The structure has three naves, one apse, and two narthex, one internal, one external.Īll of Hagia Sophia’s walls, except those covered by marble, have been decorated with exceptionally beautiful mosaics made up of gold, silver, glass, terracotta and colorful stones. This third construction combined the three traditional basilical plans, in addition to a plan for the central dome plan. It was open for worship with a ceremony on December 27, 537. The current structure was constructed by the Greek scientist Isidore of Miletus and the mathematician Anthemios of Tralles, renowned architects of their time, on the orders of Emperor Justinian (527-565).Ĭonstruction began on February 23, 532, and was completed in a short period of five years. This basilical structure is known to have contained five naves and a monumental entrance it was also covered by a wooden roof. The second church was constructed by Emperor Theodosius II in 415. Since it was destroyed by rioters, no remains have been recovered from the first building. It was covered with a wooden roof and expanded vertically (basilica). The first church was constructed by Emperor Constantius in 360. It has been constructed three times in the same location.
It is the biggest church constructed by the Eastern Roman Empire in Istanbul. Hagia Sophia, called the Church of Divine Wisdom in English, was first a church, then a mosque, and now a museum. Hagia Sophia, İstanbul’s most famous building, is a perfect synthesis of Ottoman and Byzantine architecture under one great dome. Istanbul ‘s historic center is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Today the city carries the characteristics of these two different cultures. Throughout its history, Istanbul has been home to many civilizations, the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires being the most famous. Until 1923 it served as the capital of the Turkish Republic. It stands on a triangular peninsula between Europe and Asia.įounded on the Sarayburnu promontory around 660 BC as Byzantium, the city now known as Istanbul has become one of the most important cities in history.įor nearly sixteen centuries following its reestablishment with the name of Constantinople in 330 AD, the city served as the capital of four empires: the Roman Empire (330–395), the Byzantine Empire (395–12–1453), the Latin Empire (1204–1261), and the Ottoman Empire. Istanbul is the largest city in Turkey, as well as the country’s economic, cultural, and historic heart.
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