Churches and Monasteries of Istanbul
The Chora
Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987
The Chora Church locally called Kariye Müzesi or Kariye Camii is one of the most significant examples of Byzantine architecture and art located in Edirnekapı neighborhood of Fateh district. It is renowned for its stunning mosaics and frescoes, which depict various biblical scenes and figures.
Hagia Sophia
Declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1987
It is one of the most significant architectural achievements in history located in Fateh district. It was originally constructed as a cathedral in 537 AD during the reign of Byzantine Emperor Justinian I, it served as the world’s largest cathedral for nearly a thousand years.
Zeyrek Mosque
Also known as Monastery of Christ Pantocrator
Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985
The building was originally constructed as a Byzantine church in the 12th century, dedicated to Christ Pantocrator. It was part of a larger monastic complex and served as an important religious site during the Byzantine period.
Church of the Virgin of the Pharos
The Church of the Virgin of Pharos was an important Byzantine church located in the Sultanahmet district of Istanbul, near the Golden Horn and close to the site of the ancient Pharos Lighthouse. The exact location of the church is not marked by any significant remains today. It was dedicated to the Virgin Mary and is notable for its historical significance and architectural features.
The Church of the Virgin of Pharos was built in the 5th century, around 450 AD, during the reign of Emperor Theodosius II. It was situated near the Pharos Lighthouse, which was a prominent landmark in the city, hence the name “Pharos.”
The church was known for its unique architectural style, which combined elements of basilica and domed structures. It featured a central dome and was adorned with beautiful mosaics and frescoes, typical of Byzantine ecclesiastical art.
The church was a significant center of worship and pilgrimage, particularly for those devoted to the Virgin Mary. It housed a revered icon of the Virgin, which was believed to have miraculous powers.
The Church of the Virgin of Pharos suffered damage during various conflicts, including the Fourth Crusade in 1204. It eventually fell into disrepair and was largely destroyed during the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople in 1453.
Today, while the Church of the Virgin of Pharos no longer exists, its historical importance is recognized in the context of Byzantine heritage in Istanbul. The site serves as a reminder of the rich religious and architectural history of the city during the Byzantine Empire.
Church of St. Polyeuctus
The Church of St. Polyeuctus was an important early Byzantine church located in Constantinople, modern-day Istanbul. It is notable for its architectural innovations and historical significance.
The church was built in the 6th century, around 527-530 AD, during the reign of Emperor Justinian I. It was commissioned by Anastasius, a wealthy nobleman, in honor of St. Polyeuctus, a martyr of the early Christian church.
The Church of St. Polyeuctus is considered one of the earliest examples of a domed basilica in Byzantine architecture. It featured a large central dome supported by a square base, which was a significant architectural advancement at the time. The church also had a unique layout, with a combination of a longitudinal nave and a cross-shaped plan.
The church was known for its beautiful mosaics and decorative elements, which reflected the artistic style of the period. It served as a model for later Byzantine churches and influenced the development of ecclesiastical architecture in the Byzantine Empire.
The Church of St. Polyeuctus suffered significant damage during the Fourth Crusade in 1204 and was eventually abandoned. By the Ottoman period, it had fallen into ruins, and much of its structure was dismantled or repurposed.
Today, the site of the Church of St. Polyeuctus is largely in ruins, with only a few remnants of its original structure remaining. Despite its physical decline, the church is recognized for its historical and architectural significance in the context of Byzantine heritage. It remains an important reference point for scholars studying early Byzantine architecture and the evolution of church design in the Byzantine Empire.
Monastery of Stoudios
The Monastery of Stoudios was one of the most significant and influential monasteries in Byzantine Constantinople, known for its role in the religious, cultural, and educational life of the city. The ruins of the monastery are in an area known as Koca Mustafa Pasa, not far from the Sea of Marmara. It was founded in 462.
