Audio GuideKariye Mosque

In the heart of Istanbul, sheltered from the city’s bustling pace, stands Kariye Camii – a building that brings together over sixteen centuries of devotion, artistry, and culture. Once called the Chora Church, it began as a modest sanctuary during the early days of Christianity in the fourth century, positioned just outside the ancient walls of Constantinople. When new fortifications were built in the fifth century, the church found itself within the city, yet its original Greek name, meaning ‘in the country’, remained unchanged.

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The structure as we know it today largely took shape in the eleventh century, thanks in part to influential women such as Maria Doukaina, who helped oversee its rebuilding in the popular cross-in-square style of Byzantine architecture. After an earthquake in the twelfth century, repairs were made, and later, in the fourteenth century, the church entered a period of splendour under the patronage of the nobleman Theodore Metochites. He adorned its walls with dazzling mosaics and frescoes – shimmering gold, rich blues, and deep reds – that told stories from Christian tradition, including the birth of Jesus, the life of Mary, and striking scenes of the resurrection. These artworks reveal a society longing for hope as the Byzantine era drew to a close, blending profound symbolism with emotional storytelling rarely found elsewhere.

Gert Brussaard

Chora’s architecture stands apart from Istanbul’s grander landmarks. Its six domes, intimate chambers, and walls alive with sacred imagery evoke a sense of layered history – each hallway offering new marvels, from the vibrant entrance hall to the tranquil chapel once devoted to memorial prayers for the deceased.

jesu gaur

Over the centuries, Kariye was a church, then it became a mosque following the arrival of the Ottomans in the fifteenth century, with its Christian art concealed but not destroyed. In the middle of the twentieth century, when it was declared a museum, experts painstakingly unveiled these masterpieces, enabling the world to glimpse some of the finest examples of late Byzantine art. This careful preservation rescued irreplaceable stories and colours that might otherwise have disappeared.

Mauro Silva

More recently, Kariye’s return to use as a mosque has sparked debate, highlighting the challenge of respecting religious practice while safeguarding a treasure of shared heritage. Despite these changes, Kariye’s doors remain open to everyone – art enthusiasts, believers, and curious explorers alike. Though more intimate than the city’s grand monuments such as Hagia Sophia, Kariye stands as a powerful reminder of Istanbul’s rich tapestry of history and its enduring creativity.