....QUERIES:....Hagia Sophia

The most important building of the ancient Constantinople, Hagia Sophia is still the best-known monument in this part of the world. Almost all the rulers, conquerors even the mere visitors like the Vikings of 11th century left their marks. Some put a fantastic mosaic of Christ, most probably a Byzantine Emperor, others built small domed sultan's tombs on its garden, and yet ordinary folks made grafittis of their ships on the walls.

Hagia Sophia witnessed 15 centuries, thus the best and the longest uninterrupted registration of the earthquakes in a land that was shaken more than once during this period.

Sengul Aydingun was curator in Hagia Sophia for three years. She accessed to the best-kept material of the temple. Thanks to her deep insight of the building and the special permissions from the ministry we were able to photograph Hagia Sophia for days long and with so many details.

We are proposing an article with both the general history of the building and many side stories that makes it so special. For example, during the restorations of Gaspare Fosatti in mid-19th century mosaics depicting Christ and Virgin Mary were uncovered. Sultan Abdülmecid was moved but ordered them to be covered again carefully, so that they may survive until they are revealed to view in the future.

Already published works about Hagia Sophia:
....1 - Hagia Sophia in Turkish Airlines in-flight magazine.
....2 - A prestige work as a Calendar for a Turkish Group.