Chora Museum, known as Kariye Mosque, is one of Istanbul’s most treasured historical and artistic monuments. This impressive structure, dating back to the Byzantine era, captures attention with its unique architecture and interior decorations. The mosaics and frescoes within Chora Museum represent some of the most striking examples of Byzantine art, highlighting the artistic significance of this extraordinary structure.
Exterior Narthex Section
Now, let’s explore the exterior narthex. This impressive entrance area is rich both architecturally and artistically. Above the main door, you’ll see the Pantocrator mosaic, which symbolizes God’s universal sovereignty. Its detailed and striking design highlights the artistic character of the exterior narthex. On the exterior narthex, there are many significant mosaics. Let’s take a closer look at them.
First, we have the Christ the Pantocrator mosaic. Here, you can see Christ representing God's sovereignty on Earth. With his right hand in a blessing gesture and his left hand holding the Holy Book, He symbolizes divine law. Next, let’s examine the Bread Duplication mosaic. In this scene, Christ is shown with empty bread baskets. He requests the bread brought by the people and performs a miracle. With just five loaves and two fish, He blesses the bread, which is then distributed to the crowd. Thanks to this miracle, five thousand people were fed.
Moving on to the Paralysed Patient with Kafernaum mosaic, you’ll see Christ being invited to a house in the city of Kafernaum. Here, he is depicted healing a paralytic patient who is lowered through the roof. As Christ’s Messiahship spreads, crowds gather wherever He goes. Next is the Miracle of Cana mosaic. At a wedding in Cana, when the wine runs out, Christ instructs the host to fill the jars with water and then pour some of that water into a cup. When the water is tasted, it has miraculously turned into the finest wine.
In the Joseph’s Dream mosaic, three scenes are depicted in one lunette. You’ll see the moment when Mary and Elizabeth meet, and Elizabeth’s child stirs in her womb as the Holy Spirit descends upon Mary. Joseph, upon discovering Mary’s pregnancy, considers divorcing her quietly but dreams of an angel who tells him not to be afraid. The angel reveals that the child is conceived by the Holy Spirit and will be named Jesus, who will save humanity from its sins. Joseph believes the angel’s message and, with his family, sets out for Bethlehem.
Other notable mosaics in the exterior narthex include: Herod's Research, Ancestors of Jesus, Birth of Jesus, Miracles of Jesus, Continuation of the Massacre, The Holy Family Escape to Egypt, Massacre of Innocents, Christ Heals Leprosy, Return to Nazareth from Egypt, Samaean Woman, The Three Magi, John the Baptist's Witness to Jesus, and Jesus' Baptism, Taxation Register.
Inner Narthex Section
The inner narthex is an impressive space that showcases important examples of Byzantine art. This section is particularly notable for the mosaics located on the north wall. These mosaics depict various periods of the life of the Virgin Mary and significant events.
Various important depictions are included in the mosaics, such as the scene where Metokhites presents a model of the church to Jesus. In the Deesis mosaic, you see the moment when Jesus, the Virgin Mary, and John the Baptist pray for humanity. The mosaics of Jesus and his ancestors, as well as Mary and her ancestors, illustrate their lineages and significance.
These mosaics also show key events in the Virgin Mary's life. They depict Joachim being expelled from the temple and Joachim in the countryside, events leading up to Mary’s birth. The Annunciation to Saint Anne shows her being told she will give birth to Mary. The Meeting at the Golden Gate shows the elderly Simeon meeting the Holy Family in the temple.
Scenes of Mary’s birth, her being embraced by her parents, and being blessed by priests tell the story of her childhood. Other mosaics show Mary’s presentation at the temple and being fed by an angel, symbolizing her divine protection. The purple wool thread represents the cloth Mary wove with a divine sign. Let’s now take a closer look at these mosaics.
Metokhites' Presentation of the Model of the Church to Christ: You are now viewing a prominent mosaic on the eastern part of the northern wall. This mosaic depicts the moment when Metochites presented a model of the church to Christ. In the scene, Metochites is portrayed kneeling with reverence before Christ, who is seated on a majestic throne. Christ holds a bible in one hand and extends a blessing with the other. The mosaic also features an inscription that highlights Metochites’s significant contributions to the church. This depiction not only underscores Metochites’s devout dedication but also symbolizes his role in the church’s history and architecture.
