Ebook: Museum Of Chora. Mosaic and frescoes

The church of the monastery of Chara, situated in the Edirnekapı quarter of Istanbul today, was re-erected by the Emperor Justinianos on the site of an ancient chapel within the premises of a monastery. The monastery was named as 'chora' meaning a land outside of the city walls, but had continued to be referred to as 'chora' even after the borders of the city had been expanded beyond it.

Having reached to the Komnenos era with some repairs and restorations, it suffered the same fate of the city's other churches during the Latin invasion and was in ruins. However, after the invasion, it was restored by Theodor Metochites who was an important figure of his time, and it was decorated with mosaics that arouse in the beholder a deep sense of admiration even today.

Metochites who dedicated himself to the restoration of this monastery and church, and who adorned the church with unique mosaics, had a cemetery chapel erected there as well. This chapel was also adorned with mosaics and frescoes by himself. Although Metochites successfully attained important roles in the political and social life of his period, he fell into disfavor upon the downfall of the emperor and was sent into exile. Later on, when he was pardoned and permitted to return to Istanbul, he was installed in his beloved monastery and lived there as a destitute monk until his death. We have given a particular attention to Theodor Metochites and to his turbulent life in this book, taking into consideration his integral role in the worldwide fame of the Chara Monastery thanks to the decorations made between the years 1303 and 1320.

In order for the visitor of the Chara Museum to easily follow the mosaics and frescoes, we have assigned them numbers, starting from the left side of the nartex, without considering the chronological order, and included them all in our book. Moreover, we have put the theme of each mosaic next to its picture. Thus, the mosaics and their stories have attained an integrity for the reader.

In our book, we have tried to present to you the unique mosaics and frescoes of this church which perfectly reflects the Palaiologos era of the Byzantine Art. Now, we leave you alone with these magnificient mosaics and their mysterious world.