35mm slide scanned to CD.

Note: This is an older image I shot in the mid 1990's using 35 mm slide film and scanned to CD.
I include it here to show the elaborate scaffolding used to do some massive restoration on the dome mosaic.
Aesthetically and photographically, I liked the brilliant color of the scaffolding contrasted
with the gold in the dome , as well as the contrast of the ancient architecture with modern technology.

The dome of the Hagia Sophia was a daring technical, archaeological, and engineering feat in the 6th century.
The dome was plagued with earthquake damage during its long history, and collapsed in an earthquake in 558 and
was rebuilt in 559.
The new dome, which is taller, was partially rebuilt again after damage in the 859 and 989 earthquakes.

The calligraphy in the center of the dome was executed during some restoration work in the 1840's.
The restoration scaffolding shown here was erected in 1992 to repair damage to these later mosaics as well as mosaics dating from the 10th and 14th centuries and earlier.
Restorations are usually done with similar materials in slightly different shades from the original
so that one can determine what is original and what is restoration.
Thus the different shades of gold mosaic that can be seen in this image.

Domes represent the cosmos in religious art and architecture.