Chora Church

Stunning Byzantine  mosaics and frescoes at Chora Church in Istanbul

The Chora Church, also known as Kariye Camii or Kariye Mosque, is an important historical and architectural landmark in Istanbul, Turkey. It was located outside the old city walls of Constantinople, hence the name "Chora," which means "in the country" or "rural area".

Its rich history spans over a millennium and was initially Stoudios Monastery from the fifth century (though the current structure mostly dates back to the 11th century during the reign of Emperor Alexios I Komnenos who renamed it The Church of the Holy Saviour.

 

It is, by some accounts, the most important monastic foundation of the Byzantine era in Turkey today, and by divine grace, the Mosaics and Frescoes have survived despite years of Ottoman rule, when it was converted to a mosque. Here you can experience the rare coexistence of Christian and Islamic cultural heritages.

The mosaics and frescoes were commissioned in the early 14th century during the reign of Byzantine Emperor Andronikos II Palaeologos and were funded by Theodore Metochites, a scholar and statesman who oversaw the church

Mosaics of Chora Church

1. The Life of the Virgin Mary

   • Found in the inner narthex or entrance, these mosaics depict the life of Mary from her birth to her role in Christ's ministry.
   • The Birth of the Virgin Mary: Mary’s parents, Joachim and Anna, are shown joyfully receiving their newborn daughter. Anna is often depicted lying on a bed, while women wash the infant Mary. This scene celebrates Mary’s purity and predestined role in salvation.
   • The Presentation of Mary in the Temple: A young Mary, often depicted as a small, graceful figure, ascends the steps of the Temple to be consecrated to God. This mosaic highlights Mary’s dedication to a holy life, symbolizing her preparation to become the Mother of God.
   • The Annunciation: The angel Gabriel announces to Mary that she will conceive Jesus through the Holy Spirit. This iconic moment emphasizes Mary’s humility and obedience, often depicted with her seated or standing, receiving the message with grace.
   • The Betrothal of Mary and Joseph: Mary is betrothed to Joseph in a formal ceremony, showing the fulfilment of God’s plan for her. This scene highlights Joseph’s protective role in Mary’s life and Christ’s birth.
   • The Visitation: Mary visits her cousin Elizabeth, who is pregnant with John the Baptist. Elizabeth recognizes Mary as the Mother of the Savior. This moment reflects the joy of divine revelation and the connection between Jesus and John the Baptist.
   • The Nativity of Christ: Mary is shown reclining near the infant Jesus, with angels, shepherds, and animals present. This scene combines elements of Mary’s motherhood and Christ’s divine mission.

2. The Life of Christ

   • Found in the outer narthex or entrance, these mosaics illustrate the key events in Christ's life, from the Nativity to his miracles and ministry.
   • The Nativity of Christ: The scene shows the newborn Christ in a manger, surrounded by Mary, Joseph, angels, shepherds, and animals. Mary is depicted reclining, symbolizing her role as the Theotokos (God-bearer), while Joseph is shown in contemplation. The star of Bethlehem and the angelic proclamation to shepherds emphasize Christ’s divine origin.
   • The Presentation in the Temple: The infant Jesus is presented at the Temple, fulfilling Jewish law. The elderly Simeon receives Jesus, proclaiming Him as the Light of the Gentiles. This scene highlights Christ as the fulfilment of the Old Testament prophecy.
   • The Baptism of Christ: Shows Christ being baptized by John the Baptist in the River Jordan. The Holy Spirit descends as a dove, and God the Father’s voice proclaims Jesus as His beloved Son. Angels on the shore hold towels, ready to receive Christ.
   • The Wedding at Cana: Christ performs His first miracle, turning water into wine at a wedding feast. This scene symbolizes Christ’s divine power and the sanctity of marriage.
   • The Multiplication of the Loaves and Fishes: Christ feeds a multitude with five loaves and two fishes. The mosaic emphasizes Christ’s compassion and divine ability to provide for humanity.
   • The Healing of the Blind Man: Christ restores the sight of a man born blind. The act is shown with gestures that emphasize Christ’s power and mercy, symbolizing spiritual illumination.
   • The Raising of Lazarus: Christ calls Lazarus from his tomb, demonstrating His power over death. Lazarus emerges from the tomb wrapped in burial cloths, while those present express awe and disbelief. This scene foreshadows Christ’s own resurrection.
   • The Entry into Jerusalem: Christ enters Jerusalem on a donkey, greeted by crowds waving palm branches. This event marks the beginning of Christ’s Passion and His acknowledgement as the Messiah.
   • The Transfiguration: Christ is transfigured on Mount Tabor, appearing in radiant glory with Moses and Elijah. Peter, James, and John are depicted in awe, symbolizing the revelation of Christ’s divine nature.
   • The Passion and Crucifixion: The final moments of Christ’s earthly life are shown, including the Last Supper, the Betrayal, and the Crucifixion. These mosaics focus on Christ’s sacrifice and the fulfilment of His mission to redeem humanity.

