Where is hagia sophia

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One of the architectural challenges in constructing the church was connecting a dome, a shape with a round base, onto a structure with a square base. Isidore of Miletus and Anthemius of Tralles solved this problem by employing the pendentive, a rounded, triangular-shaped support that smoothly connects the drum of a dome to a columnar base.

This innovation suspends the dome, overcoming the need for heavy supports that interfere with the rhythm and open space of the interior. Hagia Sophia's dome and pendentives from below. Source: Hagia Sophia Research Team. The employment of the dome has allowed for the incredibly light and airy interior of Hagia Sophia, as it is pierced at its base with many windows that allow for light to pour into the space from all directions, illuminating the gold mosaic decoration covering the ceilings and walls.

Ekphraseis from visitors of Hagia Sophia in its peak condition, prior to the accumulation of dirt or weathering of age, have repeatedly noted its abundant radiance. Its longitudinal axis deviates from the traditional east-west orientation of Orthodox churches and is actually positioned in a line This decision allows for Hagia Sophia to have maximum light exposure, even on the shortest day of the year, and has been advantageous in illuminating the interior.

Upon its initial building, Hagia Sophia featured no figural mosaics, as this period in time corresponded with Iconoclasm. After its passing, however, there was a resurgence in the importance of images in Christianity, and succeeding Byzantine emperors have had religious scenes included in the ceilings, arches, and walls of the church. In the apse, the focus of the building, there is an image of the virgin Mary known as the Theotokos Mosaic. Her position in the apse, which is situated right above a glowing row of windows, allows the viewer to understand she is the mediator for worship of her son, who sits on her lap.

The gold surrounding her is illuminated, further emphasizing the connection of light as corresponding with divinity. Other mosaics depict portraits of emperors and their submission to Mary and Christ. The decorative program of Hagia Sophia is also embedded within its structural supports—its floor, walls, and several of its columns are made from unique porphyry and polychrome marble. When Mehmet the II initially conquered Constantinople in the 15th century, he chose to refashion the church into a mosque instead of destroying it outright, despite brutally ransacking the city as a whole.

The dome of the Hagia Sophia Turkey is feet high and feet wide and was considered a revolution in the history of architecture. Today, the massive dome is surrounded by four minarets which were built during the Ottoman period. Most of the Christian mosaics of the temple are located in the upper gallery of the temple which was once the women section during both the Byzantine and Ottoman eras.

The oldest mosaic dates back to the 9th century CE. The architect Sinan was so vexed by the impressive dimensions and architecture of the Hagia Sophia , that he spent his life trying to better it. He finally achieved this with his masterpiece, the Selimiye Mosque in Edirne whose dome is said to be just inches bigger.

The meeting of both Islamic and Christian religions in the symbols displayed, such as the central mihrab indicating the direction of Mecca , overlooked by an apse mosaic depicting the Virgin and Child. Wishing column at Hagia Sophia. The bronze covered 'wishing column' in the northwest of the building which is believed to have healing powers after Justinian leaned his head against it and his headache disappeared. Place your thumb in the hole, and twist your wrist around as you make your wish. Hagia Sophia Cat.

The Hagia Sophia cat that has become something of a viral sensation. Look out for this feline mascot with tabby markings patrolling the cavernous interior. Hagia Sophia cat Gli. The distance between Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque is only two minutes walk. To reach both to Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque, take the tram to Sultanahmet, and walk through the park.

The temple itself was so richly and artistically decorated that Byzantine Emperor Justinian proclaimed, "Solomon, I have outdone thee!