Tours

Discovering the Best of Hagia Eirene Museum: A Journey Through Time

Istanbul attracts many visitors all around the world for its charming natural beauty, vibrant nightlife and historical significance. It has been a home for great empires, including Byzantine and Ottoman. Istanbul’s rich history is evident in well-preserved museums and churches. Among these, the Hagia Eirene Museum is definitely worth-seeing.

The Hagia Eirene Museum, located within the infamous Topkapı Palace, holds a great historical importance for it has been the oldest church of the Eastern Roman (Byzantine) Empire. It is also the second largest church in Istanbul, following remarkable Hagia Sophia. It had served to the People of Empire as a church for a long time, and gained a symbolic status. This architecturally amazing and historically significant church opens up its gates as a museum and displays valuable artifacts.

In other words, it is a perfect blend of history and art. Its rich past proves that Istanbul had been a great city for many reasons before as it is now. Let’s dive deep into the Hagia Eirene Museum and make you aware of everything you need before planning your trip.

History of Hagia Eirene

hagia eirene history

Photo Credit

The name of Hagia Eirene (Aya İrini in Turkish) derives from Greek and simply means holy peace or divine peace in English. Hagia has been used in Byzantine Empire a lot for churches and monasteries to emphasize that they hold a religious significance. Eirene, on the other hand, refers to the Greek mythology. It was considered one kind of Horae, who were goddesses of the seasons and natural order. Their tranquil and calm character reflects the peaceful feature embodied in their personified form and. It also reflected the moral justice that is compatible with the nature. Hence, they were often depicted as they carry a cornucopia, scepter and torch. In short, Hagia Eirene reflects the Byzantine Church tradition that puts value divine peace before anything else.

Construction of the original church

Hagia Eirene Motives

The construction of Hagia Irene Church splits into two time-period. Originally, Emperor Constantine I who is known as the founder of Istanbul and was the first Christian emperor, ordered for the first construction. Its early form had mostly a wooden structure and its construction was finished around 360 AD. However, in the 6th century, the church was destructed during the riots that took place in 532 AD. Luckily, the Byzantine Emperor Justinian I had put great value on the church’s reconstruction between 532 and 537 AD. He summoned the Anthemius of Tralles and Isidore of Miletus who were the great architects of their time and assigned the reconstruction of the church into their talent.

The reconstruction period involved re-design and expansion as well. The skilled architects focused on the merge of Roman and Byzantine architectural components. Marble decorations, mosaics and frescoes had been added to the walls of the church. Unfortunately, most of these did not survive throughout the tough history of earthquakes.

Transformation of the church into a museum

After the Ottoman had conquered Istanbul in 1453, the church had continued to be a sacred place of worship for Orthodox Christians. In the 19th century, the Hagia Eirene had been converted into National Military Museum. In the 20th century, the dissolve of the Ottoman Empire and the foundation of Turkiye Republic as a national sovereign state had led the transformation of church into an official museum preserving its name. In 1935, Turkish government issued the closure of Hagia Irene Church as a sacred place of worship. Such issue was part of a general attempt to separate religion and state affairs. The modern Turkiye Republic had also knew its importance; therefore, Hagia Irene Church had been transformed into museum shortly after its closure. The status of museum ensured that church’s great historical and artistic artifacts are well-preserved.

Architecture of Hagia Eirene

Hagia Eirene exterior istanbul

Unlike the interior design of the museum, its exteriority is much well-preserved and authentic. It has the basilica-style design that is also evident in early Christian churches. Its shape is rectangular and has a central hall which also opens up to two side aisles. The main entrée is located at the west side, and from there to another end, there is a longitudinal axis.

The construction material used in the exterior of the church is mostly bricks and stones. The bricks are arranged in a way that reflect unique patterns in the walls. The stones frame the doorway of the main entrée and adds to its eye-amazing style.

The roof had been made of wooden material originally, but through some renovations, it is now covered with red tiles that reflects the impact of Turkish traditional architecture. Stone carving and intricate brickwork patterns alongside the numerous windows adds to the glory of church.

Interior design of the museum

Hagia Eirene design

Photo Credit

The interior design of the Hagia Eirene reflects a mix of Byzantine and Roman architectural elements. It is in line with the basilica plan that is a central nave and two side aisles. The nave serves as central hall and is wider and higher than side aisles. Both the nave and aisles are split by columns and arches. The marble and granite stones are used in the columns. Some of the columns also have Corinthian capitals that add to the ornate design.

Though many original mosaics and frescoes have been damaged, their imprint is still visible to the eye. Such sophisticated artworks had depicted religious ceremonies, saints and ornamental designs. Although they are not seen as fully, to trace them is surely worth-discovering. Carved stones and marble details that are visible on the columns, arches and walls also add to its stunning visuals.

Unique features of the museum

Hagia Eirene museum acoustic

The first and foremost unique feature of the Hagia Eirene is that it is the oldest church in Istanbul. Constructed in the 4th century, it is definitely a historical landmark in the city.

Due to its interior architectural design, the Hagia Eirene is well-known as one of the best acoustic places in the city. Thanks to such exceptional acoustics, the Hagia Eirene also serves as an acclaimed venue for musical performances and live concerts.