3. Genealogy of Christ

   • The mosaics depict Christ's ancestry, connecting Him to key figures in Jewish history.
   • The Nativity of Christ: The scene shows the newborn Christ in a manger, surrounded by Mary, Joseph, angels, shepherds, and animals. Mary is depicted reclining, symbolizing her role as the Theotokos (God-bearer), while Joseph is shown in contemplation. The star of Bethlehem and the angelic proclamation to shepherds emphasize Christ’s divine origin.
   • The Presentation in the Temple: The infant Jesus is presented at the Temple, fulfilling Jewish law. The elderly Simeon receives Jesus, proclaiming Him as the Light of the Gentiles. This scene highlights Christ as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy.
   • The Baptism of Christ: Shows Christ being baptized by John the Baptist in the River Jordan. The Holy Spirit descends as a dove, and God the Father’s voice proclaims Jesus as His beloved Son. Angels on the shore hold towels, ready to receive Christ.
   • The Wedding at Cana: Christ performs His first miracle, turning water into wine at a wedding feast. This scene symbolizes Christ’s divine power and the sanctity of marriage.
   • The Multiplication of the Loaves and Fishes: Christ feeds a multitude with five loaves and two fishes. The mosaic emphasizes Christ’s compassion and divine ability to provide for humanity.
   • The Healing of the Blind Man: Christ restores the sight of a man born blind. The act is shown with gestures that emphasize Christ’s power and mercy, symbolizing spiritual illumination.
   • The Raising of Lazarus:  Christ calls Lazarus from his tomb, demonstrating His power over death. Lazarus emerges from the tomb wrapped in burial cloths, while those present express awe and disbelief. This scene foreshadows Christ’s own resurrection.
   • The Entry into Jerusalem: Christ enters Jerusalem on a donkey, greeted by crowds waving palm branches. This event marks the beginning of Christ’s Passion and His acknowledgement as the Messiah.
   • The Transfiguration: Christ is transfigured on Mount Tabor, appearing in radiant glory with Moses and Elijah. While Peter, James, and John are depicted in awe, symbolizing the revelation of Christ’s divine nature.
   • The Passion and Crucifixion: The final moments of Christ’s earthly life are shown, including the Last Supper, the Betrayal, and the Crucifixion. These mosaics focus on Christ’s sacrifice and the fulfilment of His mission to redeem humanity.

4. The Deesis Mosaic

   • The Deesis mosaic underscores the belief in Christ’s dual role as the righteous Judge of the world and the merciful Savior of humanity. The presence of Mary and John highlights the Byzantine concept of intercession, where saints and holy figures act as advocates for humanity before Christ. The mosaic employs a shimmering gold background, a hallmark of Byzantine art, which signifies the divine realm.
   • The figures are placed in a balanced and symmetrical composition, drawing the viewer’s attention to the central figure of Christ.
   • Christ occupies the central position, depicted as Pantocrator ("Ruler of All"), symbolizing His role as the universal judge. The mosaic underscores Christ’s dual nature as fully human and fully divine, emphasizing His role in judgment and salvation. He is shown seated, holding the Gospel in one hand and raising the other in a gesture of blessing. His facial expression is serene yet commanding, conveying both compassion and authority.
   • To Christ’s right, the Virgin Mary is depicted with her hands raised in prayer, a traditional gesture of intercession. Her face reflects solemnity, humility, and deep compassion, emphasizing her role as the Theotokos (God-bearer) and a mediator for humanity. Mary’s position highlights her unique status as the Mother of Christ and her ongoing intercession for believers.
   • To Christ’s left, John the Baptist is shown in a similar posture of supplication, with his hands extended toward Christ. His appearance is austere, reflecting his life as an ascetic and his role as the forerunner of Christ. John’s presence symbolizes his role as a prophet and his continued advocacy for humanity in the heavenly court.

Frescoes of Chora Church

The frescoes in the parekklesion (a side chapel used for funerary purposes) are equally breathtaking and focus on eschatological (end-times) themes.

