Church of Chora: Istanbul's Byzantine Marvel

Abstract

The Church of Chora book is the most comprehensive digital guide describing some of the oldest and finest surviving Byzantine mosaics and frescoes in the Church of the Holy Saviour (formerly the Kariye Camii and now the Kariye Müzesi) in Chora located in Edirnekapı district, Istanbul, Turkey. The Church of Chora book has been created with such passion and zest, the way I always feel entering the building. The use of interactive maps, voice narrations, and videos greatly improve reader experience. It provides unique and very detailed photographs capturing some of the oldest and finest surviving Byzantine mosaics and frescoes as well as citations and references from the Old and New Testament. It gives readers an opportunity to learn about the life of the Virgin Mary and Jesus Christ among other biblical events. One evidently comes to appreciate the work of Theodoros Metochites, the church’s main instigator. It’s an emotional feeling one gets seeing the grand Byzantine architecture and exquisite detailed work all around the building, delivering a stunning experience for any visitor. You will dive deep into the beautiful depiction of Christianity as this digital guide will educate, entertain, and hopefully bring you to visit Istanbul and see its magnificence.