Kariye Mosque

Mosque · Avcibey ·

Kariye Mosque

Mosque · Avcibey ·

Outstanding Byzantine mosaics and frescoes depicting biblical scenes

Information

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

@afar

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"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."

If you only have three days in istanbul

Kariye Mosque

@afar

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The Best Things to Do in Istanbul

Kariye Mosque

@ricksteves

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Istanbul Travel Guide by Rick Steves

"▲▲ Modest church outside the Old Town with some of the best Byzantine mosaics in captivity." - Rick Steves' Europe

https://www.ricksteves.com/europe/turkey/istanbul

Kariye Mosque

Vlad P.

Google

Overrated place, price wise, 20€ for ticket and 2€ for a "head scarf" one time used. Easy money making machine, so called tourist attraction, has to be called fooling tourists attraction. As of the church/mosque nice and carefully restored and preserved, iconic mosaic nicely exposed, but not so many information about the exhibition, no any guide, even no audio guide included in price. The only "good" thing is that turkish citizens are not paying for entry tickets. It's a once in lifetime visit site and never ever again.

Aneesha K.

Google

Kariye Mosque in Istanbul is an absolute masterpiece and a place that leaves a lasting impression. From the moment you step inside, you can feel the depth of history, culture, and spiritual presence all coming together in one remarkable space. The architecture is refined and elegant. The mosaics and artwork are breathtaking and preserved with great care. Every detail reflects centuries of craftsmanship and vision. The atmosphere is calm and deeply respectful. It allows visitors to pause, reflect, and truly absorb the significance of the site. The balance between historical heritage and its role as a mosque is managed with clarity and dignity. The surrounding area is peaceful and well maintained, making the entire visit feel thoughtful and well structured. This is not just a place to see. It is a place to experience. A visit to Kariye Mosque adds real value to any Istanbul journey and stands out as a symbol of timeless beauty and cultural excellence.

Seyyid P.

Google

Amazing place which used to be a church and is a mosque now. I visited it twice during my visit. It is free for Turkish citizens and foreigners who hold residence card here but it costs 20 euros for foreign tourists. You need to show your Turkish ID or residence card by entrance. There are toilets available which cost 20 lira and an ablution area.

David L.

Google

Breathtaking but worth €20 for visitors, maybe not! The artwork is spectacular but you will probably spend 5-10 mins in there is you are not going to pray. They close for prayer in the evening time for an hour

Abu A.

Google

Kariye Mosque (Chora Church) was one of the top places I was dying to visit during my previous trips to Turkey in 2021 and 2022, but unfortunately, it was closed for restoration at the time. I finally got to see it, and it absolutely did not disappoint. The mosaics and frescoes are breathtaking, and if you have any appreciation for Byzantine architecture and sacred art, this is a must-see. Today, the building serves as a functioning mosque during prayer times, but outside of those hours, visitors can explore designated corridors that showcase the historic artwork while keeping the prayer area separate. Entry is free for Turkish citizens and residents, just show an official ID. Tourists, on the other hand, are required to pay €20 for admission. Expensive? Maybe. Worth it? Absolutely.

Paul W.

Google

A truly amazing collection of mosaics. The mosque is in a much quieter part of Istanbul, easily reach by bus-- don't forget your transit card! While you're in the area, be sure to check out the ancient Roman walls nearby, still in good condition. They give you an idea of the Size of Istanbul 1500 years ago. And Constantine's column and Faith Mosque are on the way.

Jeff

Google

I could spend hours here in the beauty of all the amazing restored mosaics and hagiography and icons - more than even at Hagia Sophia! Amazing byzantine mosaics and drawings. Amazing respect for the Orthodox faith. Respectful as it is a functioning mosque - and look up prayer times before you go - as you will be asked to leave during prayer times if not a local. Appreciate that it is kept as a place of worship and the respect between Islam and Christianity here. It was in low season for tourists and the price in person was cheaper than buying online.

Uulriqus

Google

Quite astonishing that this place has survived to this day. Gives an idea of what churches in Costantinople looked like in their heyday. Mosaics and frescoes depict the stories of Mary, Jesus, as well as saints and so on. You need a guide to follow and understand what you're looking at.