Changes After Construction
The first restoration was carried out by the family of Emperor Alexios I in the 12th century.
It was largely restored in 1321 by Theodoros Metochites, one of the notables of the Palace, and was decorated with frescoes and mosaics.
After the conquest, it was converted into a mosque by Atik Ali Pasha in 1509 (sources also write the date 1511, but it should be known that he was martyred that year).
It was repaired by Architect Ismail Halife after the 1766 Earthquake.
The minaret, which was damaged in the 1894 earthquake, was rebuilt.
Between 1948 and 1952, it was extensively restored by the American Byzantine Institute and turned into a museum.
The building, which served as a museum for many years, became a mosque again with the Presidential Decree dated August 1, 2020, but was opened for worship on May 6, 2024 due to restoration works.
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The name of the church is Chora Monastery Church.
It has a closed Greek cross-plan, and is a domed and vaulted building from the Middle Byzantine period. There is a long and narrow chapel to the south of the building and an external narthex to the west.
The interior is decorated with Byzantine frescoes and mosaics and marble work; among the frescoes and mosaics are religious figures and scenes.
It is notable for its additional chapel in the south and the west narthex, burial places and basement sections.
The word “Chora” refers to the outside of a settlement, the countryside. Kariye, which comes from the Turkish word “karye” meaning “village”, is in a sense a translation of “chora”. However, the fact that the word “Chora” is written with the names of both Jesus and Mary in the mosaics inside the church shows that this has a mystical meaning. Some philosophers have expressed the descriptions expressing the eternity of God with Jesus and Mary. This suggests that the word “Chora” refers to a world that transcends all frameworks.
