Hagia Eirene Church in Istanbul One of the most important works of Fatih tourism in Istanbul is the Hagia Eirene Church. Many Christian people come to Istanbul to visit this church. The architectural structure of the work from the Byzantine Empire is in the same line as the other Byzantine artifacts. The fact that it is located in the first courtyard of Topkapi Palace Museum is also important in terms of reflecting the tolerance of the Ottoman State tradition.
When you think of the Byzantine churches in Istanbul, it will not be difficult to say that this is the largest. Of course, Hagia Sophia was the largest church before Fatih Sultan Mehmet converted it into a mosque. Mehmet the Conqueror turned the church into a mosque because he did not see the existence of such a large church in the center of Istanbul. Hagia Sophia, which was converted into a mosque by Fatih Sultan Mehmet, who also had a foundation about the mosque, was turned into a museum during the Republican period.
A Brief History of Hagia Irene Church
The construction of the church dates back to the 320s. In this respect, it is quite old. It is known that it was built during the reign of Constantine on the ruins in the land where these churches were found with stones brought from the temples of Artemis, Aphrodite and Apollo in Roman times. It is known that the church was burned as a result of the great uprising in 532. However, it was later rebuilt by Justinian. It was burned in Hagia Sophia during the uprising and was built by the same ruler. This time of reconstruction coincides with the 535s.
Single Atrium Church
The church, which remained within the walls of Topkapı Palace after the conquest of Istanbul, has survived to the present day with its original preservation. In Byzantine church architecture, the only atrium church is known as Hagia Irene. You can tell from the courtyard and surrounding porticoes in the middle. However, those who are very interested in the shrines of beliefs can compare this structure of Hagia Irene church to those of Pagan beliefs. Inside the church are the crucifix symbolizing Jesus and drawings representing Golgotha, the hill on which Jesus is hanged. The entrance consists of the main space and the courtyard. The half-dome has gold castings. In addition, a huge cross was made in mosaic embroidery. There is an inscription from the Torah over the apse in the dome. The inscription from the Torah on the apse ’The name of the god who made his ascent to heaven space with his good works on earth is God’
Fatih Sultan Mehmet Khan does not turn this place into a mosque and leaves it to the Christian nation. The church was used as a weapon store in some periods. In 1846, it was used as a museum where Turkish maritime artifacts were exhibited with the initiatives of Ahmet Fethi Pasha. In this sense, we can say that the first museum work in Turkey based on the year 1846.
When Can You Visit Hagia Eirene Church?
Hagia Irene Church was recently closed due to renovation. However, the work done by the Ministry of Culture was over and the church was reopened to visit.
It is possible to visit the church at any time except on Tuesday. You can visit between 09:00 and 17:00. You can buy up to 16 hours. Therefore, do not stay after 16.
Entrance Fee to Hagia Eirene Church 2020
You can enter using your museum card. Otherwise you have to pay a fee of 36 TL. You cannot use the ticket for the Hagia Irene for Topkapi Palace. You have to buy separate tickets for both.
Where is Hagia Eirene Church?
Address: Cankurtaran Mh. 34122 – Fatih / Istanbul
Phone: (0212) 522 1750
How to get there ?: Those who have a private car should take the E5 road in the direction of Eminönü. When you proceed in this direction, you can deviate to the place where the sign of Sultan Ahmet is written and you can park your car in Sultan Ahmet and continue on foot and reach the Church. Those who do not have a private vehicle will only need to use the Kabataş train line. You can reach the church on foot by descending the train passing in the direction of Sultan Ahmet. Click here for location information.
If you want to take a look at our list of places we have created for Fatih, let us take you as follows. 🙂
