Aya Irini, Greek.Agia Irini, one of the earliest surviving churches in Constantinople, dedicated to the "Holy World", is located in the Sultanahmet district, in the first courtyard of the Topkapi Palace, next to St. Sophia Cathedral. Here are some key facts about her: 1. One of the oldest: Aya Irini Church is one of the oldest and most significant Byzantine churches in Istanbul. It was built in the 4th century under Emperor Constantine I, even before the construction of St. Sophia Cathedral. 2. History of rebuilding: The church was severely damaged by fires and earthquakes and was rebuilt several times. The current structure largely dates back to the period after the earthquake of 740, when it was rebuilt by Emperor Constantine V. 3. Interior feature: Its interior is unique in that it reflects the period of iconoclasm (8th-9th centuries). Instead of the traditional figurative mosaics and frescoes of saints, there is a simple but majestic cross in the apse. This is one of the few surviving evidences of Byzantine iconoclastic art. 4. It has never been a mosque: Unlike many other Byzantine churches in Istanbul, Ayia Irini was never converted into a mosque after the Ottomans conquered Constantinople in 1453. It was used as an arsenal (weapons depot), and then as an imperial museum. Thanks to this, she has retained many of her original features. 5. Museum and Concert Hall: Today it is a museum and is not a functioning church. It is widely known for its excellent acoustics and is often used for classical music concerts, especially during the Istanbul International Music Festival. A visit to Ayia Irini provides a unique opportunity to touch early Byzantine history and art, as well as to see a rare example of the iconoclastic period.

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Фёдор Архангельский

Level 7 Local Expert

While everyone was queuing in Hagia Sophia, I came here on the occasion of my visit to the Topkapi Palace, and I can say that this is one of the most vivid impressions of all the tourist attractions I have seen. An incredibly atmospheric place that has remained virtually untouched since its foundation, as I understand it. The real cradle of Orthodoxy, the age of which is felt almost palpably. If you look closely, you can see the faint remains of frescoes on the columns and ceilings. This church was not turned into a mosque at the time, and in my opinion it gives the most plausible idea of how it all began. The exterior of the building also remained virtually untouched, except that instead of a cross, a crescent moon. It's very unsociable here, with the crowds in Topkapi, and many people avoid it, which is good, because you can take a break from the noise and jostling in queues at the palace and immerse yourself in the lingering atmosphere of antiquity. I hope that during the restoration work that is apparently being carried out here, they will not be engaged in reconstruction, but simply make the building safe to visit, preserving its current appearance. Such, albeit very tired, but authentic historical artifacts, in my opinion, are more valuable than even the most high-quality reconstructions.

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Hagia Eirene Museum

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