and anthropogenic infills on a slope descending towards the north. It is oriented east-west, as are typical Byzantine churches throughout the city. The Chora Church/Mosque, c. 1900 Chora Church/Mosque, Istanbul, Turkey, 1903 survey ## History Sections and ground plan ### First phase (4th century) The Chora Church was originally built in the early 4th century as part of a monastery complex outside the [city walls](/source/Walls_of_Constantinople#Constantinian_Walls) of Constantinople erected by [Constantine the Great](/source/Constantine_I_(emperor)), to the south of the [Golden Horn](/source/Golden_Horn). However, when [Theodosius II](/source/Theodosius_II)'s [Praetorian prefect](/source/Praetorian_prefect) [Anthemius](/source/Anthemius_(praetorian_prefect)) built the formidable [Theodosian walls](/source/Walls_of_Constantinople#Theodosian_Walls) in 413–414, the church became incorporated within the city's defences, but retained the name Chora (for the presumed symbolism of the name see [below](#Name)). ### Second phase (11th century) The majority of the fabric of the current building dates from 1077–1081, when [Maria Doukaina](/source/Maria_of_Bulgaria), the mother-in-law of [Alexius I Comnenus](/source/Alexius_I_Comnenus), rebuilt the Chora Church as an [inscribed cross](/source/Cross-in-square) or *quincunx*: a popular architectural style of the time. Early in the 12th century, the church suffered a partial collapse, perhaps due to an [earthquake](/source/Earthquake). ### Third phase: new decoration (14th century) The church was rebuilt by [Isaac Comnenus](/source/Isaac_Komnenos_(son_of_Alexios_I)), Alexius's third son. However, it was only after the third phase of building, two centuries after, that the church as it stands today was completed. The powerful Byzantine statesman [Theodore Metochites](/source/Theodore_Metochites) endowed the church with many of its fine [mosaics](/source/Mosaic) and [frescoes](/source/Fresco). Theodore's impressive decoration of the interior was carried out between circa 1310 and 1317.[4] The mosaic work is the finest example of the [Palaeologian Renaissance](/source/Byzantine_art#Palaeologan_age). The artists remain unknown. A renowned classical scholar as well as statesman, Theodore donated his personal library to the Chora monastery, as well.[5] Later on, between 1315 and 1321, [Theodore Metochites](/source/Theodore_Metochites), the Grand Logothete of the Treasury, commissioned the construction of the funerary chapel, outer buttress supports, and the narthexes. In 1328, Theodore was sent into exile by the usurper [Andronicus III Palaeologus](/source/Andronicus_III_Palaeologus). However, he was allowed to return to the city two years later, and lived out the last two years of his life as a [monk](/source/Monk) in his Chora Church. ### Until the Conquest of Constantinople In the late 13th and early 14th centuries, the monastery was home to the scholar [Maximus Planudes](/source/Maximus_Planudes), who was responsible for the restoration and reintroduction of [Ptolemy](/source/Claudius_Ptolemy)'s [*Geography*](/source/Ptolemy's_Geography) to the Byzantines and, ultimately, to [Renaissance Italy](/source/Renaissance_Italy). During the last [siege of Constantinople](/source/Fall_of_Constantinople) in 1453, the [Icon](/source/Icon) of the [Theotokos](/source/Theotokos) [Hodegetria](/source/Hodegetria), considered the protector of the City, was brought to Chora in order to assist the defenders against the assault of the [Ottomans](/source/Ottoman_Turks).[6] ### Kariye Mosque (c. 1500–1945) Around fifty years after the fall of the city to the [Ottomans](/source/Ottoman_Empire), [Hadım Ali Pasha](/source/Had%C4%B1m_Ali_Pasha), the [Grand Vizier](/source/Grand_Vizier) of Sultan [Bayezid II](/source/Bayezid_II), ordered the Chora Church to be converted into a [mosque](/source/Mosque) — *Kariye Camii*. The word Kariye is derived from the Greek name Chora.[7] The architectural modifications were kept minimal with minor whitewashing and the addition of a brick minaret and mihrab. None altered the spatial organisation of the church. Ottoman records indicate maintenance rather than renovation.[8] Due to the [prohibition against iconic images](/source/Aniconism_in_Islam) in [Islam](/source/Islam), the mosaics and frescoes were covered by a layer of plaster. This and frequent earthquakes in the region have taken their toll on the artwork. Additionally, the intervention efforts of the 19th century, led by Evkaf Nezareti, flattened the original domed roof profile, and masked the Late Byzantine silhouette. ### Museum, art restoration (1945–2020) In 1945 the site was secularized and designated a museum via Cabinet Decree, reflecting early Republican efforts to position Byzantine monuments as **universal patrimony**.[9] In 1945, the building was designated a museum by the Turkish government.