Hagia Irene Church is among the most precious treasures of İstanbul with its history and magnificence. In recent years, this unique building has hosted legendary concerts. Our traveler couple Merve and Furkan rented a car on Yolcu360 and went to Hagia Irene Church. They visited, saw, and prepared this travel guide for you.
Hagia Irene Church Travel Guide: Topkapı Palace
Topkapi Palace is one of the iconic buildings in Istanbul. It was used as the administrative center of the Ottoman Empire, one of the largest empires in the history of the world. This palace is one of the most important places to visit in Old Istanbul with its unique structures and historical monuments as well as its external beauty. Hagia Irene Church is one of the most remarkable buildings in the outer courtyard of Topkapı Palace. In this article, we will talk about Hagia Irene Church.
Hagia Irene Church had its name written in history as the first church in Istanbul. After the city was conquered by the Ottoman Sultan Fatih Sultan Mehmet, it remained the only church that was not converted into a mosque. It was also registered as the first museum established during the Ottoman Empire. We will try to tell you the history, interesting features, and impressive atmosphere of Hagia Irene Church. Let’s start, cut a long story short.
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Where is Hagia Irene and How to Get There?
Hagia Irene is located in the Topkapı Palace in the Historic Peninsula, where the heart of Old Istanbul beats. Since the Historic Peninsula is the center of tourism in Istanbul, transportation here is very alternative and quite easy. But if you ask our advice, let your car park in Eminönü, then step into the historical streets of Hagia Irene. You can reach the Historic Peninsula by renting a car from your neighborhood or airport on Yolcu360. Do not start your trip without looking at the prices for car rental in İstanbul. You can also reach Topkapı Palace by coming from Yenikapı-Aksaray or Beşiktaş-Karaköy. If you are ready now, our tour starts.
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History of Hagia Irene
The construction of the Hagia Irene Church is dated to the beginning of the 4th century. It was built by the founder of the Eastern Roman Empire, Constantine I. He was an emperor who adopted Christianity while Pagan beliefs were widespread in Rome. Over time, he began to act to spread Christianity throughout the empire.
A woman named Penelope who comes to Istanbul is tortured because she does not adopt Christianity. Despite the tortures, she survives and is declared to Saint by Constantine I. Constantine I gives her the name of Saint Irene. The emperor also dedicates the first church built in the city to Penelope. Today, this unique historical work erases the rust of our eyes. It is called Hagia Irene Church, which means “Holy Peace Church”.
Hagia Eirene Church has survived various kinds of crises for many years that it has witnessed history. Unfortunately, it has not survived to the present day in its original form in the early 4th century. The building was first damaged in the middle of the 6th century. It would not be wrong to say that it is destroyed. The reason for this is the Nika uprising that erupted in the time of the Byzantine Emperor Justinian I. People who rebelled against the emperor burn the Hagia Irene Church because it forbade the Pagan belief within the borders of the Empire. However, Justinian I suppressed the uprising and rebuilt the church which was badly damaged in the fire.
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Hagia Irene
The church is exposed to another small fire in 564. The second major destruction of Hagia Irene Church is experienced by the earthquake that occurred in the middle of the 8th century. Again, it was badly damaged. The order to repair the church for the third time is given by Constantine V. It becomes the last view of Hagia Irene Church that has survived to the present day.
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The Condition of the Hagia Irene During the Ottoman Empire
Hagia Irene Church has special importance in Ottoman history. The most important thing proving this situation is that Hagia Irene was the only church that was not converted into a mosque after the conquest of Istanbul in 1453. In some sources, it is told that Fatih Sultan Mehmet gave the order not to be touched to the church in person and that he did this because of his respect for Saint İrene.
Of course, it is not allowed to use a church in the courtyard of Topkapı Palace as a place of worship. The building was used as a warehouse where weapons and loot were collected until the middle of the 19th century. In 1845, the Sultan Abdülmecit asked for the East Roman inscriptions he saw in Yalova to be transferred to Istanbul. Historical artifacts carried from Yalova are gathered in Hagia Irene Church and the first museum of the Ottoman Empire was opened in 1946.
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The Importance of Hagia Irene for Today
Hagia Irene has many features brought along with its rich history. Perhaps the most important of these is that it is one of the center points of belief tourism for Christians today. As we mentioned above, it is one of the most important examples of religious tolerance in these lands, as it is the only church that was not converted into a mosque after the conquest of Istanbul. It is not preferred by local tourists as there is a fee for entrance. In our opinion, Hagia Irene is one of the historical heritages that must be seen in Istanbul.
Also, let’s not go without adding that there are various concerts inside the church due to the magnificent acoustics of the building. If you bring your İstanbul tour to date with a concert at Hagia Irene Church, we also recommend that you do not miss this unique musical feast.
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