page_title: Hagia Irene
section_title: Cross on the dome
hierarchical_section_title: Hagia Irene / History / Cross on the dome
caption_attribution_description: English: Exterior of Saint Irene Church, Istanbul, Turkey. "Ste Iréne / Sébah &amp; Joaillier". 1 photographic print&#160;: albumen.
context_page_description: Hagia Irene or Hagia Eirene, sometimes known also as Saint Irene, is an Eastern Orthodox church located in the outer courtyard of Topkapı Palace in Istanbul. It is one of the few churches in Istanbul that has not been converted into a mosque, as it was used as an arsenal for storing weapons until the 19th century. The Hagia Irene today operates as a museum and concert hall.
context_section_description: The cross on top of the dome has been replaced by the conquering Ottomans with the symbol of Islam, the crescent moon.
caption: Hagia Eirene (photo between 1888 and 1910). The current building dates from 532. Its predecessor was the first church commissioned by Constantine in Constantinople.
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