[10] In 1948, the American scholars [Thomas Whittemore](/source/Thomas_Whittemore) and Paul A. Underwood, from the [Byzantine Institute of America](/source/Byzantine_Institute_of_America) and the [Dumbarton Oaks](/source/Dumbarton_Oaks) Center for Byzantine Studies, sponsored a restoration program. From that time on, the building ceased to be a functioning mosque. In 1958, it was opened to the public as a museum, *Kariye Müzesi*. ### Reconversion to a mosque (2020–2024) In 2005, the Association of Permanent Foundations and Service to Historical Artifacts and Environment filed a lawsuit to challenge the status of the Chora Church as a museum.[11] In November 2019, the [Turkish Council of State](/source/Turkish_Council_of_State), Turkey's highest administrative court, ordered that it was to be reconverted to a mosque.[10] In August 2020, its status changed to a mosque.[12] The move to convert Chora Church into a mosque was condemned by the Greek Foreign Ministry and by Greek Orthodox and Protestant Christians.[1] This led to a sharp rebuke by Turkey.[13] On Friday, 30 October 2020, Muslim prayers were held for the first time after 72 years.[14] The building was opened for Muslim worship on 6 May 2024.[15] - Muslim prayers during the [Zuhr prayer](/source/Zuhr_prayer) time - Covered mosaics with curtains - Covered mosaics with curtains ## Legal framework Kariye Mosque is situated within the [Historic Areas of Istanbul](/source/Historic_Areas_of_Istanbul), inscribed on the [UNESCO World Heritage List](/source/UNESCO_World_Heritage_List) since 1985. It falls under the protection of the 1972 UNESCO World Heritage Convention, where State Party reporting, conservation planning, and risk monitoring under the [World Heritage Centre](/source/World_Heritage_Centre) are mandated. The site is registered as a 1st degree archaeological and architectural heritage asset and is protected under [Law No. 2863 on the Conservation of Cultural and Natural Properties](https://kvmgm.ktb.gov.tr/TR-43249/law-on-the-conservation-of-cultural-and-natural-property-2863.html). The conversion to a museum in 1945, by the Cabinet Decree, was annulled. Regardless of the lawsuit opened by the Association of Permanent Foundations and Service to Historical Artifacts and Environment in 2005, for its right to be a museum, in 2019 by the Council of State ruling based on religious foundations. In 2020, the Presidential Decree transferred the rights to the Presidency of Religious Affairs. ## Interior The Chora Church is not as large as some of the other surviving Byzantine churches of Istanbul (it covers 742.5 m²) but it is unique among them, because of its almost completely still-extant internal decoration. The building is divided into three main areas: the entrance hall or *[narthex](/source/Narthex)*, the main body of the church or *[naos](/source/Nave)* (nave), and the side [chapel](/source/Chapel) or *[parecclesion](/source/Parecclesion)*. The building has six [domes](/source/Dome): two above the *esonarthex*, one above the *parecclesion* and three above the *naos*. Mosaic of the enrollment for taxation before [Governor Quirinius](/source/Quirinius) Mosaic of the journey to [Bethlehem](/source/Bethlehem) The mosaic in the lunette over the doorway to the esonarthex portrays Christ as “The Land of the Living”. Mosaic of Christ enthroned with [Theodore Metochites](/source/Theodore_Metochites) presenting a model of his church ### Narthex The main, west door of the Chora Church opens into the [narthex](/source/Narthex). It divides north–south into the outer, or *exonarthex* and the inner, or *esonarthex*. #### Exonarthex Mosaic of [Saint Peter](/source/Saint_Peter) The exonarthex (or outer [narthex](/source/Narthex)) is the first part of the church that one enters. It is a transverse corridor, 4 m wide and 23 m long, which is partially open on its eastern length into the parallel esonarthex. The southern end of the exonarthex opens out through the esonarthex, forming a western antechamber to the [parecclesion](/source/Parecclesion). The mosaics that decorate the exonarthex include: 1. Joseph's dream and the journey to [Bethlehem](/source/Bethlehem) 1. The enrollment for taxation 1. [The Nativity](/source/Nativity_of_Jesus) 1. The journey of the Magi 1. The inquiry of King Herod; 1. The [flight into Egypt](/source/Flight_into_Egypt) 1. Two frescoes of the [massacres ordered by King Herod](/source/Massacre_of_the_Innocents) 1. Mothers mourning their children 1. The flight of [Elizabeth](/source/Elizabeth_(biblical_figure)), mother of [John the Baptist](/source/John_the_Baptist) 1. Joseph dreaming, and the return of the [Holy Family](/source/Holy_Family) from Egypt to [Nazareth](/source/Nazareth) 1. Christ taken to Jerusalem for the [Passover](/source/Passover) 1. John the Baptist bearing witness to Christ 1. A miracle 1. Three more miracles 1. The Virgin and angels praying. This image faces the Christ Pantokrator lunette (#16 in this list), and Mary is labelled in Greek, “Mother of God, container (*chora*) of the uncontainable (*achoritou*).” This phrase both refers to the theological paradox of Christ's dual nature, as well as the name of the monastery, the Chora.[5] 1. Christ Pantokrator (or "Almighty," this image is in the lunette over the doorway to the inner narthex, and depicts Christ blessing the viewer with his right hand, and holding a jeweled Gospel in his left.) The label plays on the monastery's name, the Chora, in its reference to Christ as the "land of the living."