The Chora (Turkish Kariye) word mean is derived from the ancient Greek word Chora outside the city. The first Chora Church was built by Justinianus (527-565). Thanks to its proximity to the Blachernae Palace, it served as a court chapel for important religious ceremonies.
The Chora Church was destroyed during the Latin invasion (1204-1261) It was repaired during the time of Andronikos II (1282-1328) by the palace's Treasury Minister Theodore Metochites (1313)
After continuing to serve as a church after the conquest of Istanbul in 1453, it was converted into a mosque in 1511. It was converted into a museum in 1945 and during the restoration carried out by the Byzantine Institute in 1948-1959, mosaics and frescoes were unearthed and brought to light.
The mosaics and frescoes in Chora are the most beautiful examples from the last period of the Byzantine painting (14th century). The characteristic style elements in these mosaics and frescoes are the elongation of the figures with their depth, movements and plastic values. The Chora church represents Byzantine art at its most experimental. Most of the interior is covered with mosaics depicting the lives of Christ and the Virgin Mary. On the narthex's left dome is a serenely beautiful mosaic of Mary and the Baby Jesus Surrounded by her. Look at all of the mozaics, you will see best examples of Byzantine art. You will be amazed by the mosaics of Chora church .
Open daily from 09:30 to 16:30 (Closed wednesday)
We recommend you to come to Istanbul and visit here. At the Chora church museum world famous mosaics and frescoes are waiting for you. We will be happy to see you in Istanbul.
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