THIS IS WHAT HAGIA SOPHIA LOOKED LIKE
Gaspare Fossati’s drawings show the appearance of Hagia Sophia in the 19th century in full detail. The architect who oversaw the great restoration carried out during the reign of Sultan Abdülmecid records both the building and the surrounding Istanbul. The resulting landscape is quite different from today’s view.
THERE ARE HOUSES AT THE DOOR
The wooden houses around the main entrance of Hagia Sophia, which are no longer seen today, attract attention. Narrow streets and dense construction completely change the appearance of the building in the city. The drawings also shed light on the lost texture of old Istanbul.
IT DISAPPEARS MY EYES
Fossati describes with admiration the view he sees when he enters the main area of Hagia Sophia. Stating that the size of the building dazzled him, the architect writes that he does not know of any other building in the world that is so tall, wide and harmonious.
6 THOUSAND LAMPS ARE ON
Approximately 6 thousand oil lamps are hung inside Hagia Sophia on Ramadan nights. When the lamps placed on the dome and high points with thin wires are turned on at the same time, the structure turns into a giant sea of light. Fossati specifically notes the impact of this image.