[5] This phrase comes from Psalm 116:9, used in the Orthodox funeral service, also significant because of the addition of the funerary spaces under Metochites, who anticipated burial in this monastery.[5] #### Esonarthex Mosaic of the Virgin and Child, north dome of the inner narthex Mosaic of [Christ Pantocrator](/source/Christ_Pantocrator), south dome of the inner narthex The esonarthex (or inner narthex) is similar to the exonarthex, running parallel to it. Like the exonarthex, the esonarthex is 4 m wide, but it is slightly shorter, 18 m long. Its central, eastern door opens into the naos, while another door at the southern end of the esonarthex opens into the rectangular antechamber of the parecclesion. At its northern end, a door from the esonarthex leads into a broad west–east corridor that runs along the northern side of the naos and into the [prothesis](/source/Prothesis_(altar)). The esonarthex has two "pumpkin" domes. The smaller is above the entrance to the northern corridor; the larger is midway between the entrances into the naos and the pareclession, and they continue the emphasis on imagery of the Virgin and Christ seen elsewhere in these mosaics.[5] 1. Enthroned Christ with [Theodore Metochites](/source/Theodore_Metochites) presenting a model of his church. This image depicts Theodore in the traditional visual formula indicating that he is the donor, for this fourteenth-century leader was responsible for renovating the twelfth-century church as well as adding the parecclesion.[5] 1. [Saint Peter](/source/Saint_Peter) 1. [Saint Paul](/source/Paul_the_Apostle) 1. A monumentally scaled mosaic of the *[Deesis](/source/Deesis)*: Christ and the Virgin Mary (without John the Baptist) with two earlier donors below, Isaac Komnenos and a nun labeled “Melanie, the Lady of the Mongols,” who may be the daughter of emperor Michael VIII (reigned 1261–82).[5] The subject matter and large scale probably alludes to a similar scene in the south gallery of the Hagia Sophia, installed soon after the [Latin occupation](/source/Latin_occupation) of Constantinople (1204–61) ended.[5] 1. The [genealogy of Christ](/source/Genealogy_of_Jesus) 1. Religious and noble ancestors of Christ The mosaics in the first three bays of the inner narthex give an account of the [life of the Virgin](/source/Life_of_the_Virgin), and those of her parents. Some of them are as follows: 1. The rejection of [Joachim's](/source/Joachim) offerings 1. The annunciation to [Saint Anne](/source/Saint_Anne): the angel of the Lord announcing to Anne that her prayer for a child has been heard 1. [The meeting of Joachim and Anne](/source/Joachim_and_Anne_Meeting_at_the_Golden_Gate) 1. [The birth of the Virgin](/source/Nativity_of_Mary) 1. The first seven steps of the Virgin 1. The Virgin given affection by her parents, this scene is more typical of the late Byzantine era, when artists were more inclined to explore emotional and/or everyday themes than artists in the early or middle Byzantine periods.[5] 1. The Virgin blessed by the priests 1. [The presentation of the Virgin in the Temple](/source/Presentation_of_Mary) 1. The Virgin receiving bread from an Angel 1. The Virgin receiving the skein of purple wool, as the priests decided to have the attendant maidens weave a veil for the Temple 1. [Zechariah](/source/Zechariah_(priest)) praying; when it was time for the Virgin to marry, the High Priest Zechariah called all the widowers together and placed their rods on the altar, praying for a sign showing to whom she should be given 1. The Virgin entrusted to Joseph; 1. Joseph taking the Virgin to his house; 1. The [Annunciation](/source/Annunciation) to the Virgin at the well. This image, in which the young Mary awkwardly turns towards the approach of the archangel Gabriel, was adapted to the triangular space in which it was depicted. There is a strong emphasis on images of Christ and Mary in the exonarthex and esonarthex.[5] 1. Joseph leaving the Virgin; Joseph had to leave for six months on business and when he returned the Virgin was pregnant, arousing his suspicion. ### Naos The central doors of the esonarthex lead into the main body of the church, the *naos*. The largest dome in the church (7.7 m in diameter) is above the centre of the naos. Two smaller domes flank the modest [apse](/source/Apse): the northern dome is over the [prothesis](/source/Prothesis_(altar)), which is linked by a short passage to the [bema](/source/Bema); the southern dome is over the [diaconicon](/source/Diaconicon), which is reached via the parecclesion. Only three mosaics survive in the Chora's naos: - View from the naos toward the apse - Christ - [Virgin and Child](/source/Madonna_(art)) - Virgin and Child (detail) - Position of the *Koimesis* mosaic - *Koimesis* (central part) - *Koimesis* (detail) - *Koimesis* (detail) 1. *Koimesis* (the [Dormition of the Virgin](/source/Dormition_of_Mary); i.e. her last sleep before ascending to Heaven). Jesus is holding an infant, symbolic of Mary's soul. 1. Jesus Christ 1. *Theotokos* (the Virgin and Child), both the image of Christ (#2 in this list) and this mosaic of the Virgin originally were positioned as *proskynetaria* icons to flank the templon, the barrier which was in front of the sanctuary, though the templon no longer survives.