In align with its name, the Hagia Eirene Museum offers a tranquil and relaxed atmosphere where you can enjoy the history in a peaceful mood.

It is also known as unaltered church unlike its counterpart, Hagia Sophia that had been converted into mosque in the Ottoman era. However, the Hagia Eirene served a long time as a remarkable Orthodox Church until the 1935. Then It has been converted into a museum, showcasing the artifacts that belong to both Roman and Byzantine period.

Artifacts in Hagia Eirene Museum

hagia eirene hallways interior

The Hagia Eirene Museum displays a range of historical and artistic artifacts from different eras including the Byzantine, Roman and Ottoman cultures. In terms of the Byzantine artifacts, architectural fragments, sculptures and inscriptions are worth-seeing. These offer a grounded insight into the historical and cultural legacy of the Byzantine Empire.

The Roman heritage is also evident in a collection including sculptures, statues, reliefs and architectural designs. The Ottoman impact, on the other hand, is mostly visible on ceramics, textiles and calligraphies. Moreover, the museum displays icons, religions paintings, crosses and other components that reflect the Christian devotion and religious significance.

The mosaics of Hagia Eirene and Byzantine Iconoclasm

In comparison to its counterpart the Hagia Sophia, the Hagia Eirene is less ornamented with mosaics. And most of the original mosaics either have been lost or damaged throughout time. However, there are still traces of such mosaics that depict religious scenes, saints and icons. Among these, the most well-known mosaics have located on the apse. The gold bronze mosaics have a wide cross and a versicle from the Old Bible on its arches.

The Byzantine iconoclasm was known as an anti-iconoclast movement within the Orthodox Christianity and Byzantine Empire had been evident in the matters of Constantine V. Therefore, in some of the Christian churches, the detailed depictions of Jesus and his disciples are missing. Rather, cross had been used as a main figure of Christian faith and devotion. The Hagia Eirene Cross takes its meaning from such tradition.

Opening Hours, Tickets and Transportation

  • The Hagia Eirene Museum is open between 9:00 am and 18:00 pm. You can visit museum every day except Tuesdays.
  • As of June 2023, the entry ticket costs for 45 TL for Turkish visitors. For international visitors, it costs 180 TL. You can also choose to have a comprehensive ticket that gives you access to Topkapı Palace, its four courtyards and the Hagia Eirene Museum.
  • The best transportation options to get to the museum depends on where you are. The museum is located in the Fatih district, and more specifically on the Sultanahmet. The most practical way to get there is to get on Bağcılar-Kabataş tram and get off on Topkapı stop. This option seems best if you are already on the European side of the city.
  • If you are on Asian side, you can take the ferry from Kadıköy or Üsküdar to Eminönü route. You can get off at Eminönü and take the tram. It would take approximately 10 minutes from Eminönü to Topkapı.
  • If you are using Marmaray, you can get off at Sirkeci stop and take tram from there. If you are at the Taksim Square, then you can use funicular railway, get off at Kabataş and take the tram to Topkapı route.

As last remark, I assume many of you would visit Topkapı Palace and the Hagia Sophia as they have been the historically and architecturally important monuments that reflect arts and culture of a rich past. However, the Hagia Eirene is also worth-seeing, being the oldest church in Istanbul. So, visit the Museum, get to know its rich history, and find a divine peace and let us know.

FAQs

Why was Hagia Eirene important?

The Hagia Eirene is significant because it was the oldest Christian church in İstanbul. Its construction dates back to 4th century. It had been a religious monument of the Byzantine Empire and Orthodox Christianity.

Is Hagia Eirene a church or museum?

The Hagia Eirene had served as a church for quite long time. However, the Ottomans have turned it into museum in 18th century to display military artifacts. In 20th century, it has officially turned into museum and display historically and aesthetically valuable artifacts since then.

Who built the Hagia Eirene?

The first Christian Emperor of the Byzantines, namely Constantine I, had built the Hagia Eirene in 4th century. Yet it was devastated during the riots in the 6th century. Then, the Emperor Justinian I had pioneered for its renovation and expansion.

Is Hagia EIrene the same as Hagia Sophia?

No. Though they share a land and have roots in Byzantine era, they differ in terms of purpose, current use, and architectural elements. Hagia Sophia had been converted into mosque by Ottomans in 15th century whereas the Hagia Eirene had served as a church before it was converted into museum in 18th century.

How much time should one spend in Hagia Eirene Museum?

The Hagia Eirene Museum is relatively smaller. Depending upon your interest in the artifacts, 1-2 hours would suffice. But you may want to consider to attend a musical performance and enjoy the acoustic sound at its best, or chill in its tranquil garden.
Rate this post

Ogün Demirci

I like to go where grass is greener.
Related Articles

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Back to top button
dini sohbetler sohbet elektronik sigara islami sohbetler islami sohbet muzik indir grup sex islami sohbet çeşme escort mavibet güncel kavbet güncel pusulabet güncel hitbet güncel jojobet güncel bettilt güncel sekabet güncel sahabet güncel bahsegel güncel holiganbet güncel baywin güncel tümbet güncel casibom güncel