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Hagia SophiaHagia Sophia © YannArthus-Bertrand/Corbis

Hagia Sophia

Constantinople (Istanbul). Anthemius of Tralles and Isidorus of Miletus. 532–537 C.E. Brick and ceramic elements with stone and mosaic veneer.

Curator Note

"The "Church of Holy Wisdom," commissioned by Justinian to be the grandest church in history. Its architects (mathematicians) achieved a revolutionary feat: placing a massive round dome over a square base using pendentives. It creates a space of "floating" light, symbolizing heaven on earth. Later converted to a mosque, then a museum, now a mosque again."

Form

  • Combination of basilica (long) and central (dome) plans.
  • Massive dome supported by pendentives (triangular sections).
  • Row of 40 windows at the dome's base creates a "halo" of light.
  • Rich marble revetment and gold mosaics.
  • Minarets added later by the Ottomans.

Function

  • Cathedral of Constantinople and seat of the Patriarch.
  • To surpass Solomon's Temple ("Solomon, I have outdone thee").
  • Imperial place of worship for the Emperor.
  • Later: Mosque (Ayasofya) -> Museum -> Mosque.
  • To symbolize the mystery of the divine.

Content

  • The Dome: represents the vault of heaven.
  • Pendentives: adorned with seraphim (later calligraphy).
  • Deësis Mosaic: Christ, Mary, and John the Baptist.
  • Islamic Calligraphy: Roundels with names of Allah, Muhammad, Caliphs.
  • Mihrab installed slightly off-center to face Mecca.

Context

  • Built after the Nika Riots destroyed the previous church.
  • Justinian wanted to reassert his power and piety.
  • The dome collapsed in 558 and was rebuilt steeper.
  • The quintessential example of Byzantine architecture.
  • Converted to a mosque in 1453 (Fall of Constantinople).