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Lambs704 viewsOne of several marble blocks with reliefs depicting 12 lambs representing the 12 Apostles of Christ; originally part of a monumental front entrance to the Theodosian Aya Sophia, destroyed in 532.
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Empress Zoe mosaic699 viewsChrist is seated in the middle holding a Bible; on the left is Emperor Constantine IX Monomachus, and on the right, Empress Zoe. Dates from the 11th century AD. Located on the eastern wall of the southern gallery.
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Upper Galleries698 viewsThe western gallery was the Empress' Loge, the northern was for the court women, and the southern for the emperor. The hexagonal structure at lower right, below the gallery, is the Sultan's Loge, a 19th-century addition.
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The Marble Door696 viewsLocated in the southern part of the upper gallery, the Marble Door opened into a chamber that was used for synods (church councils). This picture was taken inside the chamber.
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Deësis Close-up696 viewsJesus and John the Baptist.
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Medallion695 viewsThe huge circular medallions date from the renovation of 1847-49 undertaken by Sultan Abdulmajid. They are inscribed with the names of Allah, Muhammad, the first four caliphs, and the grandchildren of Muhammad.
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Library Furniture694 viewsThis curious piece of furniture stands in the Library. I don't know its overall purpose, but it appears to harbor a light in the dome.
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Gallery Architectural Detail694 viewsThis picture captures the intricate filigree work atop the white marble column, as well as the elegant figures adorning the arches.
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Ceiling Detail692 viewsIn the Empress' Loge.
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Apse Mosaic - Virgin and Child692 viewsDates from 867 AD. May be a reconstruction of an original mosaic destroyed during the Iconoclastic period of Byzantine history, when representations of deities and saints were considered to be idols and thus outlawed.
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Column Detail691 viewsThe capitals of the marble columns displayed some extremely intricate filigree work.
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Library Grilles690 viewsThese grilles separate the Library, added in 1739 by Sultan Mahmud I, from the nave.
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