The Deesis Mosaic: On the eastern part of the southern wall, you will find a significant mosaic depicting the Virgin Mary praying for humanity’s forgiveness on Judgment Day. Mary is shown in a praying posture, but the figure of John the Baptist is missing from this mosaic. Seated on a grand throne is Christ, with an image of Isaac Komnenos, the son of Alexios Komnenos, beside Mary. This mosaic symbolizes both the importance of Mary’s prayers and Isaac Komnenos's contributions to the church.
The Genealogy of Christ: You are viewing a magnificent mosaic on the southern dome that details the genealogy of Christ. Christ is depicted as the Pantokrator (Ruler of All) in the center of the dome. Around the dome’s segments, you can see a lineage of 39 figures from Christ’s ancestry, each representing significant historical figures. The pendentives of the dome feature Christ’s miracles and key moments from His life. This mosaic emphasizes Christ’s origins and His significance in human history.
The Genealogy of Mary: Now, let’s turn our attention to the mosaic on the northern dome, which illustrates the genealogy of Mary. In the center of the dome, you will see Mary with the Child Jesus. The segments of the dome display a detailed family tree from the House of David and Old Testament figures. This mosaic symbolizes the sacred origins of Mary and her divine mission.
Zechariah's Rejection of the Offerings: On the western part of the southern wall, you can observe the mosaic depicting the expulsion of Joachim from the temple. Joachim is shown being rejected by a priest while praying in the temple and being driven out. This scene symbolizes Joachim’s exclusion from society and the forthcoming divine intervention.
Joakhim Going Into the Desert: Located on the western part of the northern wall, this mosaic depicts Joachim retreating into the wilderness after being expelled from the temple and receiving a divine message from an angel. Joachim is shown praying in the desert as an angel delivers the message from God. This scene represents Joachim’s spiritual quest and the divine support he receives.
Anna's Annunciation Scene: On the eastern part of the northern wall, this mosaic illustrates Anna receiving the announcement from an angel in the temple that she would conceive. Anna’s expressions of astonishment and joy reflect the divine news she receives. This scene symbolizes Anna’s faith in God’s plan and her reaction to the divine announcement.
The Meeting of Joachim and Anna: On the central part of the northern wall, this mosaic shows the moment Joachim and Anna reunite and Anna announces her pregnancy. The joyous expressions of the couple and the surrounding figures reflect the happiness and tranquility brought by this divine announcement. This scene is a representation of their joy and spiritual fulfillment.
Mary's Birth Scene: On the western part of the northern wall, this mosaic portrays the birth of Mary and her being attended by surrounding servants. The scene emphasizes the significance of Mary’s birth and the affection and attention it receives from those around her.
The Consecration of Mary by the Priests in the Temple: On the western part of the southern wall, this mosaic depicts the presentation of Mary at the temple when she was one year old and her blessing by the priests. Mary is shown being blessed by the priests in the temple, with family members and figures surrounding this significant moment.
Joachim and Anna Embracing Mary: In the east section of the vault in the inner narthex, there is a mosaic depicting Joachim and Anna lovingly embracing and kissing the child Mary. The proximity of the three figures and the expressive play of round forms enhance the intimacy of the scene. Around the scene, two servants and, in the corners, two peacocks representing immortality and unblemished morality are depicted. The corners are also adorned with plants, and the background is a rich golden yellow.
Presentation of Mary to the Temple: In the middle part of the vault in the inner narthex, a mosaic shows Joachim and Anne bringing their young daughter Mary to Priest Zechariah. To the west, Jewish girls with torches are with Mary. Behind the priest, there is a four-columned ciborium (sanctuary) for high-ranking clergy and Mary. Inside the temple, Mary is shown sitting with an angel. The mosaic shows both Mary being presented and her later time in the temple. The words "Sanctification of the Holy" are around the ciborium, and the figures are on a brown background.
Feeding of Mary by Gabriel: In the southern arch opening into the inner narthex, there is a mosaic showing Gabriel giving bread to Mary. Mary is seated on a wooden throne within a four-columned ciborium (altar). The flying angel holds a scepter in one hand and extends bread with the other. At the top of the scene, the inscription reads "Theotokos (Mother of God) Receiving Bread from the Angel." In front of the altar, a servant is seen seated.
