AYASOFYA (HAGIA SOPHIA) MUSEUM
History
The Hagia Sophia, one of the historical architectural wonders that still remains
standing today, has an important place in the art world with its architecture,
grandness, size and functionality.
The Hagia Sophia, the...
More
AYASOFYA (HAGIA SOPHIA) MUSEUM
History
The Hagia Sophia, one of the historical architectural wonders that still remains
standing today, has an important place in the art world with its architecture,
grandness, size and functionality.
The Hagia Sophia, the biggest church constructed by the East Roman Empire in
Istanbul, has been constructed three times in the same location.
When it was first
built, it was named Megale Ekklesia (Big Church); however, after the fifth century, it
was referred to as the Hagia Sophia (Holy Wisdom).
The church was the place in
which rulers were crowned, and it was also the biggest operational cathedral in the
city throughout the Byzantine period.
The first church was constructed by Emperor Konstantios (337-361) in 360.
The first
church was covered with a wooden roof and expanded vertically (basilica) yet was
burned down after the public riot that took place in 404 as a result of the
disagreements between Emperor Arkadios’ (395-408) wife empress Eudoksia
Less