[5] ### Parecclesion View into the [parecclesion](/source/Parecclesion) To the right of the esonarthex, doors open into the side chapel, or *parecclesion*. The parecclesion was used as a mortuary chapel for family burials and memorials. The second largest dome (4.5 m diameter) in the church graces the centre of the roof of the parecclesion. A small passageway links the parecclesion directly into the naos, and off this passage can be found a small oratory and a storeroom. The parecclesion is covered in [frescoes](/source/Fresco) that emphasize the theological message of salvation, in keeping with the space's use as a funerary chapel.[5] Within the Christian worldview, God raises the dead at the end of time, hence the significance of the Anastasis and Last Judgement scenes painted prominently on the ceiling. The image of the Anastasis is particularly renowned, appearing in many art history survey books as a key examplar of late Byzantine art. 1. *Anastasis* (literally [Resurrection](/source/Resurrection_of_Jesus))": the [Descent of Christ into the realm of the dead](/source/Harrowing_of_Hell). Christ, who has just broken down the gates of Sheol ([Hades](/source/Hades)), is standing in the centre and pulling [Adam and Eve](/source/Adam_and_Eve) out of their tombs. Christ is adorned in vivid white garments as well as encircled by a radiant [mandorla](/source/Mandorla), setting him in contrast to the dark colors of the fresco's background. Behind Adam stand John the Baptist, [David](/source/David), and [Solomon](/source/Solomon), and other righteous kings. Below is the bound personification of [Death](/source/Personifications_of_death). 1. The [Last Judgment](/source/Last_Judgment), or [Second Coming](/source/Second_Coming). Christ is enthroned with the Virgin and John the Baptist on either side of him. (This trio is also called the *Deesis*.) 1. Virgin and Child 1. Heavenly court of angels 1. Two panels of Moses Along the walls of the Chora's parecclesion are [arcosolia](/source/Arcosolium), arched recesses for tombs, likely intended for Theodore Metochites and his family. Also at this level are depictions of soldier saints, who wield swords as if protecting the tombs they accompany.[5] - The *Anastasis* fresco in the parecclesion - Virgin and Child, painted dome of the parecclesion - Close-up of the Virgin and Child, dome of the parecclesion ## Name The original, 4th-century monastery containing the church was outside [Constantinople](/source/Constantinople)'s city walls. Literally translated, the church's full name was the Church of the Holy Saviour in the Country ([Greek](/source/Greek_language): ἡ Ἐκκλησία τοῦ Ἁγίου Σωτῆρος ἐν τῇ Χώρᾳ, *hē Ekklēsia tou Hagiou Sōtēros en tēi Chōrāi*). It is therefore sometimes incorrectly referred to as "Saint Saviour". However, "The Church of the Holy Redeemer in the Fields" would be a more natural rendering of the name in English. The last part of the Greek name, Chora, referring to its location originally outside of the walls, became the shortened name of the church. The name must have carried symbolic meaning, as the mosaics in the narthex describe Christ as the "Land of the Living" (ἡ Χώρα τῶν ζώντων, *hē Chōra tōn zōntōn*) and [Mary, the mother of Jesus](/source/Mary%2C_the_mother_of_Jesus), as the "Container of the Uncontainable" (ἡ Χώρα τοῦ Ἀχωρήτου, *hē Chōra tou Achōrētou*). ## See also - [Icon of the Hodegetria](/source/Icon_of_the_Hodegetria) - [Monastery of the Panaghia Hodegetria](/source/Monastery_of_the_Panaghia_Hodegetria) - [Church of the Virgin Pammakaristos](/source/Church_of_the_Virgin_Pammakaristos) - [Ancient Roman and Byzantine domes](/source/Ancient_Roman_and_Byzantine_domes) ## Notes 1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Casper2020_1-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Casper2020_1-1) Casper, Jayson (21 August 2020). ["Turkey Turns Another Historic Church into a Mosque"](https://www.christianitytoday.com/news/2020/august/turkey-chora-church-mosque-kariye-museum-hagia-sophia-istan.html). [Christianity Today](/source/Christianity_Today). Retrieved 22 August 2020. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-2)** ["Turkey converts Kariye Museum into mosque"](https://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/turkey-converts-kariye-museum-into-mosque-157585). [Hürriyet Daily News](/source/H%C3%BCrriyet_Daily_News). 21 August 2020. Retrieved 22 August 2020. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-3)** ["Has Turkey halted plans to turn Chora museum into a mosque?"](https://www.theartnewspaper.com/news/has-turkey-halted-plans-to-turn-museum-into-a-mosque). 11 January 2021. