Kariye Mosque

Mosque · Avcibey

Kariye Mosque

Mosque · Avcibey

Derviş Ali, Kariye Cami Sk. No:18, 34087 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye

Highlights

This stunning 6th-century church-turned-mosque boasts breathtaking mosaics and frescoes, inviting you to explore its rich spiritual artistry.

Derviş Ali, Kariye Cami Sk. No:18, 34087 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye Get directions

diyanet.gov.tr

@afar

"According to Islamic tradition, only God can create images of holy beings, including angels and prophets. Therefore, when the Ottomans converted Chora Church into a mosque in the 16th century, they covered the 14th-century Byzantine mosaics and frescoes depicting the life of Christ and Mother Mary. Hidden behind wooden shutters were some of the finest mosaics in the world, which were restored following World War II and can now be viewed in all their glory."

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Liezl Lotter

Google

Tried visiting this old Orthodox church before on a previous visit to Istanbul in 2022, but it was closed for renovations. Was very happy to visit it now in July 2024. The mosaics and frescoes here were amazing. There was no entry fee levied to enter, but normal mosque rules applied and women have to cover up. Inside the building I was approached by a guide offering to explain the mosaics and frescoes at a fee of TL400. This proved to be quite informative and well worth the money. This church was not too crowded, and not too far from major tourist attractions. I reached it easily using the local bus service.

Tunç K.

Google

Originally built as the Church of the Holy Saviour in Chora during the Byzantine period, likely in the early 5th century, and later expanded in the 11th century under the patronage of the Byzantine Emperor; Kariye Mosque is famous for its well-preserved mosaics and frescoes that depict biblical scenes, including the life of Christ and the Virgin Mary. These artworks are considered among the finest examples of Byzantine art. After 1453, it was protected as a Mosque, converted to a museum after Ataturk’s modern Turkiye until 2020. It was then converted back into a mosque but very well preserved 👍

Ianhung Lee

Google

The entrance is free for now, but i think they will probably impose an entrance fee in the future. The gate is open on time at 9 a.m. and the entrance is the side of the mosque. The guards were friendly, but they had limited English proficiency. The mosque is small. The painting inside is magnificent, and you can take time to appreciate every detail freely. No flash is allowed, though. The main hall for the mosque is limited to prayers only. Keep in mind that they close for long during Friday prayer.

Gleb

Google

The price tag is ridiculously big, but if you're into Eastern Roman empire's art and history, you should make it a priority of your trip to Istanbul. Right now all the mosaics and frescos are visible to visitors outside of prayer times, and since we don't now what the authorities might decide in the future, you better not delay coming here.

Dimitris Travel And Tips

Google

You can see the outside for free which is nice but wow they charge 20 Euros to go inside 🤯 why? Im not sure…its like west European prices and it doesnt make sense since this IS a functioning religious mosque… Should be free or at least something like 5€ instead to act as a donation. 20€ is quite a lot in turkey…

Tim P

Google

The entrance fee has shot up from free to 20+ US dollars, but there are few other places in the world where you will see Byzantine mosaics as wonderful as these. Maybe Ravenna. The church has been converted to a mosque, so be aware of prayer times. But there is a nice cafe nearby if you need to wait.

Ahmed Al-Akki

Google

This is a very beautiful and interesting mosque. It used to be a church before it was converted into a mosque. The mosaic pictures are amazing and they are well renovated and restored. Part of the mosque is a museum where people can enter and take photos. There is also another part of the mosque dedicated for prayer. Entrance is free.

Marco

Google

The church is beautiful but management is atrocious. I paid for the ticket and after 10 min I was told I had to leave because Islamic prayer would start. They made me leave and refused to let me in again saying the ticket is valid only once, I was not going to pay TWICE in less than an hour. Why would they need to turn a church full of centuries old catholic imagery into a mosque is beyond any rational thinking.