Mosaics of Naos

The mosaics of Naos in Chora Church (Kariye Camii) include the mosaics of Death of the Virgin, Virgin Virgin Hodegetria, and Jesus Christ. The Death of the Virgin (Greek: Η Κοίμηση της Θεοτόκου) mosaic is above the main entrance, on the western wall of the Naos, and it depicts the death of the Virgin lying stretched out on a funeral bier, surrounded by apostles. Jesus Christ in a double mandorla (an almond-shaped light surrounding the entire figure of a holy person), standing behind the deathbed of the Virgin, holding the swaddled infant in His hand symbolizing the soul of the Virgin Mary being born into eternal life.

The south side of the templon panel of the bema depicts the Virgin Hodegetria (Greek: Oδηγήτρια), one who shows the way holding the Child Christ. Virgin Mary is standing on a terrace, her head is slightly tilted to Child Christ on her arms, and she is looking thoughtful.

The mosaic of Jesus Christ is at the north side of the templon panel of the bema standing in full profile holding the Book of Gospels, open to Matthew 11:28.

Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest, peace beyond all striving, renewal for your spirit.

Chora Church (Kariye Camii) Naos Interactive Map, Book Map, chora museum hours, chora church facts, byzantine museum istanbul

Mosaics of Naos


Chora Project Collection
This gallery is part of the Church of Chora Project. View all 300+ high-resolution photographs and interactive maps in the Interactive eBook. Elias Sarantopoulos