CHORA CHURCH, ISTANBUL

The medieval Byzantine Church of the Holy Saviour in Chora was originally built as part of a monastery during the reign of Justinian in the early fourth century outside the city walls built by Constantine the Great. “Chora”, being the ancient Greek word for countryside, the name of the church would be Church of the Holy Saviour in the Country or The Church of the Holy Redeemer in the Fields.

Later Theodosius’ still existing land walls were built to incorporate the church and its surroundings. The church was rebuilt and restored several times over the course of centuries but the bulk of the building as we experience it today dates back to the 11^th century. Half a century after the Ottoman conquest the church was converted into a mosque and used as such until the late 1950s when it was opened as a museum. The Church of the Chora is unique in its magnificent mosaics and frescoes dating as far back as the early 14^th century depicting the life of the Virgin, the early life of Christ and his ministry as well as the history of the church and Judgment Day. The art in itself is one of the most unique in the world and excels medieval iconic art.