English
Though there are always exceptions, lovers of Istanbul could generally be divided into those whose tastes lean towards the Blue Mosque, and those who, if pressed, would have to choose Santa Sofia instead – just as in the times of Hippodrome, it would have been equally difficult to sit on the fence between the green and blue factions. There are few places quite like Istanbul and Bosforo, with their seductive aromas of the Orient – to use an old proverb.
Despite it´s conversion to a mosque in 1453, despite the four magnificent minarets flanking it today, despite the stunning caligraphy under the seductive name of Allah and the eight prophets of the immense medallions suspended in the interior, despite the fact that the crusaders plundered the temple, taking to the Sainte Chapelle in Paris the gold from the mosaics, the crown of thorns of the Nazareth – Santa Sofia will always remain in the Western imagination as the most powerful example of the extraordinary wonder of the Byzantine Empire.
Emperor (between 527-565) Justiniano, in the attempt to strengthen his public image, not only communicated with God in a sophisticated courtly ritual which ended up being adopted by the Greek Orthodox church, but, wishing to be the central point for all politics, as well as religion, he also constructed a grand imperial palace, and a church – the Santa Sofia of Constantinople. The Santa Sofia promoted a close identification between Christ and the emperor, who saw himself as his representative.
The emperor had an unusual, bold approach to architecture – the combination of basilica columns, a central, circular-shaped building, the unsettling, overwhelming sense of space under its enormous dome without a drum, supported by four pedentives, so that it seemed “to be suspended from the sky by a chain of gold,” to use the elegant words of Procopio de Cesarea – as well as the rich use of decorative elements and materials (doors, curtains, alters, mosaics, precious stones, green marble, black rock…). Upon seeing the church completed, Justianiano exlaimed “Solomon, I´ve beaten you!“
Paul Oilzum
After 17 years of works, it´s restoration is finally complete. It has also been reinforced with 50 tons of lead, as a precaution against the earthquake expected in the 30 years. Even if you prefer the Blue Mosque, rent apartments in Istanbul and give in to the marvels of the city.
Translated by: Poppy
