Hagia Sophia Essay
In ancient and modern times, the Hagia Sophia has always been an astonishing monument representing the power and accomplishments of the Byzantine Empire. It considered of the seven wonders of the medieval world and received over 3,500,000 visitors last year. It was first constructed under the power of Emperor Constantius, son of Emperor Constantine, who built the church in 360 C.E. It was later destroyed in riots in 404 C.E.; followed by the construction of the second structure ordered by Emperor Theodosius II, which burned down in the Nika riots of 532 C.E. Around this time, the name Hagia Sophia (“Holy Wisdom”) replaced the original name, Megale Ekklesia (“Great Church”). Immediately following the riots, Emperor Justinian ordered the church
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There are windows everywhere in the structure; considering there was no electricity when first constructed, the architects had to illuminate the mountainous structure. In addition to the necessity of lighting the inside, Byzantines correlated light with divinity and the heavens. The most present use of light and windows in Hagia Sophia is located beneath the dome. The 40 windows create a sense of weightlessness and floating, as if the dome is being suspended from the heavens. Another important part of light in Hagia Sophia is the use of gold and gold leaf. Gold has a shiny and glowing effect, which the light only intensifies. In the main dome gold is covering majority of the structure. With the addition of the light from the windows, the gold has a mesmerizing and mystical effect on admirers. Also, on the eastern side, betwixt the three mini domes, there are a series of stained glass windows. Though they do not portray scenes from the Old/New Testament, they are still tinted with warm and cool colors. The light passing through the colored windows pierces the space. This creates a sense of the light from the “heavens” shining on the churchgoers, which develops a holy feeling to the space. Also, a lot of the walls and floor are covered with dark, heavy colored marble, which is why light is so important because it lightens up the
There are windows everywhere in the structure; considering there was no electricity when first constructed, the architects had to illuminate the mountainous structure. In addition to the necessity of lighting the inside, Byzantines correlated light with divinity and the heavens. The most present use of light and windows in Hagia Sophia is located beneath the dome. The 40 windows create a sense of weightlessness and floating, as if the dome is being suspended from the heavens. Another important part of light in Hagia Sophia is the use of gold and gold leaf. Gold has a shiny and glowing effect, which the light only intensifies. In the main dome gold is covering majority of the structure. With the addition of the light from the windows, the gold has a mesmerizing and mystical effect on admirers. Also, on the eastern side, betwixt the three mini domes, there are a series of stained glass windows. Though they do not portray scenes from the Old/New Testament, they are still tinted with warm and cool colors. The light passing through the colored windows pierces the space. This creates a sense of the light from the “heavens” shining on the churchgoers, which develops a holy feeling to the space. Also, a lot of the walls and floor are covered with dark, heavy colored marble, which is why light is so important because it lightens up the