Fethiye Museum History, Exhibits, Entrance Fee, and Visiting Hours

The Fethiye Museum, located in the Balat neighborhood of Fatih district in Istanbul, is a site steeped in history and religious significance. However, it’s currently closed for renovations.

Key Information about the Fethiye Museum:

1. Opening/Closing Hours:
   • Currently, the museum is closed for renovations, and thus the opening and closing hours are not applicable.
2. Closed Days:
   • The museum is normally open every day, but it’s currently closed for renovation.
3. Address:
   • Located in the Balat neighborhood of Fatih, Istanbul.
4. Contact:
   • Email: [email protected]
   • Phone: 02126351273
5. Admission Fee:
   • The entry fee is 60 TL, but the museum is currently closed to visitors.
6. Description:
   • The Fethiye Museum, originally the Pammakaristos Church, was rebuilt on the ruins of an older church after the end of Latin rule in 1261. The north section was dedicated to the Virgin Mary.
   • Between 1292 and 1294, the building was restored by Michael Glabas Ducas Tarchainotes, a nephew of Byzantine Emperor Michael VIII Palaiologos. In 1315, a small side church (parekklesion) dedicated to Jesus Christ was added by his wife Maria.
   • This side church, which served as a burial chapel, contains the graves of Maria and Michael. After the conquest of Istanbul, it was used as a nunnery, and in 1455, it became the seat of the Patriarchate until 1586.
   • During the Ottoman era, Sultan Murad III converted the church into a mosque and named it Fethiye (meaning ‘conquest’). It underwent major renovations between 1845 and 1846.
   • The parekklesion features a narthex and a gallery, with a dome of 2.30 meters in diameter. The building’s facades reflect the characteristics of late Byzantine architecture.
   • The parekklesion’s dome and walls are adorned with 14th-century mosaics, depicting various religious figures and scenes.

The Fethiye Museum represents a remarkable blend of Byzantine and Ottoman history and architecture. Once the renovations are complete, it will continue to offer visitors a unique glimpse into Istanbul’s rich past.