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Chora Museum (Kariye)

Kariye Mahallesi, Kariye Camii Sokak No.18 Fatih, Istanbul

Part of a monastery dating back to the 6th century, the Chora Mosque (formerly a Christian Church and later a museum), Kariye in Turkish, is one of the historical monuments. The most impressive history in Istanbul. Chora possesses very beautiful examples of Byzantine mosaics and frescoes.

“Chora” means “rural area” in Greek. According to records, there was a chapel outside the ramparts of this area. The first Chora church was built in the 6th century during the reign of Justinianos (527-565). The Chora Church was used as a court chapel for religious ceremonies during the Komnenos era.

Chora Cathedral was rebuilt during the reign of Emperor Alexius I, in the late 11th century, and destroyed during the Latin invasion in 1204-1261. After being damaged, it was repaired in 1282-1328.

The last church has an annex on the north side, an exonarthex (roof, an architectural element typical of early Christian and Byzantine basilicas and churches that includes the entrance or pre-consecrated area). hall, located at the western end of the nave, opposite the main altar of the church). on the west side and a chapel (Parecclesion) on the south side is connected to the church.

Chora Church was used as a catholic church until 1511, and then converted into Hadim Ali Pasha mosque. When the Republic of Turkey was founded, it was converted into a museum in 1945.

The museum's mosaics and frescoes were exhibited at the American Byzantine Institute between 1948-1958.

There are very good examples of mosaics and frescoes in Chora, which belongs to the late 14th-century Byzantine art. The Chora today does not serve as a mosque, but is used as a mosque. a museum.

The Chora Museum is located in the Edirnekapi neighborhood of the Fatih district, and is within walking distance from the Edirnekapi public bus stop.

There are several transportation options to get to the Chora Museum:

From the Asian side of Istanbul, you can take the Metrobus and get off at the Edirnekapi stop. And walk from there.
You can access a variety of public buses that operate for Edirnekapi from Seyrantepe, Topkapi, Kadikoy, Levent, Beyazit, Mecidiyeköy and Taksim.
You can view public bus schedules and routes as well as route/station search from the Istanbul Municipality Public Busses website.

Fare:

Adults: 60 liras/pax

Business hours

Open daily

From April 1 to October 31: 09:00 – 19:00

From October 31 to April 1: 09:00 – 17:00

The ticket counter closes 30 minutes before the museum closes.

Address: Kariye Mahallesi, Kariye Camii Sokak No.18 Fatih, Istanbul

Phone: +90 212 631 92 41

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