Hagia Sophia Mosaics & Ottoman Calligraphy – Inside Look

Explore how surfaces narrate transformations — from Christian iconography to Ottoman script and medallions.

12/8/2025

12 min read

Surfaces speak. Hagia Sophia’s walls record transitions in faith and empire.

Byzantine Mosaics

Gold backgrounds, saints, imperial panels.
Conservation reveals fragments; some areas remain covered.

Look along upper galleries for subtle glitter — that’s gold tesserae catching ambient light.

Surface dialogue of mosaic and calligraphy Calligraphy medallion silhouette

I built this to help you meet Hagia Sophia with calm, context, and care—so the grand ideas, quiet prayers, and bright stones speak clearly.