STEPPING STONESthe foundation of the modern church

HAGIA SOPHIA

The Hagia Sophia is a current day museum in Istanbul, Turkey. It was once an Orthodox basilica, converted into a mosque, then finally a museum.

From 360-1463 it served as an Greek Patriarchal cathedral for Constantinople.

It is considered the epitome of Byzantine architecture and it “changed the history of architecture.”

CAPITALS

In the Hagia Sophia, there are two types of capitals used: composite and Ionic. They tended to use vine and plant motifs for their ornamentation. These were constructed by a group known as the Visigoths, who existed in the 5th century BCE.

DOME

Probably the most defining feature of the Hagia Sophia is it’s massive dome. A visitor in the 6th century, Procopius, stated: “The dome must surely seem not to rest upon solid masonry but to cover the space beneath with its golden dome suspended from heaven” Ching, 272

“Impressive as the complex structural system of the Hagio Sophia is, the architects made every effort to make it appear effortless.” (referring to the dome) Ching, 273

INFLUENCE

The Hagia Sophia has had lasting influence on both ancient and modern

architecture. It was and still is one of the precursors to modern day church styles

in specifically Turkey, Europe and the rest of the world.

PICTURE SOURCES

http://www.sacred-destinations.com/turkey/istanbul-hagia-sophia http://

www.retrospectivetraveller.co.uk/2010/12/turkey-archive/holy-wisdom-inside-haghia-sofia.html

http://www.sacred-destinations.com/turkey/hagia-sophia-photos/dome-c-helen-betts.JPG.html

http://www.epiphanycity.org/Dome.htmBook Source: A Global History of Architecture by Ching