Photographer's Note
I know, this is very classic, you have seen it a thousand times, but I just couldn't let it out of my portfolio and my theme. If you want to have a "different" look at Hagia Sofia, take a look at one of my previous photos, *The Magnificent Dome of Hagia Sofia*.
I hope that you don't mind if I copy the note of that previous photo:
" Hagia Sofia, is one of the most important monumenents of Istanbul and definitely the most emblematic of the Byzantine Era. It is considered the epitome of the Byzantine architecture and one of its most impressive elements is its magnificent dome, with a diameter of 32 meters, standing 52 metres above ground level. Although the scaffold for restoration works spoils the impression, the dome seems to be standing on thin air, as there are no columns to support it.
MORE INFO ABOUT HAGIA SOFIA FROM WIKIPEDIA:
"Hagia Sophia (Turkish: Ayasofya, from the Greek: Αγία Σοφία, "Holy Wisdom"; Latin: Sancta Sophia or Sancta Sapientia) is a former patriarchal basilica, later a mosque, now a museum in Istanbul, Turkey. Famous in particular for its massive dome, it is considered the epitome of Byzantine architecture. It was the largest cathedral in the world for nearly a thousand years, until the completion of the Seville Cathedral in 1520. The current building was originally constructed as a church between 532 and 537 A.D. on the orders of the Byzantine Emperor Justinian, and was in fact the third Church of the Holy Wisdom to occupy the site (the previous two had both been destroyed by riots). It was designed by two architects, Isidore of Miletus and Anthemius of Tralles. The Church contained a large collection of holy relics and featured, among other things, a 50 foot (15 m) silver iconostasis. It was the patriarchal church of the Patriarch of Constantinople and the religious focal point of the Eastern Orthodox Church for nearly 1000 years.
In 1453, Constantinople was conquered by the Ottoman Turks and Sultan Mehmed II ordered the building to be converted into a mosque.[1] The bells, altar, iconostasis, and sacrificial vessels were removed, and many of the mosaics were eventually plastered over. The Islamic features — such as the mihrab, the minbar, and the four minarets outside — were added over the course of its history under the Ottomans. It remained as a mosque until 1935, when it was converted into a museum by the Republic of Turkey.
For almost 500 years the principal mosque of Istanbul, Hagia Sophia served as a model for many of the Ottoman mosques such as the Sultan Ahmed Mosque (Blue Mosque of Istanbul), the Şehzade Mosque, the Süleymaniye Mosque, and the Rüstem Pasha Mosque.
Although it is sometimes referred to as Santa Sophia, the Greek name in full is Ναός της Αγίας του Θεού Σοφίας, Church of the Holy Wisdom of God. It was to this, the Holy Wisdom of God, that the Church was dedicated (Sophia being a Latin phonetic spelling of the Greek word Wisdom). So Santa Sophia should be understood as the title of the church, Holy Wisdom, rather than a reference to some Saint Sophia. (***MORE+++*** ) ""
MY THEME:
Istanbul-2010 Cultural Capital of Europe
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Critiques | Translate
ManuMay
![Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2467 W: 253 N: 4601]](http://i1.trekearth.com/misc/g-g-g.gif){kind=small}
(36447) 2009-05-02 3:15
Ha, ha!!!Amigo Hércules!!
Estaba esperando esta foto...sabía que no nos quedaríamos sin tu particular visión...y es magnífica, haciendo honor a este maravilloso monumento. La foto es superior, qué te voy a decir...color, definición, composición...todo detalle ha sido realmente cuidado y perfectamente reproducido...y gracias por la nota, cuando una nota es buena de verdad debe ser usada tantas veces como sea posible...y siempre lo agradeceremos...
Espero tu próxima visión de la ciudad mágica!!!
Recibe un saludo muy cordial
Manuel
ymrk
(15099) 2009-05-02 3:15
You was great walks to Istanbul,is that so? :D
Perfect sharpen with magnifcient exposure time,Giritli.Also this photo good still. :)
Take care,see you soon!
Yağmur
isabela_sor
(47748) 2009-05-02 3:27 [Comment]
meltemi
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(0) 2009-05-02 3:27
Geia Sou Hercules,
truly spectacular view, of a magnificent place! The attractive light brings out the colours very well. I love the way the vibrant color and angle of light play and perhaps sooth (in a beautiful way) this powerful scene. Top quality overall definition!
My best wishes to you and your wife!
Stella
mesutilgim
(0) 2009-05-02 3:30
Hi dear Hercules,
Most probably one of the most captured objects of İstanbul. This marvellous monument of the mankind is great in every aspect.
Very well done capture with perfect light and sharpness.
The water jets and star effects of the street lamps brings another touch in the scenery.
During the ongoing restauration works a friend of mine, who is taking care of the restauration has found a graffiti on the edge of the main dome. Most probably a Byzantine worker wrote it in 10th century: "Kyrie, voithi to sou doulo, Gregoria" ! I can understand what one can feel working at such a hight !
