Are the mosaics in Hagia Sophia covered?
In 1934, it was declared a museum by the secularist Turkish leader Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. As of June 24 of this year, Hagia Sophia’s icons of the Virgin Mary and infant Christ are covered by fabric curtains as the edifice yet again changes functions.
Why were huge churches such as Hagia Sophia decorated with mosaics on the inside walls?
Some of the mosaics in Hagia Sophia are considered masterpieces, and they are a reference to Byzantine art. The motifs used for creating the mosaics were mostly imperial portraits and religious images of Christ. They were created over many years by the different Byzantine royal families.
What was the original interior of Hagia Sophia?
The structure originally erected on the site of the Hagia Sophia was a Christian cathedral called the Megale Ekklesia, which was commissioned by the first Christian Roman emperor, Constantine I. Prior to that, the site had been home to a pagan temple.
How was the Hagia Sophia decorated on the inside?
In addition to its impressive architecture, Hagia Sophia also exhibited an interior decorated with marble revetments on the floor and the lower sections of the walls, spoliated columns, intricate carvings, as well as lavish mosaic decorations reserved for the upper sections and the galleries.
Are Byzantine churches decorated with mosaics?
Later, the Byzantines frequently used mosaics to decorate the walls and ceilings of churches.
Did Hagia Sophia have an iconostasis?
Iconostasis can also be seen in Hagia Sophia, in Istanbul Turkey. Once a Christian basilica, then an imperial mosque, and now a museum; Hagia Sophia has a fifty foot silver iconostasis in it. The purpose of the iconostasis in Hagia Sophia was to close of sections of the altar, which were only accessible to the clergy.
What are the mosaics inside the Hagia Sophia?
Hagia Sophia was beautifully decorated with mosaics within the centuries during Byzantine period. These mosaics depicted Virgin Mary, Jesus, saints and emperors or empresses. The history of the earliest mosaics is unknown as many of them were destroyed or covered during Iconoclasm.
Why were the mosaics covered up during the conversion?
During the centuries of Ottoman rule that followed Istanbul’s conquest, the mosaics were covered with plaster several times, and were repaired as old plaster would peel away and reveal the images underneath. This practice was most likely done because Islam forbids the presence of icons in places of worship.
What was the function of mosaics in Byzantine interiors?
Mosaics were one of the most popular forms of art in the Byzantine Empire. They were extensively used to depict religious subjects on the interior of churches within the Empire and remained a popular form of expression from 6th century to the end of the Empire in the 15th century.
What happened to mosaics in Hagia Sophia?
Many beautiful mosaics were removed and shipped to Venice. After the Ottoman occupation of Constantinople in 1453, with the transition of Hagia Sophia into mosque, the mosaics were covered whitewashed or plastered. With Fosatti brothers’ restoration in 1847, the mosaics got uncovered and were copied for record.
Is there a dress code for Hagia Sophia?
Visiting Etiquette
Secondly, women should wear a head covering when entering Hagia Sophia. Headscarves are available at the Hagia Sophia Mosque entrance without a fee. Finally, It is required from men to visit the mosque wearing pants, not shorts.
Can you wear shorts to Hagia Sophia?
No shorts or sleeveless shirts on either men or women are allowed. It is permissible to take pictures, but you should not photograph the individuals in prayer. There are also numerous guided tours available, and they’re highly suggested because Hagia Sophia has a long history.
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