Istanbul - Zeyrek mosque

Zeyrek mosque

Zeyrek mosque

The Zeyrek Mosque was built by Byzantine Emperor John II Comnenus and his wife, Irene. It was originally a church and is located in the district of Fatih on the forth hill of Istanbul with an impressive view over the Golden Horn. The complex was made of two more churches which have been attached to each other, making up a monastery which was dedicated to Christ Pantokrator.

GOOGLE ADSENSE

Since the Ottoman conquest the part of the first church has been changed into a mosque. The monastery itself was mainly destroyed and nowadays only the cisterns of it remained. As late as 1956 ancient floor mosaics were discovered under the flouring of the complex. From than the Zeyrek mosque was subject to diverse restoration projects and was closed for a long time. Now, it is again open to the public and many examples of Ottoman Baroque can be discovered in the interior decoration . Controversial to this style are the discovered floor mosaics which represent the original Byzantine decoration. After the Hagia Sophia it is the second largest existing religious monument from Byzantine times in Istanbul. Interesting are also the remainings of the colored glass which one was used in the church windows and exhibited diverse Christian Saints. To the East of the complex there is nowadays a restaurant and tea garden where you can enjoy a tea with an impressive view on the Zeyrek mosque.

GOOGLE ADSENSE

Zeyrek mosque by istanbul turkey.co.uk