TFS and hava a nice weekend
Best regards
MESUT ILGIM
trekks
(14348) 2009-05-02 3:34
hi Hercules
Fantastic!
I like this blue hour moment that strikes out so strongly in contrast with the lights on the mosque and your version of it impresses me a lot!
Great work with f/14 sharpness.
I am jealous :)
tfs, bill
Silvio1953
(205793) 2009-05-02 3:41
Ciao Hercules, magic shoot, wonderful blue our with fantastic exposure, superb ligh,very well done, have a good week end, ciao Silvio
vasilpro
(41801) 2009-05-02 3:44
Γεια σου Ηρακλή,
Τα λόγια είναι φτώχεια μπροστά στο μεγαλείο της εικόνας.
Συγχαρητήρια, Βασίλης.
Bluejeans
(64251) 2009-05-02 3:58
Ola Hercules,
Que magnifica foto desta basílica em Istambul a sua arquitectura é linda , muito bonitos os detalhes em primeiro plano , boas cores e luz, parabéns!!
Um abraço Gonçalo
atha2pan
(3811) 2009-05-02 4:49
A classical but a good one, Irakli mou!
No one can resists her beauty, even seen 1000 times.
Kali sou mera Iraklara!
Sakis
Floydian
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(30970) 2009-05-02 5:33
Hi Hercules,
A classic pov, but everytime a joy for the eye when doing it at the right time and with the perfect timing. Twinkling stars, smooth water, beautiful contrast between red and blue....you really made some work from it. A very lovely image that i like, technical speaking excellent work.
Regards,
Henk
Bruno40
(6658) 2009-05-02 7:20
en tu estilo no te gana nadie!!
maravillosa vista de Hagia.
Como lo haces para que la luz se vea como estrella?
saludos
jorge
bostankorkulugu
(42832) 2009-05-02 7:22
thanks to the starry street lamps, hagia sophia glitters like a jewel through the night... i cant take my eyes off of this one irakli mou, promise me you will send me the poli issue of the magazine... (and tell me if you hate seeing yourself as the workshop with your every post... be honest>:P...)
sayeed_rahman
![Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 650 W: 14 N: 858]](http://i1.trekearth.com/misc/g-s-g.gif){kind=small}
(6461) 2009-05-02 7:23
Mystic appeal..great shot again..seems the fountain is a bit distracting..the isolation would be good at the minaret on the left..would have been the perfect postcard..or am i mistaken..it already is..:))
have a great WE Hercules
Cheers
sayeed
Gerrit
(59968) 2009-05-02 7:39
Hey Hercules,
A great nightshot and a perfect framing witth the water and the lights of this majestic mosque/church.
Great work,
Regards, Gerrit
jonathan_hart
(21276) 2009-05-02 8:32
it's amazing how the colors are so fine, you're a master of night shots
jc
pauloog
(11751) 2009-05-02 9:16
Hello Hercules,
This amazing building has been photographed a zillion times, mostly from the same point of view as it is to my knowledge the only point from which you get a more or less total view of the basilica. But this photo stands out because of its clarity, and beautiful colour combination of gold .
Regards,
Paul and dark blue
besnard
(59196) 2009-05-02 9:24
Bonjour hercules
Une très belle image nocturne avec cette mosquée illuminée qui ressort de belle manière sur un ciel bleu profond.
Merci pour le partage et bon week-end.
Nicole
aristo
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(3214) 2009-05-02 10:11
Geia sou Irakli!
Magnificent view if Hagia Sophia in magic blue hour.Amazing POV and great presentation!
Classic but wonderful.Sigharitiria file mou!
Kind regards,
arek
AROBN54
(11475) 2009-05-02 10:52
Hello, Hercules,
as you said, I've seen many shots of this, but this has to be one of the most brilliantly done ones I've yet seen. Simply awesome. Light, color, detail, everything. Especially the detail. It is exquisite. This is a magnificent shot. Many thanks and kindest wishes,
Shelly
rodgerg
(55767) 2009-05-02 11:15
Hello Hercules,
A superb blue hour. The famous mosque/church arise very well in the blue of the sky. Framing and POV well selected, good managment of light. An image rich in various details well collected. Congratulations for this very good photowork.
Have a good evening,
Roger
Kielia
(24077) 2009-05-02 11:20
Hi Hercules,
what a wonderful impression of this famous place; the bright colors are fantastic. Your POV and the management of the light are excellent too. An amazingly beautiful photo!
Warm regards
Harriet
gilou530
![Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Workshop Editor/Silver Note Writer [C: 4978 W: 168 N: 14]](http://i1.trekearth.com/misc/g-g-s.gif){kind=small}
(34) 2009-05-02 12:03
salut hercules
un temple magnifique déja en temps normal mais de nuit il prend vraiment de la grandeur et de la beauté en plus a l'heurs bleue du trés beau travail
amitiés
giblert
BurhanettinMasa
(641) 2009-05-03 2:18
Merhaba Hercules :)
Another miraculous photo of yours ... Hagia Sophia with a wonderful blue, superb job ...
