Expert: Jeni Andrews-Fraser - 11/18/2006

Question
I understand that Hagia Sophia captures the beuty of the "spiritual realm." How does the architectual design achieve this feeling of heaven?

Answer
Hello Leonard
For art and architectural historians, Hagia Sophia's fame is tied to its revolutionary architectural forms and its mosaics.  [Due to its long history as both a church and a mosque, a particular challenge arises in the restoration process. The Christian iconographic mosaics are being gradually uncovered. However, in order to do so, important, historic Islamic art would have to be destroyed. Restorers have attempted to maintain a balance between both Christian and Islamic cultures. In particular, much controversy rests upon whether the Islamic calligraphy on the dome of the cathedral should be removed, in order to permit the underlying Pantocrator mosaic of Christ as Master of the World, to be exhibited (assuming the mosaic still exists).(source: Wikipedia)].  Your comment about the spiritual realm of the Hagia Sophia is tied to its function -- as a place of worship.  Architects of such structures would hope that their church/mosque/meeting house could provide a sanctuary where one could communicate with one's gods .. in their 'spiritual realm'.  Hope this answers your question (in part) - there's not enough space here to discuss the Hagia Sophia in its entirety, but there are some excellent websites that could guide you.
Good luck.