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-4)** K. Smyrlis, “Contextualizing [Theodore Metochites](/source/Theodore_Metochites) and his refoundation of the Chora”, *Revue des Etudes Byzantines* 80 (2022), 69–111 doi: 10.2143/REB.80.0.3290897 1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-:0_5-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-:0_5-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-:0_5-2) [***d***](#cite_ref-:0_5-3) [***e***](#cite_ref-:0_5-4) [***f***](#cite_ref-:0_5-5) [***g***](#cite_ref-:0_5-6) [***h***](#cite_ref-:0_5-7) [***i***](#cite_ref-:0_5-8) [***j***](#cite_ref-:0_5-9) [***k***](#cite_ref-:0_5-10) [***l***](#cite_ref-:0_5-11) [***m***](#cite_ref-:0_5-12) Freeman, Evan (2021). "Architecture in Focus: The Chora". [*A Smarthistory Guide to Byzantine Art*](https://pressbooks.pub/smarthistoryguidetobyzantineart/chapter/picturing-salvation-choras-brilliant-byzantine-mosaics-and-frescoes/). Smarthistory. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-6)** Van Millingen 1. **[^](#cite_ref-7)** ["About Chora"](https://www.choramuseum.com). choramuseum. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-8)** (Eyice, Semavi. 2015. Eski İstanbul’dan Notlar. İstanbul: Türkiye İş Bankası Kültür Yayınları.) 1. **[^](#cite_ref-9)** T.C. Resmî Gazete. 1945. Kararname No: 5/1603, 29 August. 1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Yackley_10-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Yackley_10-1) Yackley, Ayla (3 December 2019). ["Court Ruling Converting Turkish Museum to Mosque Could Set Precedent for Hagia Sophia"](https://www.theartnewspaper.com/news/court-ruling-converting-turkish-museum-to-mosque-could-set-precedent-for-hagia-sophia). The Art Newspaper. Retrieved 9 December 2019. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-11)** Kokkinidis, Tassos (21 November 2019). ["Turkey to Turn Historic Orthodox Church Into a Mosque; Is Hagia Sophia Next?"](https://eu.greekreporter.com/2019/11/21/turkey-to-turn-historic-orthodox-church-into-a-mosque-is-hagia-sophia-next/). Greek Reporter. Retrieved 10 July 2020. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-12)** ["Turkey converts Kariye Museum into mosque"](https://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/turkey-converts-kariye-museum-into-mosque-157585). Hürriyet Daily News website. 21 August 2020. Retrieved 21 August 2020. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-13)** ["Turkey slams Greece over statement on conversion of Kariye Museum to mosque"](https://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/turkey-slams-greece-over-statement-on-conversion-of-kariye-museum-to-mosque-157599). Hürriyet Daily News website. 22 August 2020. Retrieved 24 August 2020. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-14)** ["Istanbul's Chora to open as mosque for Muslim prayers on Oct. 30"](https://ahvalnews.com/chora-conversion/istanbuls-chora-open-mosque-muslim-prayers-oct-30). *Ahval*. 27 October 2020. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-15)** ["Turkey formally opens another former Byzantine-era church as a mosque"](https://apnews.com/article/turkey-byzantine-chora-church-mosque-opening-erdogan-ba2dd54f892823d76bf1a25ef0d7ea20). *AP News*. 6 May 2024. Retrieved 6 May 2024. ## References - [Van Millingen, Alexander](/source/Alexander_van_Millingen) (1912). [*Byzantine Churches in Constantinople*](https://archive.org/details/byzantinechurche014623mbp). London: MacMillan & Co. - Ousterhout, Robert (2002). *The Art of the Kariye Camii*. London-Istanbul: Scala. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [975-6899-76-X](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/975-6899-76-X). ## Literature - *Chora: The Kariye Museum*. Net Turistik Yayınlar (1987). [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-975-479-045-0](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-975-479-045-0) - Feridun Dirimtekin. *The historical monument of Kariye*. Türkiye Turing ve Otomobil Kurumu (1966). ASIN B0007JHABQ - Semavi Eyice. *Kariye Mosque Church of Chora Monastery*. Net Turistik Yayınlar A.Ş. (1997). [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-975-479-444-1](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-975-479-444-1) - Çelik Gülersoy. *Kariye (Chora)*. ASIN B000RMMHZ2 - Jonathan Harris, *Constantinople: Capital of Byzantium*. Hambledon/Continuum (2007). [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-1-84725-179-4](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-1-84725-179-4) - Karahan, Anne. *Byzantine Holy Images – Transcendence and Immanence. The Theological Background of the Iconography and Aesthetics of the Chora Church* (monography, 355 pp) (*Orientalia Lovaniensia Analecta* No. 176) Leuven-Paris-Walpole, MA: Peeters Publishers 2010.[ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-90-429-2080-4](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-90-429-2080-4) - Karahan, Anne. “The Paleologan Iconography of the Chora Church and its Relation to Greek Antiquity”. In: *Journal of Art History* 66 (1997), Issue 2 & 3: pp. 89–95 Routhledge (Taylor & Francis Group online publication 1 September 2008: DOI:10.1080/00233609708604425) 1997 - Krannert Art Museum. *Restoring Byzantium: The Kariye Camii in Istanbul and the Byzantine Institute Restoration*. Miriam & IRA D. Wallach Art Gallery (2004). [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [1-884919-15-4](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/1-884919-15-4) - Ousterhout, Robert G. (1988). *The Architecture of the Kariye Camii in Istanbul*. Dumbarton Oaks Research Library and Collection. