About this video

• Video Title: Percepción histórica y estética de Santa Sofía | Pedro Bádenas
• Channel: Fundación Juan March
• Speakers: Pedro Bádenas
• Duration: 1:02:05

Overview

This video delves into the historical and aesthetic perception of Hagia Sophia, presented by Pedro Bádenas. It explores the monument's evolution from its origins as a church to its transformation into a mosque and later a museum, examining the architectural, religious, and cultural shifts that have shaped its perception over centuries. The presentation highlights key historical periods, architectural innovations, and the diverse interpretations of Hagia Sophia by various cultures and individuals.

Key takeaways

• Architectural Evolution: Hagia Sophia has undergone significant transformations, from its initial basilica form to the grand structure built by Justinian, and its subsequent adaptation as a mosque.
• Perception Shifts: The way Hagia Sophia has been viewed and interpreted has changed dramatically over time, influenced by religious, political, and cultural contexts.
• Byzantine Identity: The Byzantines considered themselves Romans, and this identity is reflected in the building's architecture and the nomenclature used.
• Literary and Artistic Documentation: Despite a lack of technical documentation from the Byzantine era, literary accounts and artistic representations offer valuable insights into the monument's perception.
• Ottoman Influence: The Ottoman conquest brought significant changes, including the addition of minarets and the transformation of the space into a mosque, altering its internal arrangement and symbolic meaning.
• Enduring Significance: Hagia Sophia continues to evoke a sense of awe and wonder, representing a powerful synthesis of history, art, and spirituality.

The original architectural form of Hagia Sophia, before the current structure, was likely a basilica. The transcript mentions a first church from the early Christian period (4th-5th centuries) of which nothing has been preserved, but it's believed to have had a basilical form, a traditional Roman architectural style also used for civil buildings. The second church, built by Theodosius II in the 5th century, also had a basilical structure, and remains of its portico and pediment have been preserved.

The conversion of Hagia Sophia into a mosque significantly altered its internal arrangement and orientation. Key changes included:

• Orientation: The nave became desoriented towards the southeast, aligning the faithful's gaze towards Mecca.
• Mihrab: The mihrab, which indicates the direction of Mecca, was placed in the apse area but not strictly in the center.
• Minbar: The minbar (pulpit) was moved slightly forward on the lateral side.
• Ambon and Altar: The ambon disappeared, and the main altar was removed.
• Pavement: The original marble pavement was covered with carpets, obscuring the original layout designed for Christian rituals.
• Iconography: The Christian iconography, particularly the mosaics, was covered or hidden, as it was incompatible with Islamic worship.
• New Elements: Elements like the mihrab, minbar, and large calligraphic roundels bearing the names of Allah and the Prophet Muhammad were introduced. Large chandeliers were also added, and some sultans' mausoleums were constructed in the exterior precinct.