Mary's Receiving the Wool Skein: In the central part of the southern wall, this mosaic shows the purple wool presented to Mary in the temple by the high priests. The color purple emphasizes Mary’s divine selection and sacredness, marking her special role.
Zacharias Praying: On the western part of the southern wall, this mosaic illustrates Zechariah praying for the selection of Mary’s suitor. Zechariah is shown praying and selecting the miraculous staff. This scene reflects his sacred duty and dedication to God.
Joseph’s Rod Growing Green: This mosaic shows Priest Zechariah praying with the rods from Mary’s suitors, and Joseph’s rod miraculously blooming. Joseph then takes Mary from the priest in front of the other suitors. The mosaic depicts Zechariah and Mary in front of a four-columned structure. Zechariah holds the rod and touches Mary’s head, while Joseph, with his head slightly bowed, walks toward Mary. The other suitors are behind him. Above the scene, it says 'Delivered to Joseph.'
Mary Brought to the House of Joseph: On the eastern part of the northern wall, this mosaic shows Mary being entrusted to Joseph by Zechariah and brought to his house. Also depicted is Joseph’s son Jacob. This scene symbolizes Mary’s transition into her new life with Joseph.
Mary's Annunciation Scene: On the central part of the northern wall, you can see the mosaic of the Annunciation to Mary. Mary is depicted drawing water from a well when Gabriel announces to her that she will conceive a child. The detailed portrayal of Mary’s astonishment and Gabriel’s message reflects her faith in God’s plan and her response to the divine intervention.
In addition to these mosaics, the inner narthex also features the following scenes: Joseph Departing from Mary; Joseph's Accusation of Mary; the Healing of the Blind and Mute Man; Jesus Healing Two Blind Men; the Healing of Saint Peter’s Mother-in-Law; Jesus Healing the Hemorrhaging Woman; the Healing of the Withered Hand; Jesus Healing the Leper; and Jesus Healing the Multitude.
The mosaics in the inner narthex vividly illustrate key moments from the Virgin Mary’s life and her divine role. They capture her early years, important announcements, and her place in sacred history. These artworks offer a deep glimpse into Byzantine tradition and celebrate Mary’s significance. Enjoy the detailed and vibrant scenes as they bring this spiritual narrative to life.
Naos Section
In the naos section, there are three mosaic panels. One of them is on the west wall, above the main door, and shows the Death of Mary (Koimesis). The other two panels are on the sides of the bema and show Hodegetria Mary, Christ and the Bible, and finally, Mary’s Death Scene. Let’s take a closer look at these three mosaic panels.
First, let’s look at the Hodegetria Mary panel. In this mosaic, Mary holds baby Jesus in her arms and looks at Him thoughtfully. This scene represents Mary as a guide.
Next is the mosaic of Christ and the Bible. On the left side of the Naos, this panel shows Christ holding an open Bible. The Bible has the words, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you peace.”
The last panel is the Koimesis - Mary’s Death Scene. In this mosaic, Mary is lying on a coffin covered with clothes, and a sad crowd gathers around her. Christ is shown embracing Mary’s soul, which appears as a baby, within a halo of light brought down by a seraph. Angels surround Christ, and one of them lifts the halo toward heaven, adding movement to the scene. In the background, two angels fly above the mourning women. Saint Peter is seen holding a censer, and Saint Paul looks down at Mary from the foot of the coffin. Other apostles, also very sad, join Saint Paul. Below this scene, there is a marble lintel decorated with reliefs of birds and fruit baskets.
Parekklesion
The parekklesion of Chora Museum is noted for its rectangular plan and elegant dome structures. This area is adorned with frescoes depicting saints. The interior decoration of the parekklesion reflects the aesthetic features and religious narrative of Byzantine art. The frescoes contribute unique beauty to this section with their visual richness and artistic expression.
The Parekklesions located in the Chora Museum are Anastasia, The Clearing of the Heavens, Prophet Abraham and Lazarus the Beggar, The Resurrection of Jairus' Daughter, Moving the Holy Ark of the Covenant, Mary and the Child Jesus, Entry of the Chosen into Paradise, Final Judgement.
The mosaics and frescoes of the Chora Museum hold immense cultural and historical significance. These artworks not only reflect the artistic and religious perspectives of the Byzantine period but also offer visitors a profound historical exploration.