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-0-88402-165-0](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-0-88402-165-0). - Robert Ousterhout (Editor), Leslie Brubaker (Editor). *The Sacred Image East and West*. University of Illinois Press (1994). [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-0-252-02096-4](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-0-252-02096-4) - Moutafov, Emmanuel S. *The Chora Monastery of Constantinople*. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press (2025). (Elements in the History of Constantinople). [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [9781108946476](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/9781108946476) [doi](/source/Doi_(identifier)):[10.1017/9781108946476](https://doi.org/10.1017%2F9781108946476) - *Saint Saviour in Chora*. A Turizm Yayınları Ltd. (1988). ASIN B000FK8854 - Cevdet Turkay. *Kariye Mosque*. (1964). ASIN B000IUWV2C - Paul A. Underwood. *The Kariye Djami* in 3 Volumes. Bollingen (1966). ASIN B000WMDL7U - Paul A. Underwood. *Third Preliminary Report on the Restoration of the Frescoes in the Kariye Camii at Istanbul*. Harvard University Press (1958). ASIN B000IBCESM - Edda Renker Weissenbacher. *Kariye: The Chora Church, Step by Step*. ASIN B000RBATF8 ## External links Wikimedia Commons has media related to [Kariye Mosque](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Kariye_Mosque). - [Go Turkey – Turkish Tourism Promotion and Development Agency](https://goreligiousturkey.com/byzantium-along-the-golden-horn) - [Columbia University Restoring Byzantium | The Kariye Camii in Istanbul and the Byzantine Institute Restoration](http://www.columbia.edu/cu/wallach/exhibitions/Byzantium/) - [Byzantium 1200 Chora Monastery](http://www.byzantium1200.com/chora.html) - [Interior and exterior pictures in http://rubens.anu.edu.au](https://web.archive.org/web/20060909095752/http://rubens.anu.edu.au/raid1/turkey2/cd7/istanbul/churches/s_saviour_in_chora_kariye_camii/) (Dead link) - [Photos with explanations](https://web.archive.org/web/20061101130836/http://www.e-turkey.net/v/istanbul_kariye_museum_chora_church/) - [BYZANTINE MOSAICS OF CHORA MONASTERY](http://eikonografos.com/album/thumbnails.php?album=96) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20160303182523/http://eikonografos.com/album/thumbnails.php?album=96) 3 March 2016 at the [Wayback Machine](/source/Wayback_Machine) - [Well over 500 pictures of the Chora museum](http://www.pbase.com/dosseman/istanbul_kariye) v t e Fatih, Istanbul Neighbourhoods Aksaray Akşemsettin Alemdar Ali Kuşçu Atikali Ayvansaray Balabanağa Balat Beyazıt Binbirdirek Cankurtaran Cerrahpaşa Cibali Demirtaş Derviş Ali Emin Sinan Hacı Kadın Haseki Sultan Hırka-İ Şerif Hobyar Hoca Gıyasettin Hocapaşa İskenderpaşa Kalenderhane Karagümrük Katip Kasım Kemalpaşa Koca Mustafapaşa Küçük Ayasofya Mercan Mesihpaşa Mevlanakapı Mimar Hayrettin Mimar Kemalettin Mollafenari Mollagürani Molla Hüsrev Muhsine Hatun Nişanca Rüstempaşa Saraç İshak Sarıdemir Şehremini Şehsuvar Bey Seyyid Ömer Silivrikapı Süleymaniye Sultan Ahmet Sümbül Efendi Sururi Tahtakale Tayahatun Topkapı Yavuz Sinan Yavuz Sultan Selim Yedikule Zeyrek Quarters Ahırkapı Altımermer Ayakapı Bahçekapı Belgradkapı Büyüklanga Cağaloğlu Çapa Çarşıkapı Çatladıkapı Çarşamba Çemberlitaş Çukurbostan Draman Edirnekapı Eğrikapı Eminönü Fener Fındıkzade Gedikpaşa Haseki Horhor İmrahor Kadırga Kıztaşı Küçükmustafapaşa Küçükpazar Kumkapı Küçüklanga Laleli Mahmutpaşa Narlıkapı Nuruosmaniye Pazartekke Samatya Saraçhane Sarayburnu Sirkeci Sofular Sulukule Şehzadebaşı Taşkasap Unkapanı Vefa Vezneciler Yenikapı Yusufpaşa Landmarks Beyazıt Square Beyazıt Tower Bulgarian St. Stephen Church Chora Church Edirnekapı Martyr's Cemetery Eski Saray Firuz Agha Mosque Hagia Sophia İstanbul Archaeology Museums Laleli Mosque Mihrimah Sultan Mosque Rüstem Pasha Medrese Spice Bazaar Sultan Ahmed Mosque Ahmet Hamdi Tanpınar Literature Museum Library Topkapı Palace Hagia Irene Yedikule Fortress Transport Sirkeci railway station Education Cağaloğlu Anadolu Lisesi Istanbul High School Istanbul University Kadir Has University Metro stations Aksaray Emniyet-Fatih Topkapı-Ulubatlı (part) Vezneciler Yenikapı (part) Turkey portal Category v t e Church buildings and monasteries in Byzantine Constantinople St. Acacius St. Andrew in Krisei Holy Apostles Martyrium of St. Carpus and Papylus Chora Monastery Christ of the Chalkè Christ Euergetes Christ Pantepoptes Christ Pantokrator St. Dominic St. Euphemia in the Hippodrome Gastria Monastery Hagia Irene Hagia Yorgi in Edirnekapı St. John Baptist at Lips St. John Baptist in Trullo Lips Monastery Monastery of Manuel St. Mary of Blachernae St. Mary of the Cistern St. Mary Eleousa Monastery of St. Mary Hodegetria St. Mary Kyriotissa