Hagia Irene

Hagia Irene is an Eastern Orthodox church in the outer courtyard of Topkapı Palace, Istanbul. It is the city's oldest church and, along with the Church of Saint Mary of the Mongols, one of the few Byzantine churches never converted into a mosque. Used as an arsenal until the 19th century, it now serves as a museum and concert hall.

History & Architecture

Believed to stand on a pre-Christian temple, Hagia Irene predates Hagia Sophia, originally built under Constantine I in the 4th century. It served as the Patriarchate's church until Hagia Sophia's completion in 360. Destroyed in the Nika Revolt (532), it was rebuilt by Justinian I in 548 and later restored by Constantine V after an earthquake in 740.

The church follows a basilica plan with a cross-domed gallery level. It features Byzantine mosaics, including an Iconoclastic-era cross, and houses the city's only surviving synthronon (clergy seating).

Ottoman & Modern Use

After Constantinople fell in 1453, Hagia Irene became an arsenal for the Janissaries and later a military museum (1726–1978). Since 1980, it has hosted classical music concerts, particularly during the Istanbul International Music Festival. Open to the public since 2014, it remains a significant historical and cultural site.

Address
Topkapı Sarayı 1, Istanbul, Turkey

Established
4th century AD