Kariye Mosque on Postcard

"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."

If you only have three days in istanbul

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@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."

The Best Things to Do in Istanbul

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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.

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.

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.

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.

Mulugeta Misgina

Google

It a beautiful old church.. now converted it into mosque. But inside it have a beautiful and amazing spiritual mosaic arts. Worth to visit. And it have entrance fee 20€ per person.

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.

Debbie May

Google

I was so looking forward to seeing this mosque but was sadden that it is now charged for. It was free and now 20 euros. That said, it is beautiful, and the artistry is inspiring. Think it would be worth it for half the price to aid up keep and maintain the heritage.

Muhammed ABU ALBAR

Google

Wonderful historical mosque converted from an ancient church. Recently opened for the public for prayer and for viewing the wonderful preserved wall and ceiling mosaiques.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Mulugeta Misgina

Google

It a beautiful old church.. now converted it into mosque. But inside it have a beautiful and amazing spiritual mosaic arts. Worth to visit. And it have entrance fee 20€ per person.

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.

Debbie May

Google

I was so looking forward to seeing this mosque but was sadden that it is now charged for. It was free and now 20 euros. That said, it is beautiful, and the artistry is inspiring. Think it would be worth it for half the price to aid up keep and maintain the heritage.

Muhammed ABU ALBAR

Google

Wonderful historical mosque converted from an ancient church. Recently opened for the public for prayer and for viewing the wonderful preserved wall and ceiling mosaiques.

Kariye Mosque

Kariye Mosque

Photos

Highlights

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