the Hagia Sophia was converted to a mosque where Muslims could pray. Its original Christian art was then covered up and Islamic calligraphy was displayed instead. Four slim columns, which are ...

Diker is one of the overseers of the Hagia Sophia’s upcoming restoration. As he explains to the Guardian, the building’s large central dome is visibly uneven, and it’s supported by four columns of ...

Many mosaics and paintings from the Hagia Sophia were destroyed ... BELIEVERS SAY THE 'WEEPING COLUMN' HAS HEALING POWERS. Also called the "sweating column," the "wishing column," and the ...

"Hagia Sophia is simply unique ... lavish marble decoration inside." "Massive marble columns were brought from around the ancient world. The walls are sheathed in handsome marbles that have ...

To facilitate the restoration while allowing the Hagia Sophia to remain open to worshippers and visitors, a steel platform system supported by four columns and standing 43.5 meters tall will be ...

“Both Hagia Sophia and Chora embodied Byzantine and ... you can read all the stories and columns you want, free of charge (and we hope you read a lot of them!) But, of course, producing this ...

Istanbul, Turkey CNN — Whether you’re a believer or not, visiting Hagia Sophia is a spiritual experience. The architectural genius of this place of worship — which was built as a church in ...

ISTANBUL — Turkey has begun a new phase in sweeping restorations of the nearly 1,500-year-old Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, focusing on preserving the monument’s historic domes from the threat of ...

and it’s supported by four columns of unequal dimensions. The structure’s semi-domes are attached to the main one by fragile joints. The history of the Hagia Sophia (which means “Holy Wisdom ...