Aya Sofia – a great architectural beauty
Not only the main Byzantine building in Istanbul, but also the most
spectacular attraction of the city and one of the most beautiful
architectural creations in the world, probably the most important
of all.
Almost since it was built, this building was and remained a
source of political controversy. It is a source of dispute between
those who want it to become mosque, as in Ottoman times, and those
who are happy that remained a museum and a relic of Byzantium.
The Church of the Holy Wisdom, known as Hagia Sophia in Greek,
Sancta Sophia in Latin, Ayasofya or Aya Sofia in Turkish was built
under the personal supervision of Emperor Justinian I. Aya Sofia
was one of several great churches of its time: one built by
Constantine’s son, Constantinus, burned to the ground in 404, while
the second, built by Theodosius in 415, suffered great damage
during the Nika -uprising in 532. Remains of that church can be
seen at the West of Aya Sofia.
Current structure of Aya Sofia, which inspired architectural
models for 1500 years, was the creation of the architects Anthenius
of Tralles and Isidore of Miletus, who worked nearly six years
before its completion on 26 December 537.
It was consecrated again in 563, after the repairs that followed an
earthquake that destroyed the dome symmetry.
Being the world’s most impressive building, it’s no wonder that Mehmet the Conqueror proclaimed it a mosque soon after his conquest of the city from the Byzantines in 1453. Thin marble panels absorbed and reflected light of thousands of candles and tiny oil lamps that illuminated the interior so well
that it was used as a lighthouse, although today is dark and
mysterious. Tradition says that the area around the king’s throne,
was the official center of the world.
When Justinian built the Aya Sofia, he decorated its interior with mosaics and marble pillars and coverings. The temple itself was so richly and artistically decorated that Justinian proclaimed, “Solomon, I have outdone
thee!”.
Hagia Sophia is an experience in space and time, and the
architects’ magic still works after more than fourteen centuries.
If you have never been to Istambul before, a Hagia Sophia tour is
one good reason to pack your bags right away!
