The 6th-century Chora Church in Fatih, later converted into the “Atik Ali Pasha Mosque” or “Kariye Mosque” in 1511, witnessed a transformation from a museum back to a place of worship. The decision to restore it for religious use was made by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in 2020, following its conversion into a museum in 1945.
The historical mosque, adorned with specially designed red carpets made of 100 percent wool, is set to open for worship on Friday, February 23, after completing outdoor restoration. Throughout the restoration, the preservation of the original mosaics and frescoes inside the mosque has been a priority. The architectural structure of the Kariye Mosque, featuring five main components, presents a simple exterior with stone and brick walls, while its collapsed dome, originally made of wood and plaster, now reveals only the surviving rim. The mosque’s 16 windows, designed for interior illumination, and the use of marble in flooring and walls contribute to its unique historical charm.