Church of Theotokos Pammakaristos (Joyous Mother of God Church, now Fethiye Camii), Istanbul

History

The Church of Theotokos Pammakaristos (Joyous Mother of God Church) was built in 1292 by John Comnenus, probably related to the royal family, and his wife Anna Doukaina.

Later additions and renovations were made, including the construction of a side chapel in 1315 to house the remains of Michael Glabas, a former general, and his family.

In 1456 the church became the seat of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate and remained so until 1568, when the Patriarchate moved to its present location in Fener.

Five years later Murat III converted the church into a mosque and renamed it in honor of his conquest over Georgia and Azerbaijan. To accommodate the requirements of prayer, most of the interior walls were removed to create a larger inner space.
What to See

The interior of the church/mosque contains the restored remains of a number of Byzantine mosaic panels equal in artistry, though not as varied, as those in the Church of St. Savior in Chora (Kariye Camii).

In the dome is a representation of the Pantocrator surrounded by prophets (Moses, Jeremiah, Zephaniah, Micah, Joel, Zechariah, Obadiah, Habakkuk, Jonah, Malachi, Ezekiel, and Isaia). In the apse Christ Hyperagathos is shown with the Virgin and St. John the Baptist. The Baptism of Christ survives intact to the right of the dome.
Visitor Information for St. Savior in Chora (Kariye Camii)
Location: From the Kariye Camii, follow Draman Cad. (which becomes Fethiye Cad.); turn left onto Fethiyekapisi Sok. (just before the road bends sharply to the right)
Hours: Currently closed for restorations. To visit, contact the Ayasofya Museum Directorate at tel. 0212/522-1750