The Hagia Sophia exterior is one of the most iconic and recognizable pieces of architecture in the world. Built in the 6th century, it was originally a Christian basilica, but was converted to an Islamic mosque in the 15th century. The exterior of the Hagia Sophia is a stunning example of Byzantine architecture, with its imposing dome and intricate mosaics. The building has been a major tourist attraction for centuries and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
History
The Hagia Sophia was commissioned by the Byzantine Emperor Justinian I in 532 AD, and was completed in 537. The original design was by the famous architects Anthemius of Tralles and Isidore of Miletus. The building was designed to be the largest cathedral in the world, and the architects used a combination of engineering and architectural techniques to create an impressive structure.
The building was damaged in riots in 532 and again in 558, but was restored to its original glory. During the Fourth Crusade, the Hagia Sophia was sacked by the Crusaders and its mosaics were destroyed. In the 15th century, the building was converted to a mosque and its interior was decorated with Islamic art and calligraphy.
Architecture
The Hagia Sophia has a distinctive architectural style, which is a combination of Byzantine and Islamic elements. The most striking feature is the large central dome, which is 56 meters in diameter and rises 55 meters above the ground. The dome is supported by four large arches, and is topped by a golden cross. The exterior walls are decorated with intricate mosaics and reliefs, depicting scenes from the Bible and Christian mythology.
Dome
The dome of the Hagia Sophia is the most impressive and iconic feature of the building. It is 56 meters in diameter and rises 55 meters above the ground. The dome is supported by four large arches, which were designed to be able to support the weight of the dome without the need for additional buttressing. The exterior of the dome is decorated with intricate mosaics, depicting scenes from the Bible and Christian mythology.
Mosaics
The walls of the Hagia Sophia are decorated with intricate mosaics, depicting scenes from the Bible and Christian mythology. The mosaics were added during the building’s construction in the 6th century, and have been restored several times over the centuries. The most famous of the mosaics is the Deesis mosaic, which depicts Jesus flanked by the Virgin Mary and John the Baptist.
Restoration
The Hagia Sophia has been restored several times over the centuries. In the early 20th century, the building underwent extensive restoration work, which included the removal of the Islamic decorations and the restoration of the mosaics. The building was also reinforced to ensure that it could withstand earthquakes. In 2020, the Turkish government began a controversial project to convert the building back into a mosque, which included the installation of Islamic decorations.
Conclusion
The Hagia Sophia exterior is one of the most iconic and recognizable pieces of architecture in the world. Its impressive dome and intricate mosaics make it a stunning example of Byzantine architecture. The building has been restored several times over the centuries, and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its exterior is a reminder of the impressive history and cultural significance of the Hagia Sophia.