Located in the historical peninsula of Istanbul, Hagia Irene Church fascinates its visitors with its thousands of years of rich history and unique architecture. Built during the reign of Justinian, this church stands out as an essential part of the religious and cultural heritage of the Byzantine Empire.
The church's plan is approximately 57 meters by 32 meters, and the diameter of the central dome is approximately 16 meters. Hagia Irene, whose walls are made of thin red bricks and mortar, has largely preserved its original architectural features, although it has been restored several times.
The lower chambers of the original structure from Justinian's reign date back to the 6th century, while the superstructure of the church was restored by Constantine V after the earthquake of 740. This restoration process enabled the church to take its current form and become a cross-domed basilica. The mosaics and marble panels inside the church bear traces of the art and beliefs of the period. One of the most striking features of Hagia Irene is the mosaic decorations in the apse. Especially during the iconoclasm period, these decorations, where figures were replaced with symbols, are considered an essential indicator of the evolution of religious art. These changes, made by the order of Constantine V, were a significant turning point in the church's decoration program.
During the Ottoman period, Hagia Irene was part of the Topkapi Palace and occasionally used as an armory and a museum. Today, it has been open to public visits since 1939 and is affiliated with the Hagia Sophia Museum.
With its changes throughout its history and architectural beauty, Hagia Irene Church has significantly contributed to Istanbul's cultural richness. Visitors can both trace the past and admire the unique architecture here.