HAGIA SOPHIA
 Hagia Sophia is considered a unique monument in world architecture, and
its magnificence and functionality has been a good example in construction
of countless Ottoman mosques. Hagia Sophia with its exceptional history
constitutes a synthesis between east and west. This monument is one of the
wonders of the world that has remained intact until the present day. One
can find many attractions in Hagia Sophia – interesting forms of Byzantine
architecture, mosaics of the Christian period as well as structures added
during the Ottoman era.
Hagia Sophia has been a Christian place of worship for 916 years, then
converted into a mosque and served Muslims for 481 years. Hagia Sophia
Museum was opened in 1935 and ever since it has been attracting thousands
of visitors every year.
According to Byzantine historians (Theophanes, Nikephoros, Grammarian Leon)
the first building of Hagia Sophia church was established during the reign
of Constantius I (324 – 337 AD). It was a basilica with a wooden roof, and
it was burned down during a revolt. Nowadays there is no evidence of this
structure.
During the reign of emperor Theodosius Hagia Sophia
was built for the second time and opened to the public in 415 AD. The
basilica was again burned down during the Nika Revolt in 532 AD. Some
ruins of this building were discovered during excavations in 1936. There
were stairs indicating the entrance of the building, columns, capitals and
other fragments of the building.
Emperor Justinian (527 – 565 AD) wanted to build a church bigger than two
previous ones, which would represent the power and magnificence of empire.
The new building of Hagia Sophia was designed by two famous architects of
that era – Isidoros from Miletos and Anthemios of Tralles. Many columns,
capitals, marble and colourful stone were brought to Istanbul from various
ancient cities in Anatolia and used in construction works of Hagia Sophia.
The works were commenced on December 23, 532 AD and completed on December
27, 537. The new building consisted of a large central nave and two side
aisles, separated by columns, apse, inner and outer narthex. The size of
the inner space of basilica is 100 X 70m and it is covered by the
magnificent dome (diametre 30.31 m), supported by the four large piers, 55
m high.
 Besides the unique architecture of the building, the mosaics are also
important artefacts of the period. The oldest mosaics – gold gilded with
geometrical and floral designs - may be found in the inner narthex as well
as in side naves. Figural mosaics (with images of Jesus Christ, Virgine
Maria etc.) from 9th – 12th centuries are located on Emperor Door, apse,
exit doors and upstairs gallery.
After the conquest of Istanbul in 1453, the so-called “Turkish period”
started, and several repairs were made in Hagia Sophia. The art works
surrounding the mihrab includes the best samples of Turkish pottery and
calligraphy. The sure is taken from the Koran inscribed on rounded plates
of 7.50 m diametre by Kazasker Mustafa İzzet Efendi, a famous Ottoman
calligrapher. The names of Allah, Muhammed, Ömer, Osman, Ali, Hasan, Ebu
Bekir and Hüseyin are inscribed there. On the sidewalls of mihrab there
are plates written and granted by Ottoman sultans.
Tombs of Sultan Selim II, Sultan Mehmet III, Sultan Murat III as well as
some of their relatives, fountain of Sultan Mahmut I, primary school, soup
kitchen, library, Sultan Abdülmecit's meeting place and the mosque
timekeeper’s (astronomer’s) house may be found in the territory of Hagia
Sophia Museum. All of the above mentioned objects, especially the tombs
with their interior design, pottery and architecture are excellent
examples of Ottoman tradition.
Video Film of Hagia Sophia:
http://www.kultur.gov.tr/EN/BelgeGoster.aspx?17A16AE30572D3130239EEA0FCDF038B6E95C5AED45E6A49
|
