Hagia Sophia Research Paper

Within the Early Antiquity period, the Byzantine Empire developed the majestic capital known as Constantinople. Within the city lies one of the world’s most intriguing monuments known as Hagia Sophia. Hagia Sophia, which translates to holy wisdom in the Greek, was formed during the reign of Justinian and his co-emperor, Theodora. It has been immensely transformed over the past 1500 years from a Christian Church, to a Muslim Mosque, and then to a museum; all while surviving multiple earthquakes and attacks over the years. Since this structure has stood for over 1500 years it is important to look back at its history to see how this monument has come to be and what its future should be.
Hagia Sophia is greatly valued to the metropolis of Constantinople, which all started with the power struggle of the emperor of Constantinople at the time, Justinian. He was a strict ruler with intentions of making Constantinople the grandest city in terms of architecture and art. Riots began to break out because of his high tax enforcements which he implemented in order to achieve his mission. Theodora, his wife and co-emperor, …show more content…
In 1204, European crusaders sacked the city and stole immense amounts of treasures from Hagia Sophia. Along with this, Islam challenges forces had laid seize of Constantinople several times between its construction and current day. Following this, Constantinople essentially became the center of Ottoman Empire, which made the city, along with Hagia Sophia, the ultimate conquest.
Because of its age and importance, there is continuing ongoing restoration of Hagia Sophia. To keep it together for years to come, flexibility is crucial. It requires certain materials that were used to make the monument and applying the materials in a certain way to maximize flexibility. This is the building stays light, allowing it the sway with possible earthquakes that could occur within the