The History of Hagia Sophia
The Hagia Sophia is an iconic Byzantine-era cathedral located in Istanbul, Turkey. It is one of the most important monuments of the Byzantine period, and its history dates back to the 6th century.
Construction of Hagia Sophia
The construction of the Hagia Sophia began in 532 AD, under the orders of the Byzantine emperor Justinian I. The construction was completed in 537 AD, and the cathedral was consecrated on December 27, 537. It was built to replace an earlier church which had been destroyed during a riot in 532 AD.
Architecture of Hagia Sophia
The Hagia Sophia is an example of Byzantine architecture, and its design is based on a central dome, surrounded by a series of smaller domes and semi-domes. The central dome is 55.6 meters (182.5 feet) in diameter, and is supported by four massive piers. The exterior of the building is clad in white marble, while the interior is decorated with a variety of mosaics, paintings, and marble carvings.
The Function of Hagia Sophia
The Hagia Sophia was originally built as a Christian cathedral, and it served as the seat of the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople until the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople in 1453. Following the Ottoman conquest, the Hagia Sophia was converted into a mosque, and it served as such until 1935. In 1935, it was converted into a museum, and it has since become one of the most popular tourist attractions in Istanbul.
The Legacy of Hagia Sophia
The Hagia Sophia is an important symbol of the Byzantine Empire, and its architectural and historical significance has been recognized by UNESCO, which declared it a World Heritage Site in 1985. The Hagia Sophia is a popular tourist attraction, and it is estimated that more than 3 million people visit the Hagia Sophia each year.
Conclusion
The Hagia Sophia is an iconic symbol of the Byzantine Empire, and its history and architecture have made it one of the most popular tourist attractions in Istanbul. Its legacy continues to live on, and it remains an important symbol of the city of Istanbul and the Byzantine Empire.