This is an amazing structure built by emporor Justinian when the city was Constantinople. Throughout the gorgeous church there are numerous mosaics depicting Christ, the Archangle Gabriel, etc Which were plastered over when Hagia Sofia was converted into a mosque - this actually served to preserve many of the works. The apse itself took my breath away - beautiful marble walls and pillars supporting an enormous marble dome creating an open space large enough, as our guidebook puts it, for the statue of liberty to do jumping jacks. Looking at the walls one can see a phenominal interplay between the Christian and Islamic influences. - The Christian aspect had been covered up but has now been restored. Absolutely amazing! The Hagia Sofia rivals and threatens to surpass the Taj Mahal in grandeau and appeal (especially since Agra is a dump and Istanbul is a fabulous city.) If I had to rank them I would give Taj #1 in outside appearance, but Hagia Sofia takes the cake from the inside!
1. The Dome of Hagia Sofia
2. Claire and I in front of the alter that marks the direction of Mecca.
3. Christian depictions of Mary holding Jesus in the center and the archangle Gabriel on the side with Ilamic additions adjacent.
4. Mosaic of Mary holding Jesus with Constantine on the left offering up Constantinople and Justinian on the right offering up the Hagia Sofia
5. An example of the magnificent mosaics - this is Jesus
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