The Church of St. Mary Pammacaristos
The Church of St. Mary Pammacaristos was transformed into a mosque and underwent numerous renovations and additions after the Ottoman Empire conquered Constantinople in 1453. The mosque's architecture features a mix of Byzantine and Ottoman styles, with a central dome, two semidomes, and two minarets. The mosque also features beautiful tile work, intricate stonework, and a large courtyard with a fountain. Inside the mosque, visitors can still see many of the original mosaics that adorn the walls and ceilings. These mosaics depict scenes from the life of Christ and the Virgin Mary, and are considered to be some of the finest examples of Byzantine art in Istanbul. The mosque also houses the tomb of the Ottoman Grand Vizier Mahmud Pasha, which is located in a small chamber near the mosque's entrance. Overall, the Church of St. Mary Pammacaristos is an important religious and cultural site in Istanbul, and a testament to the city's rich and diverse history.