Chora Church, Byzantine mosque in Fatih, Turkey
The Kari Mosque contains five architectural sections including a nave, two-story annex, inner and outer narthexes, and a south chapel called parecclesion.
The structure, initially constructed as the Church of the Holy Saviour Outside the Walls during the 11th century, underwent transformations in the 12th and 14th centuries.
The interior walls display extensive collections of mosaics depicting biblical narratives, including scenes from the lives of Christ and the Virgin Mary.
Visitors can reach the mosque by taking the Haliç ferry from Karaköy to Ayvansaray, followed by a walk along Dervişzade Sokak street.
Theodore Metochites, a Byzantine treasury official, funded the creation of the interior decorations around 1320, including the mosaic of himself offering the church to Christ.
Location: Fatih
Inception: 11 century
Architectural style: Byzantine architecture, Ottoman architecture
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible
Phone: 02126319241
Website: https://muze.gen.tr/muze-detay/kariye
GPS coordinates: 41.03111,28.93917
Latest update: August 13, 2025 13:49
Stone mosaics adorn buildings across continents, offering insights into the artistic traditions of different eras. Roman floor mosaics feature mythological scenes and geometric patterns in villas and public baths. Byzantine wall mosaics in churches depict religious figures using gold tesserae, while Islamic mosaics in mosques and palaces showcase intricate geometric and floral compositions. Examples of this art form can be found at Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, where Christian and Islamic elements coexist, in the early Christian basilicas of Ravenna with their detailed biblical narratives, and at the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem with its elaborate arabesques. Modern interpretations appear in subway stations, public squares, and contemporary buildings, demonstrating the continued relevance of this technique.
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A very beautiful discovery, this old Byzantine church. The frescoes and mosaics are splendid ❤️
A very beautiful discovery, this old Byzantine church. The frescoes and mosaics are splendid ❤️
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