The mosaics and frescoes in the previous Chora Church (now Kariye Mosque) are breathtaking. A must for Orthodox and any other Christians to see. Many are fully intact. Our guide, Erdem, did a great job explaining the images from all viewpoints- Christianity, Islam and even some Jewish. He explained the biblical stories and how similar images are found in Hagia Sophia and Cappadocia. His explanations were wonderful.
From there we walked us thru Balat and eventually to the Church of St George at the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate.
At the end, he helped us onto our first tram ride and explained the best way to take a ferry ride on the Bosporus.
It was a great day spent in Istanbul.
Thanks Erdem.
J
Joanne_S
August 28, 2026 · via Viator
Chora - a MUST see in Istanbul
The mosaics and frescoes in the previous Chora Church (now Kariye Mosque) are breathtaking. A must for Orthodox and any other Christians to see. Many are fully intact. Our guide, Erdem, did a great job explaining the images from all viewpoints- Christianity, Islam and even some Jewish. He explained the biblical stories and how similar images are found in Hagia Sophia and Cappadocia. His explanations were wonderful.
From there we walked us thru Balat and eventually to the Church of St George at the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate.
At the end, he helped us onto our first tram ride and explained the best way to take a ferry ride on the Bosporus.
It was a great morning spent in Istanbul.
Thanks Erdem.
J
johnmY5940CE
June 18, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Excellent tour
Great experience. He was very well informed about the history of the area.
E
E1563VHbillw
May 18, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Chora Church and Balat walking tour
This was a wonderful tour with Erdem which commenced at the Chora Church and its wonderful mosaics. We had been met at our hotel earlier with Erdem and travelled in a taxi to the church together. Erdem provided detailed information about the mosaics and the history of the church which was fascinating. We also visited the Tekfur Palace museum with its panoramic views of Istanbul before commencing our downhill walk through Fener and Balat. We had lovely lunch route and saw many interesting sights. Returned via tram from Balat with our guide Erdem to our hotel.