The monastery was founded in the early 5th century, around 462 AD, by St. Theodore the Stoudite, a prominent monastic figure and reformer. It was established as a center for the strict observance of monastic rules and practices, emphasizing communal living and liturgical worship.
It was known for its impressive architecture, which included a large church dedicated to St. John the Baptist. The church featured a cruciform layout and was adorned with beautiful mosaics and frescoes, typical of Byzantine ecclesiastical architecture.
The monastery became a major center of learning and scholarship, attracting many monks and students. It played a crucial role in the preservation and transmission of classical texts and Christian theology during a time when such knowledge was at risk of being lost.
The Stoudios Monastery was also involved in the political and religious controversies of the Byzantine Empire, particularly during the Iconoclast period. The monks of Stoudios were staunch defenders of the veneration of icons, which led to conflicts with the Iconoclast emperors.
The monastery began to decline in the late Byzantine period, particularly after the Fourth Crusade in 1204, when Constantinople was ransacked. It suffered further damage during the Ottoman conquest in 1453, and much of its property was lost or repurposed.
Today, the site of the Monastery of Stoudios is largely in ruins, with only a few remnants of its original structure remaining. The monastery’s historical significance is recognized in the context of Byzantine monasticism and its contributions to the preservation of Christian and classical culture. The legacy of St. Theodore the Stoudite continues to be honored in the Orthodox Church, and the monastery remains an important symbol of Byzantine monastic tradition.
Church of St. Mary of the Spring
The Church of Saint Mary of the Spring, known as Meryem Ana Çiçekli Kilisesi locally, is a historic Greek Orthodox church located in Eyüp District in Istanbul. It is dedicated to the Virgin Mary and is notable for its association with the spring (or fountain) that is believed to have healing properties.
The church was originally built in the 5th century, although it has undergone numerous renovations and restorations over the centuries. It was constructed to honor the Virgin Mary and to serve the local Christian community.
The Church of Saint Mary of the Spring features typical Byzantine architectural elements, including a central dome and intricate frescoes. The interior is adorned with religious icons and artwork, reflecting the rich artistic heritage of the Byzantine tradition.
The church is named after a nearby spring, which was believed to have miraculous healing powers. This made the site a popular pilgrimage destination for those seeking cures for various ailments.
After the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople in 1453, the church continued to function as a place of worship for the Greek Orthodox community.
Today, the Church of Saint Mary of the Spring continues to serve as a place of worship for the local Orthodox community.
Church of Saint Mary of the Mongols
The Church of Saint Mary of the Mongols, locally known as Meryem Ana Kilisesi, is a historic Greek Orthodox church located within Fener District of Istanbul. The church was originally built in the 12th century, although its exact date of construction is not known. It is notable for being one of the few Byzantine churches that has remained in continuous use as a place of worship since the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople in 1453.
The church features typical Byzantine architectural elements, including a central dome and intricate mosaics. Over the years, it has undergone various renovations, but many original features have been preserved.
It was established as a monastery and dedicated to the Virgin Mary.
The church is often associated with the Mongol community in the Byzantine Empire, particularly during the 13th century. It is believed that the church was named in reference to the Mongols who settled in the region, and it served as a place of worship for them.
After the fall of Constantinople, the church was converted into a mosque, but it was later returned to the Greek Orthodox community. It has remained an active church and is one of the few Orthodox churches in Istanbul that has not been converted into a mosque or abandoned.
It serves as a symbol of the enduring presence of Orthodox Christianity in a predominantly Muslim city and is a testament to the city’s rich and diverse history.
Today, it continues to function as a church and is a site of pilgrimage and worship for the local Orthodox community.
Church of St. Mary of Blachernae
The Church of St. Mary of Blachernae, known locally as Meryem Ana Blakhernae Kilisesi, is an important historical and religious site located in the Edirnekapı neighborhood of Istanbul.
It was originally built in the 5th century, during the reign of Emperor Leo I, and is renowned for its association with the Virgin Mary and the veneration of her relics.
