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This ancient basilica,
built by Constantine the Great and reconstructed by Justinian in the
6th century, is one of the architectural marvels of all time. Its
immense dome rises 55 meters above the ground and is 31 meters in
diameter. The beautiful decorations include fine Byzantine Mozaics.
Aya Sophia was, for nearly a thousand years, the largest enclosed
space in the world, and still seen as one of the world’s most
important architectural monuments. It is one of Turkey’s most
popular attractions, drawn by the sheer spectacle of its size,
architecture, mosaics and art. For 916 years it was a church, then a
mosque for 481 years, and since 1935 has been a museum. Thought to
have been constructed by Emperor Konstantinos I (324 – 337) it was
burned down during a revolt.
Rebuilt by Emperor Theodosium II, it was opened for worship 415 and
once again was burned to the ground, during the Nika revolts of 532.
Emperor Iustanianus (527 – 565) wanted to construct something even
bigger than the original two and appointed architects Isidoros from
Miletos, and Anthemios from Tralles to build the Aya Sophia which
still stands. Columns, heads, marble and coloured stones were
imported to Istanbul from ancient cities in Anatolia for the
purpose. The construction began on 23 December 532, and was
completed exactly five years later. The main, central section
measured 100m x 70m, covered with a 55m high dome which was a
mammoth 30m in diameter – appearing to be a great feat of design.
The mosaics are of great importance, and the oldest ones are
dominated by geometric and plant motifs decorated with gold. The
worst desecration of the church was in 1204, ransacked by Catholic
soldiers during the Fourth Crusade. In 1453, after a failure of the
Byzantine Church to fend off the Turks, Mehmet the Conqueror
captured the city, rode into Aya Sofia and immediately turned it
into a mosque. It was repaired several times, and Islamic
ornamentation added, for example an extract of the Koran by
calligrapher Izzet Efendi inscribed on the dome. The other reminders
of its previous status as a mosque include huge wooden plaques
bearing the names of Allah, the Prophet Mohammed and the first four
caliphs. The marble and mosaics remain the most interesting aspects
today. The columns supporting the gallery are made from antique
marble, and in the western gallery is the green marble which marks
the position of the throne of the Empress. The impressive figurative
mosaics include Virgin and Child flanked by two emperors, dating
back to the late 10th century, and one depicting Christ, the Virgin,
and St John the Baptists. Even though there is partial damage, the
haunting images on their faces remain as strong as ever.
St Sophia is Open every day except (Monday's)
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