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Hagia Sophia,
which is assumed as the first and the only unique application in
connection with its architecture, magnificence, size and functionality;
is a product of east - west synthesis which inspired the Ottoman mosques
on the basis of thoughts. This piece of art is one of the most important
monuments, remained till today of the world architectural history. For
this reason, Hagia Sophia had drawn attention of all humans with its
architecture, mosaics and Turkish era structures besides its historical
background during centuries. Hagia Sophia was church for 916 years, and
mosque for 481 years, and now functions as a museum since 1935.
The initial Hagia Sophia, which is
assumed to be constructed by Emperor Ist Konstantinos (324 - 337) by
Byzantium historians had burned as a result of a revolt, and no ruins
had reached today. Emperor IInd Theodosius, had constructed Hagia Sophia
for the second time and opened for worship on 415. Similarly basilica
planned this structure had burned on 532 during Nika revolution. During
the excavations performed on 1936, some ruins related with this have
been revealed. Stages, columns, heads showing the entrance to this
temple are various architectural parts.
Emperor Iustinianus (527 - 565) had
wished to constructed a bigger church than first two Hagia Sophia, and
appointed one of that period's architects, Isidoros from Miletos and
Anthemios from Tralles to construct the Hagia Sophia, which reached
today. Columns, heads, marbles and colorful stones from antic cities of
Anatolia are import to Istanbul for usage in hagia Sophia.
Construction of Hagia Sophia is started
on 23rd December, 532, and completed on 27th December, 537. When one
investigates it in connection with architecture, it is composed of big
middle place, two side places, apses, internal and external nartexes.
Internal place has a size of 100 x 70 m., and covered with a 55 m. high
dome with 30.31 m. diameter, which is supported by four big feet.
Mosaics besides architecture of Hagia
Sophia are also very important. Oldest mosaics are the mosaics with
geometric and plant motifs which have golden silvering at internal
nartexes and side places. Figured mosaics are constructed between IXth
and XIIth centuries. These can be seen on Emperor's gate, apses, exit
gate and upper floor gallery.
Hagia Sophia, during the Turkish period
beginning with the conquer of Istanbul, is repaired for several times.
Balcony surrounding includes the best samples of Turkish tile art and
Turkish calligraphy. A section of the Koran of Turkish Calligraphist
Kazasker Mustafa İzzet Efendi on the dome and 7.50 m. diameter round
plates are the most interesting ones among these. On these plates,
Allah, Muhammed, Ömer, Osman, Ali, Hasan, Ebu Bekir, Hüseyin's names are
written. On the side walls of the balcony, there are plates on which
Ottoman rulers are written, and present here as a gift.
Sultan II. Selim, Sultan III. Mehmet,
Sultan III. Murat and princes' mausoleums, Sultan I. Mahmut's (fountain)
şadırvan, children school, charitable establishment, library, Sultan
Abdülmecid's sovereign court, clock room are the Turkish period examples
of Hagia Sophia, and composes the most beautiful examples of classical
Ottoman mausoleum tradition with its mausoleums, internal decoration,
tiles and architecture.
Open hours to visit: 09.30 - 16.30
Open days to visit: Everyday except Monday.
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