The church was constructed to house the Hodegetria, a revered icon of the Virgin Mary, which was believed to have miraculous powers. Over the centuries, the church became a significant pilgrimage site for Christians, particularly during the Byzantine period. It was also the site of various important events, including the celebration of the Feast of the Virgin Mary.
After the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople in 1453, the church was converted into a mosque. It underwent several renovations and modifications during the Ottoman era, reflecting the architectural styles of the time. The building was eventually abandoned and fell into disrepair.
Today, the site of the Church of St. Mary of Blachernae is marked by the remains of the original structure, which include some walls and foundations.
Little Hagia Sophia
Formerly Church of the Saints Sergius and Bacchus
Little Hagia Sophia, known locally as Küçük Ayasofya, was establish as a Greek Orthodox church located in Sultanahmet District.
The building was initially constructed as a church during the reign of Emperor Justinian I in the 6th century. The church is notable for its architectural similarities to the larger Hagia Sophia, featuring a central dome and a basilica layout.
After the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople in 1453, the church was converted into a mosque. It was during this period that it became known as Little Hagia Sophia, reflecting its architectural resemblance to the more famous Hagia Sophia. The mosque underwent various renovations and restorations over the centuries, particularly during the Ottoman era.
In the 20th century, the building was secularized and has since been used for various purposes, including as a museum. Today, it functions as a mosque again, serving the local community while also attracting visitors interested in its historical and architectural significance.
Koca Mustafa Pasha Mosque
The `foundation of this church is said to be laid during 6th Century. It was completed between 1486 to 1491 and dedicated to Saint Andrew of Crete. It is located in the historical Fatih District, in old Istanbul.
It was converted into a mosque following the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople in 1453. The mosque features a large dome, a rectangular prayer hall, and a minaret, typical of a mosque.
Koca Mustafa Pasha Mosque is notable not only for its architectural features but also for its historical significance. It served as a place of worship for the local community and has been a center for various social and cultural activities over the centuries.
Kalenderhane Mosque
Formerly Church of Virgin Mary of Kalenderane
Kalenderhan Mosque, located in the Kalenderhane neighborhood of Istanbul, has a rich history that reflects the city’s diverse cultural and religious heritage. The structure was built in 12th Century as a Byzantine church, likely dedicated to the Virgin Mary. The church was known as the Church of the Virgin Mary of the Kalenderhane.
After the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople in 1453, the church was converted into a mosque. The name “Kalenderhan” is derived from the Kalenderi dervishes, a Sufi order that was active in the area. The mosque served as a place of worship for the local Muslim community and became associated with the Kalenderi sect.
Architecturally, the mosque retains elements of its Byzantine origins, including its structure and some decorative features. Over the years, it has undergone various renovations and restorations, particularly during the Ottoman period.
Today it remains an important site for both worship and cultural heritage, reflecting the city’s complex history and the coexistence of different religious traditions.
Church of Saint Menas of Samatya
The Church of Saint Menas, located in the Samatya neighborhood is a historic Greek Orthodox church dedicated to Saint Menas, a Christian martyr revered in both the Eastern Orthodox and Catholic traditions. The church is believed to have been built in the 8th century, although it may have undergone various renovations and restorations over the centuries.
Architecturally, the Church of Saint Menas features a traditional Byzantine style, characterized by its domed structure and intricate interior decorations. The church is known for its beautiful frescoes and icons, which depict scenes from the life of Christ and various saints, including Saint Menas himself.
Historically, the church has served as an important place of worship for the local Greek Orthodox community in Istanbul. It has also been a site of pilgrimage, particularly for those seeking the intercession of Saint Menas, who is often invoked for healing and protection.
In recent years, the church has faced challenges due to the changing demographics of the area and the decline of the Greek Orthodox population in Istanbul. The Church of Saint Menas continues to be a place of worship and community gathering, preserving the traditions and history of the Orthodox faith in the region.
