Hagia Sophia is an iconic landmark in Istanbul, Turkey. It is a former Greek Orthodox Christian basilica, later an imperial mosque, and now a museum. The building was originally constructed as a church between 532 and 537 on the orders of the Byzantine Emperor Justinian I and was the third Church of the Holy Wisdom to occupy the site, the previous two having both been destroyed by rioters.
The current building was designed by the Greek architects Anthemius of Tralles and Isidorus of Miletus. The church contained a large collection of holy relics and featured a large dome flanked by smaller domes. It was the largest cathedral in the world for nearly a thousand years, until the completion of the Cathedral of Seville in 1520.
Architecture
Hagia Sophia is renowned for its massive dome, which has a diameter of 31.87 m (104 ft 6 in) and is supported by four massive piers. The four minarets, which were added in the 16th century, are 53 m (174 ft) high and were built to match the Byzantine style of the building. The interior of the building is lavishly decorated with marble, mosaics, and gold.
History
The building has served as a church, mosque, and museum over its long history. It was originally built as a church in 537 and served as the seat of the Patriarch of Constantinople. After the fall of Constantinople to the Ottomans in 1453, it was converted into a mosque. It was used as a mosque until 1931 when it was converted into a museum by the Republic of Turkey.
Mosaics
The building is famous for its stunning mosaics, which were created by the best Byzantine craftsmen. The mosaics depict religious scenes, such as the Virgin Mary and Jesus, as well as scenes from the life of Justinian I. There are also several Islamic mosaics, which were added after the building was converted into a mosque.
Interior
The interior of Hagia Sophia is divided into three main sections: the nave, the central dome, and the galleries. The nave is the main area of the building and is surrounded by four piers. The central dome is the most impressive part of the building and is surrounded by four smaller domes. The galleries are located around the perimeter of the building and contain a variety of mosaics and other artwork.
Legacy
Hagia Sophia has been an iconic landmark in Istanbul for centuries. It has served as a symbol of the city’s long and storied history and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. Its impressive architecture and stunning mosaics have made it a popular subject for painters and photographers. Hagia Sophia continues to inspire awe and admiration to this day.
Facts
- Location: Istanbul, Turkey
- Built: 532-537
- Architects: Anthemius of Tralles and Isidorus of Miletus
- Height: 56 m (184 ft)
- Dome Diameter: 31.87 m (104 ft 6 in)
- Mosaics: Over 3000