Hagia Sophia Burials
The Hagia Sophia is one of the most famous and iconic structures in the world. It is a magnificent Byzantine church located in Istanbul, Turkey, that has been standing for over 1500 years. This majestic building has a long and rich history, and is home to a number of burials of some of the most important figures in the Byzantine Empire.
History of the Hagia Sophia
The Hagia Sophia was built in 537 AD by the Byzantine Emperor Justinian I. It served as the main church of the Byzantine Empire for centuries, and was one of the most important religious sites in the world. It was a symbol of the power of the Byzantine Empire and a symbol of Christianity in the East.
In 1453, the Ottoman Turks conquered Constantinople (present-day Istanbul) and converted the Hagia Sophia into a mosque. It served as a mosque for over 500 years, until the Turkish government decided to convert it into a museum in 1935. Today, it is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Istanbul and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Burials in the Hagia Sophia
The Hagia Sophia is home to a number of burials of some of the most important figures in the Byzantine Empire. These include:
- Emperor Justinian I – Justinian I was the Byzantine Emperor who ordered the construction of the Hagia Sophia. He was buried in the church upon his death in 565 AD.
- Emperor Constantine VII – Constantine VII was the Byzantine Emperor from 945-959 AD. He was buried in the Hagia Sophia in 959.
- Emperor Romanos III Argyros – Romanos III was the Byzantine Emperor from 1028-1034 AD. He was buried in the Hagia Sophia in 1034.
- Emperor Alexios I Komnenos – Alexios I was the Byzantine Emperor from 1081-1118 AD. He was buried in the Hagia Sophia in 1118.
- Emperor Manuel I Komnenos – Manuel I was the Byzantine Emperor from 1143-1180 AD. He was buried in the Hagia Sophia in 1180.
In addition to these imperial burials, the Hagia Sophia also contains the tombs of several important religious figures, including Patriarch Photios I and Patriarch Gregory II.
Preservation of the Burials
The burials in the Hagia Sophia have been preserved for centuries, despite the many changes the building has undergone over the years. During the period when the Hagia Sophia was a mosque, the tombs were covered up to respect the sanctity of the building. When it was converted into a museum, the tombs were uncovered and can now be viewed by visitors.
The preservation of the burials in the Hagia Sophia is an important part of the building’s history and a reminder of the many important figures who have been laid to rest there. It is also a testament to the lasting legacy of the Byzantine Empire and its many accomplishments.