Hagia Sophia - Imperial Entrance
| A spectacular view of the imperial entrance to the Hagia Sophia's interior. This is the largest of foor doors that lead from the inner narthex to the nave. In Byzantine times it was reserved for the sole use of the emperor. Above the door is a splendid 9th century mosaic of Christ Pantocrator with Emperor Leo VI. Through the door is a view of Hagia Sophia's apse in the east end. It features a beautiful Byzantine mosaic of the Virgin and Child and is flanked by Arabic roundels bearing the names of Muhammad (left) and Allah (right). Photo © Dick Osseman. |
