KARİYE MOSQUE, INDISPENSABLE TO THE WORLD OF PAINTING
Formerly Church of St. Saviour in Chora is renowned worldwide for its well-preserved mosaics and frescoes. It presents important and beautiful examples of East Roman painting in its last period. The idea of depth in mosaics and the moving style in figures are of outstanding artistic significance in the Middle Ages, foretelling the Renaissance period.
The name “Kariye” (Turkish means: village) originated from an ancient Greek word "Khora" (χώρα) means literally "in the fields" or "in the countryside" and changed into a Turkish word because the old church and monastery remained outside the walls of Constantinople Theodosian walls which built in 408-450. However, the fact that the word Khora is written along with the names of both of them on the mosaics depicting Jesus and Mary inside the church shows that it has a mystical meaning too. Chora Church was originally built in the early 4th century as part of a monastery complex outside the city walls and then during the reign of Emperor Iustinianos in the 5th century. Repairs and additions have changed the original plan considerably. Today's building has a ciborium architecture plan from the 14th century.
HISTORY
A CANVAS OF FAITH: DAZZLING MOSAICS AND FRESCOES
Centuries later, in the 11th century, the church underwent a grand transformation, emerging as a majestic structure built in the quincunx (inscribed cross) style. However, its true artistic zenith arrived in the 14th century under the patronage of Theodore Metochites, a scholar and statesman. Metochites' vision adorned Chora with a stunning array of mosaics and frescoes. These intricate artworks, covering nearly every inch of the interior, narrate stories from the Bible and the life of Christ. Renowned for their vibrant colors, expressive figures, and masterful technique, these masterpieces represent a pinnacle of Late Byzantine art. They stand as testaments to the theological debates and artistic innovations of the era, offering visitors a unique glimpse into the Byzantine world.
GLORIOUS OTTOMAN EMPIRE RULING PERIOD (1299-1922)
Chora Church which was used as a palace church and a chapel in important religious ceremonies, continued to function as a church for a while. In 1511, it was converted into a Mosque by Atik Ali Pasha, the grand vizier of Bayezid II. Details of that period consist of the minaret in the southwest corner and the niche to the east of the main room. It was converted into a museum in 1945.
In 1948, Thomas Whittemore and Paul A. Underwood from the Byzantine Institute of America and the Dumbarton Oaks Center for Byzantine Studies, sponsored a restoration program. From that time on, the building ceased to be a functioning mosque. In 1958, it was opened to the public as a museum.
Turkish Council of State, which is Türkiye's highest administrative court, ordered in 11/11/2019 that it was to be reconverted to a Mosque. its status changed to a Mosque by a presidential decree and promulgated on the Official Gazette in 21/08/2020.
The Chora owes its admirable 14th century-made frescoes and mosaics to Theodoros Metokhites who was in charge of treasury. In the outer narthex (generally western entrance section in eastern Roman basilica and churches), there are mosaics about the life of Jesus Christ and in the inner narthex about the life of Virgin Mary's.
Frescos with a vivid narrative depict important scenes from the Christian theology. The colorful and high-quality marble decorations on the floor and wall surfaces of the Chora deserve attention.
WHILE YOU ARE HERE
As Çelik Gülersoy, who devoted his life to İstanbul, carried out restoration work around Chora Mosque, the region has a lovely atmosphere. There are wooden houses great to be photographed and neighborhood cafes to have a rest when you are tired.
See Also
- http://en.istanbul.gov.tr/ | World Famous Frescoes
- https://islamansiklopedisi.org.tr/ | Kariye Camii
- https://en.kariyecamii.com/ | Kariye Mosque
- https://smarthistory.org/ | Chora’s brilliant Byzantine mosaics and frescoes
