The Magnificent Dome of Hagia Sofia, a photo from Istanbul, Marmara

Photographer's Note

This is an inside photo of Hagia Sofia, one of the most important monumenents of Istanbul and definitely the most emblematic of the Byzantine Era. It is considered the epitome of the Byzantine architecture and one of its most impressive elements is its magnificent dome, with a diameter of 32 meters, standing 52 metres above ground level. Although the scaffold for restoration works spoils the impression, the dome seems to be standing on thin air, as there are no columns to support it.

MORE INFO ABOUT HAGIA SOFIA FROM WIKIPEDIA:
"Hagia Sophia (Turkish: Ayasofya, from the Greek: Αγία Σοφία, "Holy Wisdom"; Latin: Sancta Sophia or Sancta Sapientia) is a former patriarchal basilica, later a mosque, now a museum in Istanbul, Turkey. Famous in particular for its massive dome, it is considered the epitome of Byzantine architecture. It was the largest cathedral in the world for nearly a thousand years, until the completion of the Seville Cathedral in 1520. The current building was originally constructed as a church between 532 and 537 A.D. on the orders of the Byzantine Emperor Justinian, and was in fact the third Church of the Holy Wisdom to occupy the site (the previous two had both been destroyed by riots). It was designed by two architects, Isidore of Miletus and Anthemius of Tralles. The Church contained a large collection of holy relics and featured, among other things, a 50 foot (15 m) silver iconostasis. It was the patriarchal church of the Patriarch of Constantinople and the religious focal point of the Eastern Orthodox Church for nearly 1000 years.

In 1453, Constantinople was conquered by the Ottoman Turks and Sultan Mehmed II ordered the building to be converted into a mosque.[1] The bells, altar, iconostasis, and sacrificial vessels were removed, and many of the mosaics were eventually plastered over. The Islamic features � such as the mihrab, the minbar, and the four minarets outside � were added over the course of its history under the Ottomans. It remained as a mosque until 1935, when it was converted into a museum by the Republic of Turkey.

For almost 500 years the principal mosque of Istanbul, Hagia Sophia served as a model for many of the Ottoman mosques such as the Sultan Ahmed Mosque (Blue Mosque of Istanbul), the Şehzade Mosque, the S悤eymaniye Mosque, and the R媠tem Pasha Mosque.

Although it is sometimes referred to as Santa Sophia, the Greek name in full is Ναός της Αγίας του Θεού Σοφίας, Church of the Holy Wisdom of God. It was to this, the Holy Wisdom of God, that the Church was dedicated (Sophia being a Latin phonetic spelling of the Greek word Wisdom). So Santa Sophia should be understood as the title of the church, Holy Wisdom, rather than a reference to some Saint Sophia. (***MORE+++*** ) "

MY THEME:
Istanbul-2010 Cultural Capital of Europe

nszeretlek, Jeppo, bostankorkulugu, vasilpro, atha2pan, azaf1, hyasar, dareco, Buin, sunamoon, mkamionka, Didi, chrkont, stelli, Emile, clio, Dpbours has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

nszeretlek (1199) 2009-04-26 4:31

a big big wuaoohhh!!! It is really impressive the way you have caught this taken that makes one feel airsicked and stunned at the same time . Lights , colours , and that centrally place scaffolding ? leading our view to heaven ! are valuable assets in the picture

Jeppo (17645) 2009-04-26 4:34

ciao Hercules,

what a sharpness! a really excellent shot. I also like the POV from below running onto the column till the roof. it gives a great depth and emphasizes the magnificient and size of this dome.

well done
silvio

ajayrawat (676) 2009-04-26 4:41

Hi Hercules, I have seen many photos from this mosque, but believe you me all of them are so beautiful and almost all had a different POV, just wondering how much can this magnificent building has to offer for lensmen. I like your POV as well so beautiful that even scaffolding looks like piece of art. The lighting is brilliant. TFS

batalay (41261) 2009-04-26 4:41

Hello Hercules,

A spectacular shot of the dome, demonstrating exquisite light management. The colors and detail come alive. I just looked at your other photos of Istanbul. Was this a first visit for you? You most likely visited the second floor gallery. Did anyone point out the 1100 year old Viking graffiti?

