Istanbul’s Hagia Sophia – A magnificent host to history
In A.D. 532, Justinian the Great of the Eastern Roman Empire (Emperor Justinian I) took a decision to build a church that would make all the other religious monuments look pale before it.
Hence, after a period of nearly five years in 537 A.D., Justinian the Great, at the inaugural ceremony of the Hagia Sophia, announced with pride, saying, “ Oh Solomon, I have surpassed you,” while referring to the Solomon Temple, considered to be the first ever temple of Judaism, built in the 10th century BCE by the Son of David.
The Hagia Sophia is located at the heart of Sultanahmet district in the city of Istanbul. It can be easily recognized even from a far off distance by its unique pink-terracotta color. Both the Hagia Sophia as well as its Muslim counterpart (Sultanahmet) are regarded to be the two greatest historical monuments of the Eminonu district. Sultanahmet is also home to several famous historical masterpiece of historical importance including the famous Topkapi Palace and the Basilica Cistern.
Meaning ‘God’s sacred wisdom,’ Hagia Sophia is part of the three churches made by Justinian the Great who was known as an “emperor who never sleeps.” The Aya Irene, meaning the sacred peace of God, and the Aya Dinamos, meaning the sacred strength of God, look pale when compared to the Hagia Sophia (Ayasofya in Turkish). Although, the Aya Irene can still be found within the complex of the Hagia Sophia, there are no remains to be found of the Aya Dinamos.
In an exclusive interview given to sultanahmet1.com, a professional tour guide since two decades and an architect, Adnan Ozerler, says, “The Ayasofya was actually built on top of an Athenian temple.” Also a member of the Istanbul Tour Guides Union (TUREB), Ozerler goes on to add saying,”Back in the fourth and fifth centuries there were two temples in what later became Constantinople. These were later destroyed by dissidents.”
Ozerler revealed that the Hagia Sophia happens to be the first ever basilica to have a dome and the largest structure of the archaic age. It is believed to be cost nearly 20,000 pounds of gold. Being made of blocks of stone along with the layers of bricks used in-between; the monument has withstood the test of time. According to Ozerler, the wall of the Hagia Sophia happens to be the hardest type of wall, and the same pattern was followed while constructing the walls around Constantinople (now Istanbul) by Constantine the Great. After the construction of the walls around the city of Constantinople, the construction of the Hagia Sophia was a simple task for the architects and laborers.
The rosy terracotta color of the building that we see today was not the original color. The gray bricks were not painted with any color and were left uncovered. Ozerler adds, “We believe that there was fresco and a chemical coat to protect it from damage caused by rain.” The Hagia Sophia which we see today happens to be almost the same after the changes done to it by Faith Sultan Mehmet in 1453.
Meanwhile, some of the major changes made to the Hagia Sophia are as follows---
- The dome originally had a painting of Mary and Jesus. However, as the paintings of people are not allowed in Islam, so, a chapter taken from the Quran has been placed over the paintings. The chapter contains a reference to Mary and Jesus, both of whom are regarded with great respect in Islam.
- A couple of panels providing support to the building- these are nearly 1465 years old and have held the building stable for so much time.
- The four minarets of the building having names of their own. The first minaret, called the Fatih minaret was made by Fatih Sultan using bricks. The second minaret was made by Bayezid II, while the two other were made in the 16th century by Mimar Sinan on the orders of Selim II.
- There were several additions to this church to transform it into a mosque. Hence, although, Eastern Orthodox churches face Jerusalem, the Hagia Sophia was structured with its face towards Mecca. Other additions included the muaddhin mahver, the mihrab and mimbar, all of which face Mecca.
- Another change included a madrasa built in the Hagia Sophia by Fatih Sultan Mehmet during his reign.
So, we can see that the Hagia Sophia went through a huge transformation. The famous architect Ozerler explained during his interview that he saw a big chip of painting falling from the ceiling just above the mimbar, revealing St. John’s (The Baptist) painting. “Such is the greatness of sultans such as Fatih Sultan Mehmet -- he chose to cover the original paintings instead of scraping them off completely,” stated Ozerler, as he recalled the destruction of numerous other structures by the emperors just to show off their supremacy many centuries ago.
Emperor Justinian the Great purchased marble from Aegean and the Thrace regions for building the church. He also left his mark on the top of each pillar within the building of the Hagia Sophia.
Hagia Sophia- an exquisite monument of motivation---
No doubt, the Hagia Sophia has undergone a huge transformation since the time during which it was built. However, the fact is that it was and will always remain a structure of grandeur for a long time to come. It was envied by Muslim sultans and architects who felt a feeling of awe and inspiration on seeing it.
