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Night Time over Hagia Sophia or Hagia Sophia Church of the Holy Wisdom in Istanbul, Turkey

The Many Incarnations Of Hagia Sophia In Istanbul

Towering over Istanbul atop one of its highest hills, Hagia Sophia has stood for over 1,500 years as an architectural wonder, one of the largest and most remarkable Christian churches ever built. Its numerous incarnations have continued from the sixth to the 21 centuries. Hagia Sophia, meaning ‘holy wisdom’, was commissioned by Emperor Justinian (482-565 AD) as the Imperial Byzantine cathedral for the capital city of the Roman Empire, the spiritual center of the Eastern Orthodox Church. Hagia Sophia is the third Christian cathedral on the site; all built within 200 years. The first Christian cathedral on the site was a basilica-style church commissioned by Roman Emperor Constantine I and was inaugurated in 360 AD. This initial church was partially burned and after a long reconstruction it was inaugurated in its second incarnation in 415 AD by Emperor Theodosius II.

Theodosian capital for a column, one of the few remains of the church of Theodosius II (Derzsi Elekes Andor / CC BY-SA 4.0)

Theodosian capital for a column, one of the few remains of the church of Theodosius II (Derzsi Elekes Andor / CC BY-SA 4.0)

This second basilica church stood for more than 100 years until 532 AD when it was looted and burned again during civil riots. Within just 39 days of its destruction, Emperor Justinian quickly began building over the charred ruins. He initiated the construction of a new church that would be entirely different in style and size, his glorious new “Megalo ecclesia” or colossal church. He had it designed to serve as the patriarchal cathedral of the imperial capital of his vast empire.


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