Merhaba! (hello in Turkish)
We arrived in Turkey this morning at 10:00am (turkey time). It was a long flight but well worth the effort. This morning we found our tour guide at the airport, his name is Isa, and we checked into our hotel. We had an open afternoon so Isa and our driver, Lokman, took us to the Chora Church.
The Chora Church has a long and complicated history...just like Turkey! It was originally built in the 5th century and the official name is Church of St. Savior in Chora. After many additions, rebuilding efforts, earthquakes, and restructuring the building we see today is dated roughly around the 14th century. It was also converted into a Mosque in the 16th Century. In 1948 the church became a museum.
The Church is known for the Christian frescoes and mosaics that are inside. All of them had been covered with plaster but have been restored as much as possible. The ceilings tell stories and one must have strong neck to fully appreciate the art. You can learn more about Chora Church by visiting their website: http://www.choramuseum.com/
We have ventured out just a bit in Istanbul and already I am excited about what adventures await us. We have a full day tomorrow and I am hope to be over the jet lag. We are about 8 hours ahead of our friends in the midwest and I for one have not adjusted quite yet!
Taking my shoes off for a little nap...
until tomorrow,
Melissa
We arrived in Turkey this morning at 10:00am (turkey time). It was a long flight but well worth the effort. This morning we found our tour guide at the airport, his name is Isa, and we checked into our hotel. We had an open afternoon so Isa and our driver, Lokman, took us to the Chora Church.
The Chora Church has a long and complicated history...just like Turkey! It was originally built in the 5th century and the official name is Church of St. Savior in Chora. After many additions, rebuilding efforts, earthquakes, and restructuring the building we see today is dated roughly around the 14th century. It was also converted into a Mosque in the 16th Century. In 1948 the church became a museum.
The Church is known for the Christian frescoes and mosaics that are inside. All of them had been covered with plaster but have been restored as much as possible. The ceilings tell stories and one must have strong neck to fully appreciate the art. You can learn more about Chora Church by visiting their website: http://www.choramuseum.com/
We have ventured out just a bit in Istanbul and already I am excited about what adventures await us. We have a full day tomorrow and I am hope to be over the jet lag. We are about 8 hours ahead of our friends in the midwest and I for one have not adjusted quite yet!
Taking my shoes off for a little nap...
until tomorrow,
Melissa
Happy that you made it there safely! Hope you are able to get some rest and catch up on some much needed sleep! Can't wait to continue reading... :)
ReplyDeleteSo glad you are there safely. Nice post. We look forward to more accounts of your adventures. Blessings.
ReplyDeleteFrancisco
Glad you're there and off to a good start with your adventures. I look forward to keeping up with you through your blogs.
ReplyDeletehope you had a great nap and get used to the time change fast! enjoy your adventure -- can't wait to hear more.
ReplyDelete