Sacred Spaces Large and Small

I had the privilege of having two special visits to the largest and one of the smallest churches in Istanbul. Built more than a millennium apart, the two churches gave me an opportunity to experience the truly magnificent space and works in Hagia Sophia and the jewel-like presence of Panagia Isodion. My interest in these sacred spaces was and still remains, photographic. That said, it was impossible to escape the extraordinary feeling when I touched the gold mosaics inside the window wells of the Great Church. It was like shaking hands with the artisans who laid them there over 1,400 years ago. The small but intricately ornate Panagia Isodion was mesmerizing with its cozy feeling and the overwhelming details all around.

These photographs were exhibited twice, once November 5 – December 3, 2014, and again March 24 – April 29, 2015, on different venues. You can read more about those showings in a separate post.