The Church of St. Saviour in Chora, is called Kariye Camii in Turkish, has been converted from a church to a mosque and is now a museum. For me, after Hagia Sophia, it's the most interesting Byzantine church in the city. Definitely not the the building itself but the superb series of mosaics and frescoes which it preserves and which have been magnificently restored and cleaned. This is one of the best visits for me in İstanbul. The name of the church 'in Chora' means in the country because the very ancient monastery to which it was attached was outside the Constantinian walls.
This museum is not that popular with the tourists who have short time to stay in İstanbul. But if you in anyway have an extra half day I would definitely suggest you take a short visit here. Leave yourself to the frescoes and dive into the depths of history. And the great thing here is you can take photographs without flash.
Find your way with 236 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Thanks to Boden, it is now possible to find a chic ambiance, tasty cocktails, food and reasonable prices all in one place in Kadıköy.
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The real highlight of Bohem's Coffee wasn't just its ambiance or décor—it was the genuine warmth of the owner.
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Kadıköy-Moda Tramway operates as a clockwise circular route, departs from a point close to Kadıköy Pier, and goes to Moda Street.
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At Az Çok Thai, the dishes are inspired by the street food versions of the main dishes, the menu covers all the Thai classics and it's simply delicious.
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This is a place where creativity and storytelling meet. As the writer Orhan Pamuk says, ‘I will build a museum, and its catalogue will be a novel’.
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Batard offers a diverse menu showcasing international and Turkish flavors prepared with a modern twist. Their dishes are defined as "Eclectic Cuisine".
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At the heart of Local Makers Shop's philosophy lies a commitment to slow shopping, a celebration of the artisanal, and an embrace of handmade designs.
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From hand-painted items by women in India to collections that promote a global and inclusive design, they truly showcases the beauty of cultural exchange.
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