Aya Sofia

For 1000 years, Aya Sofia was the largest enclosed space in the world.  Even today, it is an impressive place.  It was constructed in 532, on the same site as 2 previous churches.  Constantinople rioted a lot in those days.  Public building had it hard.  One of may favorite books by Guy Gavriel Kay was set in this church

It fell apart, was rebuilt.  Changed hands, orthodox catholic muslim.

One thing great about the Ottoman Turks is that when their religion conflicted with art, they covered things up instead of destroying them.  

this multi domed ceiling was impossible to get a picture of.  The space was huge

Much of the mosaics and fresco decorations were damaged

but it was still so very impressive

Fancy shmancy everything

Lots of semi precious stones for the floor

Unfortunately, half the room was covered in scaffolding for repair works.  

Up in the galleries, lots of decorations.  Many falling off, but still amazing

Mosaic of Christ with the virgin and St. John the baptist

In places where the damage distracted, someone colored in the pattern.

View out a window to the roofs

Another mosaic with the virgin and child between Emperor John II Comnenus and Empress Irene

Their son Prince Alexius was added later, as might be obvious by his placement

dating from 1118

Empress Irene

Emperor John II

Virgin and child

Mosaic of Christ flanked by an emperor and empress

Contortions through security fencing got this picture of an angel on one of the side domes.

Back outside, parts of the 2nd church that used to occupy this site

The minarets were added after the Ottoman Empire converted the church to a mosque

As a mosque washing is important, hence the publish wash basin

There were a couple tombs of sultans and their families next to the Aya Sofia

turkey in general had many of its antiquities stolen, but this more modern example was pretty seriously sketchy