Istanbul’s Historic Chora Monastery Converted to Mosque

The Byzantine-era Chora Monastery in Istanbul has undergone a major transformation, transitioning from a museum to a functioning mosque, local media reported yesterday.

This change follows a decision by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to reverse a 1945 government ruling that had designated the site as a museum.

Erdogan presided over a ceremony on Monday celebrating the completion of restoration efforts by Turkey’s Directorate General of Foundations, which safeguarded 201 historical sites including the Chora Monastery.

The Chora Monastery, dating back to the 6th century AD, is renowned for its elaborate mosaics and frescoes created between 1305-1320 AD. It stands as a testament to Byzantine artistry, alongside other notable landmarks like the Hagia Sophia, which was also converted into a mosque in 2020.

Registered as a U.N. World Heritage Site, its current status has drawn praise from Muslim faithful but criticism from Greece and other countries urging Turkey to preserve such important Byzantine monuments.