In the previous post you saw photographs of me and Reha in and around Hagia Sophia. In this, and the next post, I will share with you some photographs that I took from the remarkable vantage point I enjoyed of this magnificent structure.

The restoration scaffolding is immense as you can see. It stands 55 meters, over 180-feet, tall. Our host, Erdinc told us that a crew who knows how to assemble it can move it to the next quadrant in 45 days. Once, it took an inexperienced crew over 3 months. The elevator took us to the 55 meter platform where I was able to touch the very center of the dome. The gold foiled medallion that hides the hanging gear of the immense center chandelier is made of wood and nailed to the ceiling. The calligraphy on the ceiling covers the original mosaic art.

Looking down and around makes it very clear that this is [Read more...]

I had a very remarkable experience that I would like to share very briefly here. My good friend Reha Gunay arranged for us to visit Hagia Sophia and go up to its dome. His student Erdinc was a great host as he took us on the elevator to the top, 55 meters from the ground. The actual ceiling of the dome is 56 meters tall and I touched the very center of the dome. It was a truly exhilarating feeling. After we photographed the dome ceiling, we photographed the various parts of the lower levels.

Later on we walked outside and saw the most magnificent view of Sultanahmet and Topkapi Palace. I will post more photographs of the experience when I go back home. Here are some of the highlights of the memorable experience.