Warm regards,

Bulent

bostankorkulugu (42866) 2009-04-26 5:09

while everyone is trying to avoid these scapholdings you ve made a great use of them giritli mou... another proof that you are a master in what you do... breathtaking of course...

one of the good things about istanbul's being the european capitol of culture in 2010 is that these almost 50 year old scapholdings will go away as a part of the programme... another reason for you to come back :DDD...

vasilpro (41801) 2009-04-26 5:36

Γεια σου Ηρακλή,
Πολύ καλή γωνία λήψης και η σκαλωσιά ανεβαίνει ως το θόλο της Αγίας Σοφιάς. Όμορφη σύνθεση με ωραία χρώματα. Καταπληκτικός πραγματικά ο θόλος.
Σε χαιρετώ, Βασίλης.

baba_flies (8829) 2009-04-26 5:40

Hello Hercules! You made incredible use of this thing :))) standing in the way. Most were probably scratching their heads not knowing what to do with it wishing it was not there. But you proof it, it works wonderful, these inside stairs lead us up with our eyes, admiring the beauty of this beautiful ceiling even more. Great shot, nothing is impossible, you show us how! Have a nice afternoon, Barbara.

albertojr (738) 2009-04-26 5:48

This is the way you get the scaffold get to work in composition. it leads us to the center of the dome, bull's eye. It's a clever shot Hercules. my compliments.

atha2pan (3811) 2009-04-26 6:18

Ax Irakli.
Kathe mera, pistepse to, perimeno na anebaseis fotografia, giati eimai sigouros oti tha einai allo ena diamanti. Ti foto einai auti kai pali. Xoris ypervoli, mou aresei para poly!!!!!
Xaireto file
Sakis

partha (14023) 2009-04-26 6:37

Hi Hercules,
Perfect use of the wide angle lens. I suppose this may be a perfect example of how the wide angle lens can be used for architectural photography. The angle of view, the colour, the details everything in this shot is simply superb.
Great shot.
Partha

NB: If you have time please go through My website .... http://www.wix.com/parthapalindia/partha/

and I like to have your view.

stevesaba (8167) 2009-04-26 7:38

Hi Hercules!
This one really caught my eye. Great colors and detail, with a unique pov too. Your whole gallery is wonderful! cheers,
Steve

hyasar (7775) 2009-04-26 7:53

Hi Hercules,

this is one of the best shots of Hagia Sofia, which I have ever seen. Amazing composition with warm colors.

regards,
Hakan

dareco (17136) 2009-04-26 8:25

Very interesting architecture and artwork. Wonderful colors and detail. TFS

Colombiana (2957) 2009-04-26 8:38

Hola parcero!
Una toma muy impresionante donde se destaca de forma impecable el antiguo arte bizantino. Los colores y tonos dorados de la c𣎴ula son bellisimos. Excelente en todo el sentido de la palabra.

Un abrazo,
Maryori

Buin (42580) 2009-04-26 9:45

Hallo Hercules!
An outstanding photo of an outstanding building! The scaffold only shows that one cares about this heritage. I like the confusing variety of details one can detect here. The colours and the light are great. What an impressive view...!
Greetings from Germany!
Frank

jonathan_hart (21276) 2009-04-26 10:12

stunning graphic and colors, the subject and the photo are both just great !
jc

ellelloo (6572) 2009-04-26 10:22

Hi Hercules,
The dome really looks magnificent and impressive. A great POV and the scaffold, even that distracting also creates here an amazing perspective. Great colours and perfect clarity and sharpness. Well done! Thanks for the interesting note!
Greetings,
Lasse

TGULUMSER (13252) 2009-04-26 11:58

Hello Hercules,
A magnificent view with wonderful colors. Sharpness and the depth of the composition are great. A masterpiece,
Best regards,
Tulay

barrufeto_77 (28888) 2009-04-26 16:13

Hola fiera.

Vale, ya te est嫳 montando una excursi鏮 a Barcelona y nos llevamos a Coco a hacer fotos. C鏔o se te ocurren esta pedazo de fotos? qu� env獮ia por Dios!

Un saludo!