Church of the Holy Apostles
The Church of the Holy Apostles was an Eastern Orthodox Church located in the Beyoglu District on the Fourth hill in Istanbul. It was an important Byzantine church built in the 6th century during the reign of Emperor Justinian I. It was constructed between 532 and 537 AD and served as a significant religious site, particularly for the Eastern Orthodox Church. The church was dedicated to the apostles Peter and Paul and was notable for its architectural innovations, including a central dome and a cruciform layout.
The Holy Apostles was also the burial site for many Byzantine emperors and patriarchs, enhancing its importance within the Byzantine hierarchy. It was renowned for its beautiful mosaics and rich decorations, which depicted various saints and biblical scenes.
After the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople in 1453, the church was converted into a mosque. However, it fell into disrepair over the centuries and was eventually demolished in the 18th century.
Today, the site is marked by the ruins of the church, which serve as a reminder of its historical significance and the rich Christian heritage of Istanbul.
Hirami Ahmet Pasha Mosque
Formerly Saint Nicholas Church
The Hirami Ahmet Pasha Mosque, located within Çarşamba area of Fatih District of Istanbul has a history that reflects the city’s transition from Byzantine to Ottoman rule. Originally, the site was home to a Byzantine church, believed to have been dedicated to Saint Nicholas. After the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople in 1453, the church was converted into a mosque, a common practice during this period. The mosque was commissioned by Hirami Ahmet Pasha in the 18th century, showcasing typical Ottoman architectural features.
The mosque features a simple yet elegant design, with a central dome and a minaret. The Hirami Ahmet Pasha Mosque stands as a testament to Istanbul’s rich and diverse history, illustrating the city’s complex cultural and religious transformations.
Gül Mosque
Formerly Church of the Virgin Mary
The site in Vakıf Mektebi Sokak where the Gül Mosque stands was originally a Byzantine church. It is believed to have been constructed in the 6th century, during the reign of Emperor Justinian I. The church was dedicated to the Virgin Mary and was known as the Church of the Virgin Mary (Meryem Ana Kilisesi).
After the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople in 1453, the church was converted into a mosque. The conversion of the church into a mosque reflects the broader cultural and religious transformations that occurred in Istanbul during this time.
The Gül Mosque retains some elements of its Byzantine origins, including its structural layout and certain decorative features. The mosque has a simple yet elegant design, typical of many Ottoman mosques, with a central dome and a minaret. The interior may still exhibit remnants of Christian iconography.
Like many historical structures in Istanbul, the Gül Mosque has undergone various restoration efforts to preserve its architectural integrity and historical significance. These efforts aim to maintain the mosque’s function as a place of worship while respecting its historical roots.
Vefa Church
The Vefa Church, officially known as the Church of St. Mary of the Mongols (Mongol Kilisesi), is located in the Vefa neighborhood of Istanbul. It was originally built in the 8th century and is one of the few Byzantine churches that has remained active as a place of worship throughout the centuries. After the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople in 1453, the church was converted into a mosque but was later returned to the Greek Orthodox community in the 19th century.
The church is notable for its beautiful frescoes and historical significance, representing the enduring presence of the Greek Orthodox community in Istanbul. Today, it serves as a functioning church and a symbol of the city’s diverse religious heritage.
Bodrum Mosque
Formerly a Byzantine Church
The Bodrum Mosque, also known as the Bodrum Mosque of Istanbul, is located in the historic district of Bodrum, near the Golden Horn. Originally constructed as a Byzantine church in the 5th century, it was later converted into a mosque after the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople in 1453.
The mosque is notable for its unique architectural features, including its large dome and the remnants of its Christian past, such as columns and capitals that were repurposed during the conversion. Today, it stands as a testament to the city’s rich and diverse history, reflecting the cultural transitions that have shaped Istanbul over the centuries.
