Hagia Sophia

The "Precious Diamond" of Istanbul
Hagia Sophia
A typical example of Roman architectural tradition, the Hagia Sophia, meaning the Church of Holy
Wisdom, was erected by the Byzantine Emperor Justinian I in the 6th century. This building, at the
time of its construction, was incomparable in its greatness to that of any other building of the
times, and remains so today after a thousand five hundred years.

The Sophia, was so magnificent in appearance at the time of its construction that people of the time believed that the church could not have been built by human hands alone but "only with the help of divine support." This great temple was dedicated to "the Holy Spirit" (Sophia) in the trinity belief of Christianity. Originally a basilica covered by a wooden ceiling, Hagia Sophia burned down twice, in the years of 404 and 532. Emperor Justinian I (527-565), who had suppressed an uprising that caused the second fire, decided to construct a magnificent place of worship and he commissioned two architects for the task, Isidore of Miletus and Anthemius of Tralles. During the 5-year construction no financial restrictions limited the project, so to add to the grandeur of the structure, pagan pillars were taken from Ephesus and the Temple of Artemis and brought to Constantinople. Upon conquering Constantinople on
The Ottomans showed great respect for this magnificent building and the Hagia Sophia continued to act as a place of worship by the Ottomans
after the conquest of Istanbul.It was used as a mousque for nearly 500 years.

Archiectural features
museum entrance, located on ; west side in the garden, was ie original gate, which began to e used again after a long period f time. The high gate placed in the middle of the entrance is "the Gate of the Empire" and the mosaic panel on the gate was added at the end of the 9th century. You can also see the portraits of the Virgin Mary and the Angel Gabriel, at the lateral medallions. When you enter the Hagia Sophia you will likely be hypnotized by its splendid dome. This dome, which covers the top of the building, appears to be floating in the air like a cloud. The walls and ceilings are covered with colorful marble and mosaics. In total, there are 107 pillars at the entry level and in the galleries. The pillar capitals are the most characteristic architectural example of 6th century Byzantine style. The deep and intricately carved marble, another decorative style distinct of the 6th century, creates optical illusions with the wistful light and shadow that enter through the windows. Carvings in the marble show an array of detail including the monograms of past emperors in the middle. Within the apse semi-dome there is a mosaic showing the Virgin Mary holding the Christ Child and a mosaic of the Angel Gabriel on the right side.
The large leather discs on the walls at the gallery level recall the historical period w hen
the building was used as a mosque. The calligraphy written by the best craftsmen of the mid-19th century render die discs pieces of art of great value in themselves. The names of Allah, Mohammed the prophet of Islam, the four main caliphates, and Hasan and Hussein are inscribed on them. The base of "the sweating pillar" located at the north side of the building is encircled with a bronze belt. It is believed that if you put your fingers into the hole on this pillar and makes a wish, the wish will be granted. There is one mosaic panel at the northern flank and three mosaic panels consisting of a trio of figures at the southern flank. The masterpiece panel of Byzantine mosaic art is placed at the south gallery, where sunlight enters from the window next to it. This is die trio figure, known as "Diesis." The figures represented are that of Jesus in the middle, Mary on the right, and Joseph on the left.
The "Precious Diamond" of Istanbul
Hagia Sophia MUSEUM Open daily except Monday, 9.00 AM- 4.30 PM.