I am making some effort to take artistically intresting pictures :)
The Hagia Sophia was originally a Christian Basilica originally constructed in 532- 537 AD (the 3rd church that was built at this same spot), later Constantinople was conqured by the Ottoman Turks and converted into a Mosque. The Islamic features of this church were added over time.
The Hagia Sophia now serves as a museum
The Haga Sophia is one of the greatest surviving architecture examples of the Byzatine era depicting marble and mosaics.
Here is a picture of Justin walking through the doors that only the Emperor could walk through. Very superior!
Again this was such a beautiful and different building I am certainly more curious to learn about the Byzantine period.
You ocan see part of the Dome in this picture. The Dome has fascinated engineers and architect for thousands of years and stood as the largest Dome in the World until one was built in Seville.
This is a picture I took of the Blue Mosque from the Hagia Sophia museum
There are many mosaics throughout this building. Once the Ottoman's took over and converted this building into a Mosque many of these mosaics were covered with plaster around 1453. In 1847-1849 2 Swiss Brothers started to restore this building and in the process started to find the mosaics. The above mosaic dated back to 1122 with the Virgin Mary holding the Christ Child, the Christ Child is giving a blessing. Standing next to Mary is the Emperor and Empress.
The Haga Sophia is one of the greatest surviving architecture examples of the Byzatine era depicting marble and mosaics.
Here is a picture of Justin walking through the doors that only the Emperor could walk through. Very superior!
Again this was such a beautiful and different building I am certainly more curious to learn about the Byzantine period.
You ocan see part of the Dome in this picture. The Dome has fascinated engineers and architect for thousands of years and stood as the largest Dome in the World until one was built in Seville.
This is a picture I took of the Blue Mosque from the Hagia Sophia museum
There are many mosaics throughout this building. Once the Ottoman's took over and converted this building into a Mosque many of these mosaics were covered with plaster around 1453. In 1847-1849 2 Swiss Brothers started to restore this building and in the process started to find the mosaics. The above mosaic dated back to 1122 with the Virgin Mary holding the Christ Child, the Christ Child is giving a blessing. Standing next to Mary is the Emperor and Empress.
