Kariye Mosque

Mosque · Avcibey

Kariye Mosque

Mosque · Avcibey

2

Derviş Ali, Kariye Cami Sk. No:18, 34087 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye

Photos

Kariye Mosque by null
Kariye Mosque by null
Kariye Mosque by null
Kariye Mosque by Image by tunart / Getty Images
Kariye Mosque by null
Kariye Mosque by null
Kariye Mosque by null
Kariye Mosque by null
Kariye Mosque by null
Kariye Mosque by null
Kariye Mosque by null
Kariye Mosque by null
Kariye Mosque by null
Kariye Mosque by null
Kariye Mosque by null
Kariye Mosque by null
Kariye Mosque by null
Kariye Mosque by null
Kariye Mosque by null
Kariye Mosque by null
Kariye Mosque by null
Kariye Mosque by null
Kariye Mosque by null

Highlights

Nestled in Istanbul's Edirnekapı neighborhood, the Kariye Mosque, formerly Chora Church, dazzles with its stunning, restored Byzantine mosaics and frescoes.  

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Derviş Ali, Kariye Cami Sk. No:18, 34087 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye Get directions

diyanet.gov.tr

Information

Static Map

Derviş Ali, Kariye Cami Sk. No:18, 34087 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye Get directions

+90 212 631 92 41
diyanet.gov.tr
𝕏
@diyanetbasin

Features

wheelchair accessible entrance
wheelchair accessible parking lot

Last updated

Jul 28, 2025

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@afar

"According to Islamic tradition, only God can create images of holy beings, including angels and prophets. Therefore, when the Ottomans converted Chora Church into a mosque in the 16th century, they covered the 14th-century Byzantine mosaics and frescoes depicting the life of Christ and Mother Mary. Hidden behind wooden shutters were some of the finest mosaics in the world, which were restored following World War II and can now be viewed in all their glory."

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@afar

"According to Islamic tradition, only God can create images of holy beings, including angels and prophets. Therefore, when the Ottomans converted Chora Church into a mosque in the 16th century, they covered the 14th-century Byzantine mosaics and frescoes depicting the life of Christ and Mother Mary. Hidden behind wooden shutters were some of the finest mosaics in the world, which were restored following World War II and can now be viewed in all their glory."

The Best Things to Do in Istanbul
View Postcard for Kariye Mosque

Oz

Google
Absolutely stunning mosaics and exterior architecture! Must visit in my opinion. Honestly, it has WOW'ed me more than any other mosque/church I've been in İstanbul. Come with binoculars if you can, it was amazing to look at the details. Make sure to scan the QR code to read about the mosaics. Plan your visit according to the prayer times, as tourists are not permitted during prayer time. The cafe behind has a nice view of the exterior.

Arlind Sala

Google
The Kariye Mosque, originally known as the Chora Church, is one of my favorite historical sites in Istanbul. Tucked away in the Edirnekapı neighborhood, it’s not as crowded as other landmarks, but it’s incredibly rich in history and art. What I find most fascinating are the stunning Byzantine mosaics and frescoes inside, which date back to the 14th century. They depict detailed biblical scenes and are remarkably well-preserved, giving a real sense of the artistic and spiritual life of the time. Although it’s now a mosque again, its layered history as a church, museum, and mosque makes it a unique and meaningful place to visit.

can kazar

Google
One of the most important churches of the Byzantine period after Hagia Sophia, this historic building is now used as a mosque and contains unique artworks. It is closed to visitors during prayer times, but outside of those hours, it can be visited as a museum. A major attraction for tourists, it is definitely a must-see.

Hayley Taylor

Google
Beautiful place which is now a mosque but the frescos and mosaics are well preserved. Check prayer times before visiting as we managed a quick visit before it closed for afternoon prayers, we would have been disappointed if we’d trekked up the hills and not been able to get in! Lots of information about the history of the church is displayed. Entry fee is reasonable.

Justyna Sadowska

Google
The Kariye Mosque is a stunning location rich in history, but the entrance fee is quite high considering there's no audio guide available. Instead, visitors can scan a QR code to access descriptions, which consist of numerous numbers. You'll need to click on each number to read about the corresponding features, but there's no indication of which number corresponds to what you’re currently looking at.

H K

Google
Unbelievably beautiful.. so much rich history how it chnaged to church and then to mosque across ages.. You gotta take a steep walks though!!

Nika Kapanadze

Google
6/5! An absolute jewel of Byzantine art! The well-preserved mosaics and frescos here are breathtaking and a must-see for anyone interested in Byzantine history and art.

John Zwolanek

Google
This is off the usual tourist path, which is probably a good thing. The mosaics are the best of the high middle ages. The world is blessed that it still stands. Not to be missed!