To cite an example, once Sultan Mehmet I, who was a devoted Muslim, asked Sevekdar Mehmet Aga, an architect, to build a huge mosque that would surpass the Hagia Sophia. “Although the architect balked the criteria specified, saying that it would be a disproportionate and unaesthetic structure, he would eventually comply with the sultan’s request,” quotes Ozerler.
The Sultanahmet Mosque (Blue Mosque) happens to be nearly 40 percent smaller than the Hagia Sophia, however, Sedefkar Mehmet Aga created the illusion to make the mosque appear bigger in comparison to the Hagia Sophia.
In Serbia, there is a replica of the Hagia Sophia. Known as the Sava Von Serbien Church, the construction of this building was completed in Belgrade during 1980s.
The Hagia Sophia happens to be a magnificent structure adorning the Bosphorus that has stood the test of time and will continue to be a source of inspiration for numerous mosques in the times to come.
A Guide to Byzantium
Byzantium
The Byzantine Empire that flourished for almost 11 centuries during the 330-1453 AD and included almost entire Europe, the Middle East and several parts of North Africa succeeded over the Roman Empire. Earlier known as Byzantium, the imperial capital called Constantinople that is now known as Istanbul was a powerful city till it was attacked and subsequently ruled by the Turks of the Ottoman period.
Today’s Byzantium- With its exemplary architecture, Byzantium is considered to be a traveler’s delight. Whether you visit the churches in Sofia or the cathedral in Kiev, you will be smitten by the exotic beauty of these places for their exquisite design. The mosaic décor created in the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem by the skilled craftsmen of Byzantine era is unmatched for and hence won a place among the coveted collection in the Cathedral Treasury in Troyes and the National Museum in Belgrade.
The starting point---Istanbul--- The charm of old Constantinople is held intact in the triangular peninsula called Istanbul. That Emperor Constantine built a great number of public buildings in this city to outdo the importance of Rome is a truth.
To visit Istanbul, you can catch a flight of the British Airways or the Turkish Airlines from Heathrow. Moreover, if you are in Stansted or Manchester, you can fly on Turkish Airlines to the imperial city called Istanbul. Starting from Sultanahmet Square, you will come across the Hippodrome, built and expanded further by the Byzantine rulers. Near by is the famous Byzantium Hotel that life in the heart of the old city.
The ancient Emperors’ Palace that once had a complete dominance over the Byzantine city is completely beneath the structure of the modern city. The church of Hagia Sophia is still Istanbul’s wonderful monument belonging to the Byzantine period. Emperor Constantine ordered a basilica built just opposite the Forum because he wanted to make Constantinople a Christian city. Aya Sofya is still the greatest and the most ancient building surpassing Rome’s St. Peter’s. Aya Sofya mosque was modeled on Ravenna’s St. Vitale church.
The Italian city of Ravenna is worth a visit for every tourist. It can be accessed quite easily from a number of cities including East Midlands, Stansted, Edinburgh and Birmingham. Once a famous city of the Roman period, Ravenna was structured by the Byzantines to become a center of artistic excellence in Italy. A large number of monuments in this city have mosaics lending special charm and beauty. Many are considered to be the masterpieces displaying Byzantine art. Some of the masterpieces add décor to the Basilica of St Apollinare in Classe and Sant’Apollinare Nuovo, the St. Vitale Church, the Orthodox Baptistery and the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia.
Another place worth visiting is the famous St. Catherine’s Monastery in Egypt constructed by Justinian the Great. The church still has some of the greatest collection of icons which can be seen by any visitor to this place. In the seventh century, Egypt no longer remained a part of the influential Byzantine Empire following the rise of Islam religion. This was a blessing in disguise as many precious ancient pieces of art were saved from possible devastation.
Where did the treasures of Byzantium go? --- In 1204, Constantinople was removed by the Crusaders. The Crusaders also looted its treasure which is now among the collections at European museum.
Bode Museum, the museum on the Museum Island in Berlin, which has been thrown open to the public only recently, is a must visit for every tourist. It has some of the finest collection of icons and carvings brought from the Byzantine court.
Any other place worth visiting? ----That is not all, for the second city of Greece named Thessaloniki is a cool and calm place to visit. The city has many small churches that contain some marvelous mosaics of Ezekiel. Also do visit the Museum of Byzantine Culture in Green which has collection of art pieces depicting the social life of Thessaloniki.
Although Bristol was not a part of the Byzantine Empire, however, the city does have some industrial buildings with colored bricks and designer archest that are reminiscent of the Byzantine period.