St. Mary at Lips St. Mary of the Mongols St. Mary Pammakaristos St. Mary Peribleptos St. Mary of Pharos St. Mary of the Spring Holy Martyrs Menodora, Metrodora, and Nymphodora St. Michael Archangel St. Mocius Myrelaion Monastery Nea Ekklesia St. Paul St. Polyeuctus St. Thekla in the Palace of Blachernae St. Theodore St. Theodosia in Dexiokratou SS. Sergius and Bacchus in Hormisdou Hagia Sophia Stoudios Monastery Unknown (Bogdan Saray) Unknown (Ese Kapi) Unknown (Kasım Ağa) Unknown (Odalar) Unknown (Palace Basilica) Unknown (Şeyh Süleyman) Unknown (Toklu Dede) Byzantine Empire portal Public spaces of Constantinople Church-mosques in Istanbul v t e Church-mosques (kilise-camiler) in Istanbul Catholic Arap (St. Paul / St. Dominic) Byzantine/Greek Atik Mustafa Pasha (St. Thekla) Bodrum (Myrelaion) Ese Kapi Eski Imaret (Christ Pantepoptes) Fenari Isa (Lips Monastery) Fethiye (Pammakaristos) Gül (St. Theodosia / Christ Euergetes) Hagia Sophia Hirami Ahmet Pasha (St. John in Trullo) Imrahor (Stoudios Monastery) Kalenderhane (Kyriotissa) Kariye (Chora Monastery) Kasım Ağa Kefeli (Monastery of Manuel / St. Nicholas) Koca Mustafa Pasha (St. Andrew in Krisei) Little Haghia Sophia (SS. Sergius and Bacchus) Manastır Odalar (St. Mary of Constantinople) Sekbanbaşı Mosque Sancaktar Hayrettin (Gastria Monastery) Şeyh Süleyman Toklu Dede Vefa Kilise (St. Theodore) Zeyrek (Christ Pantokrator, Theotokos Eleousa & St. Michael) Turkey portal Church buildings in Constantinople Public places in Constantinople v t e Byzantine Empire topics History Preceding Roman Empire Later Roman Empire Early (330–717) Constantinian–Valentinianic era Constantinian dynasty Valentinianic dynasty Theodosian era Leonid era Justinian era Heraclian era "Byzantine Dark Ages" Twenty Years' Anarchy Middle (717–1204) Isaurian era Nikephorian era Amorian era Macedonian era Doukid era Komnenian era Angelid era Late (1204–1453) Sack of Constantinople Fourth Crusade Frankokratia Latin Empire Byzantine successor states (Nicaea / Epirus–Thessalonica / Morea / Trebizond–Theodoro) Palaiologan era Decline of the Byzantine Empire Fall of Constantinople By modern region or territory Albania Anatolia Armenia Bulgaria Corsica Crete Cyprus Dalmatia Egypt Greece Italy Sardinia Sicily Maghreb Malta Mesopotamia Palestine Serbia Spain (Iberian Peninsula and Balearic Islands) Syria Thrace Governance Central Emperors Coronation Family tree Empresses Imperial bureaucracy Medieval Greek Senate Early Praetorian prefects Magister officiorum Comes sacrarum largitionum Comes rerum privatarum Quaestor sacri palatii Middle Logothetes tou dromou Sakellarios Logothetes tou genikou Logothetes tou stratiotikou Chartoularios tou sakelliou Chartoularios tou vestiariou Epi tou eidikou Protasekretis Epi ton deeseon Late Megas logothetes Mesazon Provincial Early Praetorian prefectures Dioceses Provinces Quaestura exercitus Exarchate of Ravenna Exarchate of Africa Middle Themata Kleisourai Bandon Catepanates Late Kephale Despotates Foreign relations Treaties Diplomats Diplomacy Wars Military Army Battle tactics Battles Beacon Generals Mercenaries Military manuals Military units Revolts Early Late Roman army East Roman army Foederati Bucellarii Scholae Palatinae Excubitors Middle Themata Kleisourai Tourma Droungos Bandon Tagmata Domestic of the Schools Hetaireia Akritai Varangian Guard Late Komnenian army Pronoia Vestiaritai Palaiologan army Allagion Paramonai Grand domestic Navy Karabisianoi Maritime themata Cibyrrhaeot Aegean Sea Samos Dromon Greek fire Droungarios of the Fleet Megas doux Admirals Naval battles Conflicts Arab Bulgarian Georgian Lombard Norman Ottoman Persian Rus Seljuk Serbian Religion and law Religion Eastern Orthodoxy Byzantine Rite Hesychasm Hayhurum Patriarchate of Constantinople Saints Oriental Orthodoxy Alexandrian Rite Armenian Rite West Syriac Rite Miaphysitism Ecumenical councils Arianism Monophysitism Paulicianism Iconoclasm Great Schism Bogomilism Mount Athos Missionary activity Bulgaria Moravia Serbs Kievan Rus' Jews Law Codex Theodosianus Corpus Juris Civilis Code of Justinian Ekloge ton nomon Basilika Hexabiblos Mutilation Culture and society Architecture Secular Sacred Cross-in-square Domes Constantinople Basilica Cistern Baths of Zeuxippus Blachernae Palace Chora Church City Walls Great Palace of Constantinople Hagia Irene Hagia Sophia Hippodrome Hippodrome factions Pammakaristos Church Prison of Anemas Thessalonica Arch of Galerius and Rotunda Byzantine Bath Hagia Sophia Hagios Demetrios Panagia Chalkeon Walls of Thessaloniki Ravenna San Vitale Sant'Apollinare in Classe Sant'Apollinare Nuovo Other locations Daphni Monastery Hosios Loukas Nea Moni of Chios Panagia Gorgoepikoos Saint Catherine's Monastery Mystras Art Icons Enamel Glass Mosaics Early Byzantine mosaics Painters Macedonian period art Komnenian renaissance Economy Agriculture Coinage Mints Trade silk Silk Road Varangians Dynatoi Literature Novel Acritic songs Digenes Akritas Alexander Romance Historians Everyday life Calendar Cities Cuisine Dance Dress Flags and insignia Gardens Hellenization Music Lyra Octoechos Population Byzantine Greeks