Atik Mustafa Pasha Mosque
Formerly Saint Thekla Church
The Atik Mustafa Pasha Mosque, originally completed in 1059 as a Byzantine church identified with Saint Thekla of the Palace of Blachernae. It is located within the walled city in Fatih district of Istanbul.
The Mosque showcases the rich tapestry of Istanbul’s history, reflecting the city’s transition from Byzantine to Ottoman rule. Elements of its ecclesiastical past were preserved while converting it into a mosque embodying the architectural elegance of Islamic design.
The Fenari Isa Mosque
Formerly Saint John the Baptist Church
It is known as Fenari Isa Cami by the locals and is located in the Fatih district of Istanbul. It was originally constructed as a Byzantine church dedicated to Saint John the Baptist. It is believed to have been built in the 12th century, during the Byzantine Empire. The church was known as the Church of St. John the Baptist.
After the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople in 1453, the church was converted into a mosque. This conversion was part of the broader Ottoman practice of repurposing Christian churches for Islamic worship. The mosque was officially designated as a mosque in 1456.
The mosque has a large dome and a prayer hall that reflects the architectural style of the time. The interior includes beautiful mosaics and frescoes, some of which date back to its time as a church.
Over the years, the Fenari Isa Mosque has undergone various restoration efforts to preserve its historical and architectural integrity. These efforts have aimed to maintain the balance between its Byzantine heritage and its Islamic function. Today, the Fenari Isa Mosque stands as a testament to Istanbul’s rich and diverse history, showcasing the city’s unique blend of Byzantine and Ottoman influences. It is a notable landmark for both locals and visitors interested in the historical evolution of the city.
Hagia Irene or Saint Irene
It is located in the outer court yard of Topkapi Palace in Sultanahmet district. It is one of the oldest surviving churches from the Byzantine era. It was originally built in the 4th century and commissioned by Emperor Constantine the Great. The church was rebuilt by Emperor Justinian I after the Nika Riots in 532 AD. Unlike Hagia Sophia, which became a mosque, Hagia Irene has remained a church and is currently a museum and concert hall.
The church is notable for its impressive architecture, featuring a large dome and a basilica layout, which influenced later Byzantine church designs. Its interior is adorned with beautiful mosaics and marble columns, showcasing the artistry of the period.
Hagia Irene served as a significant place of worship and was used for various functions, including the consecration of new emperors. The building has survived through centuries of change, including the Ottoman conquest, and stands as a testament to the rich Christian heritage of Istanbul. Today, it is part of the Topkapi Palace complex and attracts visitors from around the world.
Pammakaristos Church
The Pammakaristos Church or Fethiye Camii as known by the locals, is a historic church located in the Fatih district of Istanbul. It is renowned for its architectural beauty and rich history, reflecting the city’s Byzantine heritage. The church was originally built in the early 13th century, around 1280, during the Byzantine Empire. It was dedicated to the Virgin Mary and was part of a larger monastic complex known as the Monastery of Christ Pammakaristos, which translates to “All-Blessed.”
The Pammakaristos Church is an excellent example of Byzantine architecture, featuring a cross-in-square plan and a central dome. The church is known for its intricate mosaics and frescoes, which depict various religious scenes and figures. After the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople in 1453, the church was converted into a mosque. It was renamed Fethiye Camii, meaning “Conqueror’s Mosque,” in honor of the Ottoman victory. The mosque underwent modifications to accommodate Islamic worship, including the addition of a minaret.
In the 20th century, the church underwent significant restoration efforts, particularly in the 1930s, when some of its original Byzantine mosaics were uncovered and restored. The church’s historical and artistic value has been recognized, and it has been preserved as a significant cultural site.
Today, the Pammakaristos Church serves as a mosque, but it is also open to visitors who wish to admire its stunning Byzantine architecture and mosaics. The church is less frequented than other major historical sites in Istanbul, providing a more intimate experience for those interested in the city’s rich religious and architectural history.