John_F_Kennedy (43797) 2009-04-27 0:46

Hello Hercules,
Interesting inner space of the church. Great shot.
Best wishes,
Achim

diomed (13926) 2009-04-27 2:00

Hi Hiraklis,
this POV and perpective is really fantastic and unbelieveble!!! You captured the shapesand the colours of the Church in the best way possible!
congratulations!
Nice week
Antonio

Yves-triga (5149) 2009-04-27 3:59

Hello Hercules,
one other nice pov,
good idear and nice colors
good job
yves

mkamionka (73532) 2009-04-27 4:47

Hi Hercules,
I like very much interior photos from Hagia Sophia and hope someday I may do them by myself. Your POV is very original. I don't like the construction but here it provides an interesting reference point for a viewer.
The walls are very impressive, not only due to the size but they are so elaborate, old and rich in history.
The colors are also great and they create an amazing atmosphere of an old and holy place.
TFS,
M

chrkont (4005) 2009-04-27 4:48

Γεια σου Ηρακλή, Χρόνια πολλά για τις μέρες που πέρασαν
Παρά τις εκτεταμένες καταστροφές και τις ατελείωτες επισκευές, κατάφερες να αναδείξεις με ιδιαίτερα καλλιτεχνικό τρόπο την μεγαλοπρέπεια του εσωτερικού αυτού του Συμβόλου. Συγχαρητήρια για το εκπληκτικό αποτέλεσμα.
Χαιρετώ
Χρήστος

Didi (61589) 2009-04-27 4:50

Yassou Hercules
Great composition who gives me a vertigo.
Of course it will be more better after the restoration works.
Best regards

cak (4931) 2009-04-27 6:45

steel tower and colourful dome is magnificient together

Dyerco (10185) 2009-04-27 9:42

The scaffold adds a dimension of uniqueness to this shot. Great POV.
Phil

stelli (3009) 2009-04-27 11:04

Amazing POV and colors! Lucky to have had experienced this monument! Thank you for sharing! ΦΙΛΙΚΑ Στέλλα

emilbo (22616) 2009-04-27 19:01

All� Hercules,
Quelle belle prise de vue et vraiment merveilleux ce d獽e, une oeuvre d'art de toute beaut� et tr鋊 impressionnant. Les formes et couleurs sont fantastiques. Excellente note historique.
F幨icitations!... et merci de partager,
Emilius

mesutilgim (0) 2009-04-28 13:36

Hi dear Hercules,
I fully agree what Korkut commented to this wonderfull entry.
Another great capture of your gallery with astonishing pov and amazing warm colors.
Great info's as well.
TFS and best regards
MESUT ILGIM

PS.Very glad that you've liked my book !

Emile (20352) 2009-04-28 21:46

Hola H廨cules.
Espectacular fotograf燰 del interior de la c𣎴ula de la famosa mezquita, tu POV nos muestra excelentes detalles. A pesar de una muy baja exposici鏮 y sin el uso de tr甑ode has conseguido un magnifico foco. Los colores y tu marco est嫕 estupendos. Buen trabajo.
Un fuerte abrazo.

ifanik (21679) 2009-04-29 1:52

Το περίμενα ότι θα επιστρέψεις από την Τουρκία με τις βαλίτσες γεμάτες διαμάντια
Απλά μπράβο και αγαπημενη

clio (27961) 2009-04-29 6:36

Geia sou Hrakli,
I like very much the way with which you integrated this scaffold between curves and vaults of Agia Sofia. It gives me the dizziness!
A great and original creation,
bravo, filika
Artemis

Greg1949 (9011) 2009-04-29 8:56

Hercules, this is an awesome capture, it is amazing the detail captured and despite the scaffold it is a fine shot, in fact the scaffold shows that it is being cared for and that too is an important aspect of such a wonderful landmark.

Greg

faubry (35447) 2009-05-07 15:04

superb composition with thes bright colors, good contrast, impressive architecture!
congratulations
francine

Dpbours (222) 2009-06-02 3:56

Oh, that is intense! What a scaffolding! I even think it gives a unique photograph with the scaffolding. The light hitting the metal when you're in the upper part of the scaffolding. The way it leads the eye. Very nice!

Greetings,
Dennis