Editor: Rasim Terzi (Fri, Jun 28, 2024 6:04 PM) Chora Naos Free Quote

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Chora Naos Mosaics

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Chora Naos

 

The naos section of Kariye has been used as a mosque since 2024. Consequently, the three mosaics in the naos section have not been visible since then.

1. **Virgin Mary and Child Jesus Mosaic**

   - This mosaic depicts the Virgin Mary holding the Child Jesus, who is known as "He Who Contained the Uncontainable."

 

2. **Christ Jesus Mosaic**

   - In this mosaic, Christ Jesus is holding an open Gospel book in His right hand. The open page displays a passage from the Gospel of Matthew 11:28 in Greek: "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest."

3. **Dormition of the Virgin Mary Mosaic**

   - This mosaic shows Christ taking the soul of the Virgin Mary to heaven. The Virgin Mary lived in Jerusalem with two virgins. Three days before her Dormition, the Holy Spirit came to Mary and told her that she would fall into a sleep from which she would not awaken. The Holy Spirit also informed the other apostles. In this mosaic at Kariye, all the apostles except Thomas are present to witness the Virgin Mary's Dormition. Apostle Thomas, known for his skepticism, is not included in this scene. Another account suggests that Thomas was the founder of the church in India and was too far away to witness the Dormition. The infant Christ holds in His hands represents the sinlessness of the Virgin Mary. Saint Paul is also depicted in this scene.

In the naos section of Kariye, there are pots behind the holes in the pendentives of the dome. These were used to enhance the acoustics of the structure. The Ottomans utilized this sound system for the acoustics in their mosques for many years.

Fri, Jun 28, 2024 6:04 PM

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