Title: The history and architecture of the Hagia Sophia
Author: Aksit Ilhan
Published by Aksit Yayincilik
Format: Hardcover
Book condition: Like New
Cover: Like New
Slipcase condition: Like New
Having decorated the silhouette of Istanbul for nearly 1500 years, the Hagia Sophia has been regarded as the Eighth Wonder of the World by several scientific journals. It has become one of the most important stones in art history for the mosaics and decorations it houses. When the construction of the church, which was begun upon the order of Emperor Justinian, was completed, those who had seen it were stunned by its superior architectural features of the period and the quality of the materials used in its construction. Arriving on Christmas Day, December 27th, 537 riding a chariot pulled by four horses, Emperor Justinian inaugurated the impressive structure with the prayers of Patriarch Menas. It was to remain the heart of the Christian world as the most important church of the Eastern Roman Empire for the next 916 years. Adorned with the finest mosaics of Byzantine art, it did not take long before this structure became synonymous with Constantinople. As the pride of Christianity, the Hagia Sophia was to sustain major damage from as fires and earthquakes. However, ironically, it was the Latins who wreaked the most havoc upon the church during the 4th Crusade of 1204. Despite all the disasters that befell the city, the Hagia Sophia managed to remain intact, continuing to be the shining light of the envy of the world. The long Byzantine era concluded with the conquest of Constantinople by Sultan Mehmet Khan II in 1453, thus marking the start of the Islamic era at the Hagia Sophia. The highly reverent Ottomans carefully converted this huge house of worship into a mosque. Bearing the title ‘Caliph of Islam’, the sultans conducted their obligatory prayer services and religious holiday receptions here. One of the most important indications of the merit showered upon the structure during this period was the fact that some Ottoman sultans were buried here.
Publisher: Aksit Yayincilik, 2012
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