Istanbul - Discover Turkey: Experience the Best of Turkey - page 145

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Don't Miss
Aya Sofya
This venerable structure - commissioned by the great Byzantine emperor Justinian, consecrated as a church in 537,
converted to a mosque by Mehmet the Conqueror in 1453 and declared a museum by Atatürk in 1935 - stands out
even among İstanbul's many important monuments, with its innovative architectural form, rich history, religious im-
portance and extraordinary beauty. See Click here for more information.
As you enter and walk into the inner narthex, look up to see a brilliant mosaic of Christ as Pantocrator (Ruler of
All) above the third and largest door (the Imperial Door). Through this is the building's main space, famous for its
dome, huge nave and gold mosaics.
Ottoman additions include a mimber (pulpit), mihrab (prayer niche indicating the direction of Mecca) and the
hünkar mahfili elevated kiosk.
In the side aisle to the northeast of the Imperial Door is the Weeping Column , with a worn copper facing pierced
by a hole. Legend has it that the pillar was blessed by St Gregory the Miracle Worker and that putting one's finger
into the hole can lead to ailments being healed if the finger emerges moist.
At the top of the switchback ramp at the northern end of the inner narthex, a large circle of green marble marks
the spot where the throne of the empress once stood. In the upstairs galleries, look out for the Byzantine mosaics de-
picting the emperors and empresses with Christ and Mary.