Chora Monastery – Chora Church – The Byzantine Legacy
Overview
Which called Chora Museum, Chora Mosque or Chora Church is one altogether the foremost beautiful surviving icon of a Byzantine Art and Architecture. The Turkish word Kariye springs from the traditional Greek word Chora meaning outside of the town (land). it’s known that there was a chapel outside of the town before the 5th century when the town walls were erected. the primary Chora Church was rebuilt by Justinianus (527-565) in situ of this chapel. within the era of Komnenoi, it served because the court chapel for important religious ceremonies, because of its nearness to the Palace of Blachernae.
Chronologically, at the beginning it had been a church built by Saint Theodius by order of Byzantine Emperor Justinious in 534, then in 11th century it had been rebuilt by mother- in- law of Emperor Alexious, Maria Doukaina. But,devastated during Latin Invasion between (1204-1261), church was repaired by creative architect Theodoros Metokhites in 14th century. He made use of the Renaissance architecture style by adding the narthex and so the paracclesion. it had been expanded towards north, an exonarthex was added to its western side and a chapel (Parecclesion) to its southern side, and it had been decorated with mosaics and frescoes. After Ottoman Sultan Fatih Sultan Mehmet’s conquest of Istanbul, that repaired church was became a mosque by the visier Ali Hadım Pasha like Hagia Sophia church. eventually it’s used as a museum now.
Except for the history, once you examine the architecture, it’s aesthetic beauty attracts you as soon as taking a step into the church. Fascinating fresco and mosaics ornament during this chapel. Also after you’ve got a glance at the photographs on the walls, they reflecs Bible history, which is about the history of Virgin Mary, his son Redeemer and thus the opposite religion subjects. Also derived from the standard Greek word Chora which suggests outside of town, Kariye museum is found in Edirnekapı, district of Istanbul. This magnificent structure includes some secrets;
The Secrets Of The Chora Museum
As well because the cultural centre, it includes extraordinary aesthetic beauty and secrets.
The mosaics and frescoes within the Chora are the foremost beautiful examples dating from the last period of the Byzantine painting (14th century). The characteristic stylistic elements in those mosaics and frescoes are the depth, the movements and plastic values of figures and therefore the elongation of figures.
FIRST SECRET
The marble plate located within the side wall called Apsis astonishes the people.Because there is a fossil of the necton living some years ago! Also the fossillization on the marble has rarely seen. So this is often often a supernatural case.
SECOND SECRET
The marbles from Egypt and Thessalia were accustomed cover the building of Kariye museum but one altogether those marbles is so interesting because it’s four- leafed- clover shape.
THIRD SECRET
Located within the primary entrance of the museum’s saloon, mosaic which is about the wedding ceremony displays the history written arabic numbers. it isn’t still been solved the code of that history.
LAST SECRET OF THE CHORA MUSEUM
In the part of the Chapel, there are two mosaics included the figures with black colour. this can be often so interesting because black dress reflects the puritan community which is seen later, in 16th century. But those figures belong to the 13th century, so as that shows us there is a primary step into the puritan world.
As Rani Travel family, we serve with our successful team to supply you an out of this world travel experience. In our guided tour, you will have more information that’s not covered in our article. Enjoy the best guided tour of Turkey. We recommend you to review our page for Turkey tour packages. you’ll always contact us for more detailed information.
