Have you ever wondered; Is it possible for a well known building to have unknown facts? – If the case is Hagia Sophia, everything is possible. Here’s the 3 Unknown Facts Of The Hagia Sophia:
- Hagia Sophia is older than most of the famous buildings
- There are Talismans and Drawings
- Tunnels and Unrevealed Rooms
In this article, as @atourguideinconstantinople, I’m clearing the dust on the cases to investigate the unknowns of Hagia Sophia. So, grab a Turkish Coffee and your curiosity, we have some things to do.
How Old Is Hagia Sophia
Hagia Sophia was built 537 AD with the Roman Emperor Justinian the 1st’s order. The building is clearly one of a few that left a huge impression on the heritage of our world. The impressions can not fit the letters.
Here’s the list of the grand childrens of the Hagia Sophia:
• The Leaning Tower of Pisa, Italy (1372)
• The Sistine Chapel, Italy (1483)
• Ahu Tongariki, Easter Island (Between 1000-1500)
• Taj Mahal, India (1653)
• The Eiffel Tower, France (1889)
• St. Patrick’s Cathedral, USA (1879)
• The Statue of Liberty, USA (1886)
• Angkor wat, Cambodia (1110-1150)
• The High Cathedral of Saint Peter in Trier, Germany (1270)
• The Casa de las Campanas (translated as House of the Bells), Spain (1587)
There Are Talismans And Drawings
- Viking Ship. If you have heard some things about the Hagia Sophia, you and I both know there are even runes (Viking writings). What you are missing: there are actually drawings of a Viking Ship at the Hagia Sophia. It’s located in the galeries. And here’s a Picture of it.
- The Hand of Mary. During the construction of the building, the hand of Mary was placed on the wall of Hagia Sophia. According to legend, the hand was accepted as the protector and moved from some other church of Istanbul.
- The Saint. The dating was predicted as 18th or 19th. Unfortunately we can not name the Saint. It’s before the Marble Gate on the left hand side of galleries.
- Talisman. It’s also dated around the 19th century. There are some numbers on it and made to protect it.
- Symbol Of A Crusedar Soldier. Occupation of the 4th Crusaders. Constantinople city was taken between 1204-1261 and the crusaders spent around 57 years in the city. Here’s the sign of the soldier.
Tunnels And Unrevealed Rooms
I grew up with tunnel stories under the Hagia Sophia. Most of them were even exaggerating. Above all, such as the tunnels even goes under the Bosphorus to Islands of Marmara Sea (Today there’s a metro under the Bosphorus interestingly).
It sounds like a science fiction novel or fancy words from Jules Verne. There are actually uncovered 668 meter long tunnels. Furthermore, there are even more to reveal (about 268 could barely uncovered because of the mud)
According to Prof. Dr. Hasan Fırat Diker: the tunnels are structured with the purpose of water supply, rainwater drainage, ventilation and storage.
The rest of it needs the light of science.
There are always something more to discover. Could you spare some time for @atourguideinconstantinople?
Do You Need Tour Guide
As a tour guide, sharing fascinating anecdotes and insider tips, taking my guests on a journey beyond the surface-level attractions and most importantly while having fun, I keep them accompanied along the way. With my guidance, you can discover hidden gems and off-the-beaten-path destinations that you may have otherwise missed.
I have always cared for the needs of my guests. Therefore it’s my duty to defend your interests. Being actively on the field for many years brought me above a certain level of knowledge. I have already faced and dealt with the issues you can possibly come across with. I also did absorb the history of the building to create and prove my difference. The travellers who trusted me, received my full support and hospitality. In addition to setting their goals in the city where I was born, I did also shed light to show the ways of managing their time in the most efficient ways. Use my experience in order to feel confident as if it’s your own city!
All you have to do is texting these words;
“I need a tour guide”
Oğulcan ÖZDİL, Founder & Professional Tour Guide
Source:
- https://www.aa.com.tr/tr/kultur/ayasofyanin-en-buyuk-yer-alti-yapilari-goruntulendi/2671496
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dWnEHPtix-g