Analyze on Hagia Sophia 2022

Running head: HAGIA SOPHIA
Hagia Sophia
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HAGIA SOPHIA1
The Hagia Sophia is a marvelous architectural monument located in present day
Istanbul, Turkey. It was originally constructed as a Christian church almost 1,500 years ago
(Eastmond, 283- 297). This structure plays major role in interconnecting international
politics, architecture and most exclusively art (Schibille, 265-278). The focal point of this
discussion will be to analyze importance of the Hagia Sophia. Additionally, the various
aspects and the importance of the construct will be thoroughly analyzed.
The Hagia Sophia was constructed during a period when the integration of power
under a Holy Roman Emperor was essential (Kaldellis, 347-366). The historical significance
of this building is that the Hagia Sophia stands as an indisputable symbol of Christianity
within the Roman Empire. It is also profound that the monument was constructed within the
time span of six years. The Hagia Sophia can also be deemed culturally significant. Even
though the monument commenced its existence as a Church, it was eventually transformed
into a mosque by the Ottoman Empire. This led to a cultural fusion between the Western and
the Oriental cultures. Thus, in the present day, it serves as a collaboration between these
contrary cultures. Even though any symbols of Christianity were removed when the
Ottomans took control, many original Christian mosaics can still be witnessed today.
The Hagia Sophia also possesses a rich religious background. As Constantine I
declared himself as the sole ruler of the Roman Empire, he also ordered for the construction
of the Hagia Sophia. The building, from that time onwards, was considered as the
culmination and celebration of Christianity throughout the Empire. However, the structure
had to endure earthquakes and fires before being invaded by the Latin population
(Moropoulou et al., 170-184). Moreover, the greatest religious fusion occurred when the
Ottomans took complete control. The Muslim rulers not only removed all images
representing Christianity but they also added minarets, which added a touch of their Muslim