Kariye which
originated from Khora ( Greek word) meaning rural area , place out of city in
Greek language. Khora name had given a small church available in the area 5th century , after the demolition of church
the new buildings built were also called with same name as Chora.
The structure available today
dates back to 12th -14th centuries. Mosaic
and Fresco decorations in the
church are the masterpieces of Byzantine art history. These artifacts were built by Theodor
Metohides.
Kariye was used as a church
after the conquest of Istanbul untill 1511. It was converted to a mosque in
1511 and to a museum in 1945. American byzantine enstitutues works between
1948—1958 revealed the mosaics and frecos which can be seen today.
What to see in kariye museum (
chora museum ) ?
Lifes of Virgin Mary and Jesus christ
have been picturized and depicted in
mosaics chronologically as it is in holy Bible in the entrance halls of
kariye museum. Religious figures and
shapes were depicted in the additional chapel which is adjacent to museum. Among the figures can be seen in museum we can
count the important people figures from
palaces and churches .
Today Kariye and around is a
wonderfull , lovely district formed by wooden built hotels and cafes
Museum is opened everyday
except Wednesday between 09:00 -16:30 p.m
How to
go kariye museum ?
Edirnekapı-
Fatih/ISTANBUL
Tel : (0212) 631 92 41–0
(212) 522 09 89
Faks : (0212) 621 34 35