Women Slavery Death Units of measurement Science Learning Encyclopedias Imperial Library Inventions Medicine Philosophy Rhetoric Scholars University University of Constantinople Impact Byzantine commonwealth Byzantine studies Museums Byzantinism Cyrillic script Neo-Byzantine architecture Greek scholars in the Renaissance Third Rome Megali Idea Index Outline Portal v t e Mosques in Turkey Ankara Ahmet Hamdi Akseki Aslanhane Hacı Bayram Kocatepe Maltepe Melike Hatun Antalya Korkut Murat Pasha Omer Pasha Tekeli Mehmet Pasha Yivli Minaret Bursa Bayezid I Emir Sultan Grand Green Hüdavendigar Muradiye Orhan Gazi Veled-i Yaniç Diyarbakır Behram Pasha Great Hazreti Süleyman Sheikh Matar Edirne Evliya Kasim Pasha Muradiye Old Selimiye Üç Şerefeli Istanbul Altunizade Arap Atik Mustafa Pasha Atik Valide Ayazma Bayezid II Bebek Beylerbeyi Blue (Sultan Ahmed) Böcekli Bodrum Burmalı Çamlıca Çinili Defterdar Dolmabahçe Emirgan Eski Imaret Eyüp Sultan Fatih Fenari Isa Firuz Agha Gazi Atik Ali Pasha Gül Hadim Ibrahim Pasha Hagia Sophia Handan Agha Haseki Sultan Hirami Ahmet Pasha Hırka-i Şerif İskender Pasha, Fatih İskender Pasha, Kanlıca Imrahor Kalenderhane Kara Ahmed Pasha Kariye Kasım Agha Kefeli Kılıç Ali Pasha Koca Mustafa Pasha Küçük Mecidiye Laleli Little Hagia Sophia Manastır Mesih Mehmed Pasha Mihrimah Sultan, Edirnekapı Mihrimah Sultan, Üsküdar Molla Çelebi Muhammad Maarifi Murat Pasha Nallı New Nışançı Mehmed Pasha Nuruosmaniye Nusretiye Ortaköy Pertevniyal Valide Sultan Piri Mehmed Pasha Piyale Pasha Rum Mehmed Pasha Rüstem Pasha Şakirin Sanki Yedim Sancaktar Hayrettin Sancaklar Şehzade Selimiye Şemsi Pasha Şeyh Süleyman Sinan Pasha Şişli Sokollu Mehmed Pasha, Azapkapı Sokollu Mehmed Pasha, Büyükçekmece Sokollu Mehmed Pasha, Kadırga Süleymaniye Taksim Teşvikiye Vasat Atik Ali Pasha Vefa Yavuz Selim Yeni Valide Yıldız Hamidiye Zal Mahmud Pasha Zeynep Sultan Zeyrek İzmir Başdurak Birgi Grand Hisar İsa Bey Kestanepazarı Salepçioğlu Yalı İznik Green Haji Özbek Konya Akşehir Grand Alâeddin Aziziye Eşrefoğlu Ferruhşah Hacıveyiszade Kileci Selimiye Taşmedrese Mersin Bilal-i Habeşi Güzeloluk Laal Pasha Mersin Grand Mersin Old Müftü Muğdat Tarsus Grand Tarsus Old Trabzon Fatih İskender Pasha Nakip New Friday Elsewhere Abdülhamid Han Adana Great Ala, Kadirli Alaeddin, Eskişehir Alaaddin, Sinop Avcılar Great Central Aziziye, Konya Behramşah Boyacı Çapanoğlu Divriği Great Göğceli Habib'i Neccar Hafsa Sultan İlyas Bey İzzet Mehmet Pasha İzzet Pasha Kahramanmaraş Grand Kazdağlı Kazim Bulut Kurşunlu Kuyularonu Liberation Mahmut Bey Menüçehr Nasrullah Niğde Alaaddin Oil Pertev Pasha Reşadiye Şaban Ağa Sabancı Merkez Şirvani Sivas Grand Sivrihisar Grand Sokollu Mehmed Pasha Uşak Grand Zagan Pasha Zeynel Abidin Category List Islam in Turkey Ottoman architecture Mosques by country v t e Museums in Istanbul Archaeology and history museums Great Palace Mosaic Museum Istanbul Archaeology Museums Museum of the Ancient Orient Hisart Museum Castles Anadoluhisarı Rumelihisarı Yedikule Fortress Culture and art museums Ara Güler Museum Arter Doğançay Museum Elgiz Museum Istanbul Contemporary Art Museum Istanbul Modern Istanbul Museum of Painting and Sculpture Madame Tussauds Istanbul Museum of Turkish Calligraphy Art Museum of World Costumes National Palaces Painting Museum Pera Museum Rezan Has Museum Sadberk Hanım Museum Sakıp Sabancı Museum SALT SantralIstanbul Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum Historic house museums Adam Mickiewicz Museum Aşiyan Museum Atatürk Museum Florya Atatürk Marine Mansion İsmet İnönü House Museum Literary museums Ahmet Hamdi Tanpınar Museum Hüseyin Rahmi Gürpınar Museum Orhan Kemal Museum Piyer Loti Museum Sait Faik Abasıyanık Museum Military museums Aviation Museum Military Museum Naval Museum Palaces and pavilions Aynalıkavak Pavilion Beylerbeyi Palace Dolmabahçe Palace Ihlamur Pavilion Küçüksu Pavilion Maslak Pavilion Palace of the Porphyrogenitus Tiled Kiosk Topkapı Palace Yıldız Palace Religious museums The Chora Galata Mevlevi House Museum [tr] Hagia Irene Hagia Sophia Jewish Museum of Turkey Pammakaristos Church Science and technology museums Camera Museum Hasanpaşa Gasworks Museum of the History of Science and Technology in Islam Kandilli Earthquake Museum Rahmi M. Koç Museum SantralIstanbul Energy Museum Postal Museum Railway Museum Istanbul Zoology Museum ITU Science Center Natural History Museum of İhsan Ketin Miscellaneous Bakırköy Psychiatric Hospital Museum Fenerbahçe Museum Galatasaray Museum Istanbul Toy Museum Istanbul UFO Museum İşbank Museum Miniatürk MSA Gastronomy Museum Museum of Illumination and Heating Appliances Museum of the Princes' Islands Ottoman Bank Museum TGC Press Media Museum The Museum of Innocence Women's Museum Istanbul Authority control databases International ISNI VIAF GND FAST National United States Greece Israel Catalonia Other İslâm Ansiklopedisi Kulturenvanteri monument Yale LUX --- Adapted from the Wikipedia article [The Chora](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Chora) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Chora?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.