Reflecting the culture

Many existing elements of design reflect the ottoman culture within Ayasofia, such as the ornamentation, mosaiques, mouqarnaces, arches, materials and other fundamentals. Also taking into conception that ottoman structures where utilitiesed and recycled buildings from former existence, such as most old cultures and empires. Ottomans where known of such actions on a socio-political level at most; where it was omitted and portrayed as a sign of power and dominance to over through buildings and possessions of other existences. Hagia Sofia’s architect Sinan introduced his mind blowing theories in structural design and solutions concerning the central dome.


In conclusion Hagia Sophia has a long history and it took a long time to build Hagia Sophia. In the past centuries five years were considered to be short enough time build a monument like Hagia Sophia. Before the research we thought Hagia Sophia was just a regular church, but later we realized that Hagia Sophia is a beautiful monument and it has very interesting history. I learned that Hagia Sophia is a famous landmark in Istanbul, had many problems like damages and earthquakes. Hagia Sophia was rightfully named as one of the famous creations. It is one of a few outstanding buildings sitting on earth at this moment. The monumental size, and sheer scale is almost incomparable to any other. The concept reflecting human significance in comparison to the secular realm is evident in Hagia Sophia. Moreover reflecting a sign of power by the creation of such monuments, using such materials and technologies. Its structure is breath taking. It seems not to rest upon solid masonry but to cover the space as if suspended from heaven by a golden chain.