Kariye Camii

Kariye Camii is a church structure dedicated to Jesus and forming the center of the Khora Monastery, which was a large building complex during the Eastern Roman Empire period. Because it remained outside the Istanbul (Konstantinos) walls, the name Khora, meaning in Greek "outside the city, rural area," was considered appropriate for the building. Kariye is the Turkified form of this name.

Although the construction date of the structure cannot be estimated with certainty, it is known that in the 6th century it was rebuilt by Emperor Justiniaus (527-565) outside the city in place of a ruined chapel. During the Komnenos Period, because it was near Blackhernal Palace, the church was used as a palace chapel in important religious ceremonies.

The structure, which suffered no damage during the conquest of Istanbul, was converted into a mosque in 1511 by Grand Vizier Hadım Ali Paşa during the reign of Sultan II. Beyazıd, and a madrasa was also added next to it. By decision of the Council of Ministers, the mosque was converted back into a museum in 1945.

The building, whose monastery structures other than the church were destroyed and disappeared over time, draws attention in Eastern Roman art both with its architecture and with its mosaics and frescoes.

The museum was converted into a mosque by Presidential Decree dated 20 August 2020 and numbered 2840.

Places to Visit in Istanbul Address: Address:Eyüp, Kariye Cami Sokak No:26, Istanbul