Images

An illustration from a 13th century CE manuscript depicting Byzantine emperor John II Komnenos (r. 1118-1143 CE).

Byzantine emperor John II Komnenos (r. 1118-1143 CE). From a 12th century CE mosaic panel in the south gallery of the Hagia Sophia, Istanbul. The emperor is shown offering a gift to the Virgin and young Christ.

This Hellenistic bronze statuette of an African youth dates to sometime between the 2nd-3rd Centuries BCE. It portrays a young worker, likely a blacksmith or other artisan, of Sub-Saharan African origin. While the piece is of unknown provenance...

This beautifully crafted head portrays an "Aethiopian", or black African, and is made out of black bronze, gold, obsidian and carnelian. The piece was once a part of an ornate object like a serving dish although it has been broken off at...

The Virgin and Child mosaic, 9th century CE, Hagia Sophia, Istanbul, Turkey. The mosaic is located in the apse semi-dome of Hagia Sophia. In the mosaic Mary is enthroned and she puts her right hand on the shoulder of the Child Christ who...

Jesus Christ detail, Deesis Mosaic, 13th century CE, Hagia Sophia, Istanbul, Turkey. The mosaic is accepted as a pioneer of the Renaissance Art

A column of Hagia Sophia, 6th century CE, Hagia Sophia, Istanbul, Turkey. In Hagia Sophia, there are 140 monolithic columns which were brought from different places of the world. For instance; the 8 porphyry columns whose color of purple...

Remnants of Theodosios' Hagia Sophia. A lamb relief representing 12 apostles. 5th. century CE, Hagia Sophia, Istanbul, Turkey. The first name of the Church was ‘’Megale Ekklesia’’ which means ‘’the Grand Church’’. The first Hagia Sophia...

Columns of Hagia Sophia, 6th century CE, Hagia Sophia, Istanbul, Turkey. In Hagia Sophia, there are 140 monolithic columns which were brought from different places of the world.

Located across the Hagia Sophia Museum, Yerebatan Sarayi is also known as the Basilica Cistern because of a basilica that was once located nearby as a cultural centre. It is the largest surviving underground cistern of Istanbul. Fatih Cistern...