1. The Anastasis (Resurrection)

   • One of the most iconic frescoes, it shows Christ triumphantly pulling Adam and Eve out of their graves, symbolizing victory over death. The scene visually reinforces the verse from 1 Corinthians 15:55: “O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?”
   • This image is rich with symbolism, representing the redemption of humanity from original sin and the victory over death. Christ is depicted in radiant white garments symbolizing His divine glory and resurrection power, with a bright mandorla (an almond-shaped aura) surrounding Him, emphasizing His divinity and authority over life and death. The fresco features broken locks and chains under Christ's feet, representing His conquest of Hell.
   • To Christ's left and right are groups of the righteous, including Old Testament figures such as David, Solomon, and John the Baptist, shown gazing reverently at Christ, celebrating the fulfilment of God's promise of redemption.

2. The Last Judgment

   • A detailed fresco depicting the separation of the righteous and the damned, with Christ enthroned as the ultimate judge, reflecting the words of Matthew 25:31–46, where Christ separates the sheep (righteous) from the goats (wicked).
   • It is a remarkable depiction of the eschatological moment when Christ judges humanity at the end of time. Once again Christ is the central figure, seated on a radiant throne in glory, surrounded by a mandorla (an almond-shaped aura), emphasizing His divine authority and majesty.
   • His right hand is raised in blessing for the righteous, while His left hand points toward the damned, signifying the dual roles of mercy and judgment.
   • To either side of Christ are the Virgin Mary and John the Baptist, in their traditional roles of intercessors, known as the Deesis. They plead for the souls of humanity.
   • Surrounding Christ are angelic hosts and saints, often including the Apostles, seated in a semi-circle as co-judges.
   • Angels are depicted holding the Book of Life, in which the deeds of every soul are recorded.
   • A pair of scales, held by angels or Christ Himself, symbolizes the weighing of souls based on their deeds during life. This imagery reflects the belief in divine justice.
   • On Christ’s right (the viewer’s left) are the righteous, ascending toward heaven. They are depicted as calm, serene, and often led by angels toward paradise, shown as a lush, serene garden where the righteous gather, sometimes with figures like Abraham holding the souls of the saved in his bosom.
   • On Christ’s left (the viewer’s right) are the damned, portrayed in anguish and despair as they are cast into the fires of hell or the jaws of a monstrous beast symbolizing eternal torment. Hell is depicted as a dark, chaotic realm with flames, demons, and tortured souls, underscoring the consequences of sin.

3. The Dormition of the Virgin

   • This fresco illustrates the Virgin Mary’s peaceful death (Dormition) with Christ holding her soul as a small, glowing figure, reflecting the Byzantine view of Mary’s unique role as the Theotokos (God-bearer) and portraying Mary as the ultimate example of faith and grace.
   • The fresco portrays the Virgin Mary’s peaceful passing from earthly life into heavenly glory. The Virgin is depicted lying on a richly adorned bier or bed, surrounded by Apostles and other figures. Her face is serene, emphasizing her peaceful acceptance of death as a holy transition rather than an end.
   • Above Mary, Christ stands in radiant glory, holding a small, glowing figure in His arms. This figure represents Mary’s soul, depicted as a swaddled infant, depicting her spiritual "rebirth" into eternal life
   • The Apostles surround Mary, expressing a mixture of sorrow and reverence. Their varied postures and gestures convey grief, devotion, and awe. Other figures, possibly early Church leaders or saints, are shown witnessing the event. They underscore Mary’s importance to the Christian community.

From Church to Mosque to Museum to part-Mosque and part-Museum

After the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople in 1453 by Sultan Mehmed ii the Conqueror, the church was converted into a mosque by Atik Ali Pasha, an Ottoman grand vizier during the reign of Sultan Bayezid II. Following its conversion, many of the church's famous mosaics and frescoes, masterpieces of Byzantine art, were plastered over, following Islamic traditions prohibiting figural depictions in religious settings. and the name was changed to the Kariye Mosque.

In 1945, the Kariye Mosque was secularized and transformed into a museum by the Turkish government, following the same trend as the Hagia Sophia and other historic religious sites. It remained a museum for decades, attracting visitors worldwide who admired the mosaics and frescoes.

In 2020, the Turkish government decided to re-designate the Chora Church as a mosque, and it is once again used for religious purposes. However, the mosaics and frescoes have been preserved, and visitors can still see these remarkable works of art, albeit with certain sections of the mosque covered during prayer times.

Architectural Features

Byzantine Architecture: The church was built in the typical Byzantine architectural style, with a central dome and an apse. The design blends elements of a traditional basilica with a more complex and sophisticated arrangement of spaces, including a rich interior with a variety of chapels and narthexes.

Ottoman Influence: When the structure was converted into a mosque, some alterations were made, such as the addition of a mihrab (prayer niche) and a minaret.