Regards,
Burhan
bema
(26591) 2009-05-03 4:52
Geia sou Hercules,
one more kind of perfect captured picture,
my complments for taking that picture, it´s a pleasure to look at..
have a fine day, filika Bernd
![Silver Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Silver Note Writer [C: 44 W: 36 N: 48]](http://i1.trekearth.com/misc/s-s-s.gif){kind=small}
Dyerco
![Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor [C: 1748 W: 46 N: 2392]](http://i1.trekearth.com/misc/g-s-n.gif){kind=small}
(10185) 2009-05-03 7:17
This maybe a classic view but as usual you have presented a really fine blue hour image. The oranges from the lights really compliment the blue. Well done my friend.
Phil
stelli
(3009) 2009-05-03 7:30
Magnificent picture as is the Dome!!! Excellent coloring and light maangement!!! Thank you for sharing! ΦΙΛΙΚΑ Στέλλα
Wandering_Dan
(3449) 2009-05-03 9:50
Hi, Hercules -
Classic, shamssic - it's well done. Great blue hour capture, and the stars in the lamps are a nice touch as well. Beautiful handling of the light, and great composition.
Best,
Dan
ciakgiak
(30) 2009-05-03 13:40
Hello Hercules,
this is really outstanding, and I'm not esagerate.
You captured a classic scene, but the effect for our eyes is great, so as the magnificent colors and the perfect light at the blue hour.
I also like a lot the title :-)
Have a great week dear friend
Giorgio
emilbo
(22616) 2009-05-04 5:55
Allô Hercules!
Très jolie photo et excellente exposition. Bel éclairage de fin de journée donne de merveilleuses couleurs et un superbe contraste. Une photo de toute beauté présentée avec une bonne qualité d'image. Excellent travail et bonne note historique.
Tous mes compliments,
Amicalement,
Emilius
luighi
(5303) 2009-05-04 5:58
Hola hercules
Bella imagen nocturna con la mezquita iluminada en plena hora azul .Perfecta en colores y detalles con una luz divina .Gracias por enseñarños este rincon del planeta .
Un cordial saludo.
Luis
athanvas
(2369) 2009-05-04 12:16
Geia sou Hraklh!
Oles oi fotografies sou apo thn poli einai fantastikes exeis kanei katapliktiki douleia! bravo sou!!!
Ayth mou aresei idiaitera...
Kalh synexeia,BASILIS
Muse
(35030) 2009-05-04 23:12
Hi Hercules,
Magnifique vue de ce superbe édifice à l'heure bleue.
De très belles lumières le mettent en valeur et le cadrage est parfait.
Best regards
Denise
Yves-triga
(5149) 2009-05-05 11:11
Hello Hercules,
Superbe pose lente,le rendu des couleurs sont magiques.
belles réalisation.
bien vu.
yves
Glint
(6171) 2009-05-06 10:28
hello hercules,
blue and gold symphony, what could be better? The light picks out the fantastic architecture of this place.The starry lights make magic.
regards,
Bev
Vato_Law
(12732) 2009-05-08 12:01
Hello Hercules,
a serenade or a symphony don't know but surelly a fantastic photo filled with beautiful elements and again a tremendous work with the exposure.
Cheers.
Paulo
MLINES
(12516) 2009-05-10 15:40
Hi Hercules. A beautiful symmetrical composition. The star-lights give it a highlight not often seen. Good work. TFS. Murray.
Emile
(20352) 2009-05-16 11:22
Lo único que te puedo decir de esta foto Hércules es que es perfecta y que va directa a mis favoritas.
Un fuerte abrazo.
MichaelTrezzi
(3374) 2009-05-31 4:50
Hi dear Friend Hercules,
You managed here something spectacular - you stressed the dignity of Hagia Sophia and supressed all the various insensitive illumination on long sticks obstructing the magnificent temple and put away all the turists and street sellers. To be honest, I gave up seeing all the hassle around. The combination of the blue hour with the warm illumination of Hagia Sophia is just great. Very well done, Congratullations. All the best, Michael
Dpbours
(222) 2009-06-02 14:52
Hello Hercules,
Ah, this is very nice. A blue hour is nice already in itself, but the outstanding colours in the foreground of the grass and the white flowers and dark red and pink tree is just very well exposed. Nice!
Dennis
Photo Information
-
Copyright: Hercules Milas (Cretense)
![Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 5327 W: 74 N: 16998]](//i1.trekearth.com/misc/g-g-g.gif)
(68709) - Genre: Lugares
- Medium: Cor
- Date Taken: 2009-04-16
- Categories: Arquitectura
- Camera: Canon 1Ds Mark III, Canon EF 24-105mm f/4 L IS USM
- Exposição: f/14.0, 6 segundos
- Details: Tripod: Yes
- More Photo Info: view
- Versão da Foto: Versão Original, Workshop
- Tema(s): Elena's Favourite Buildings Amazing, Istanbul-2010 Cultural Capital of Europe [view contributor(s)]
- Date Submitted: 2009-05-02 3:10
- Favoritos: 3 [ver]
Discussions
- To bostankorkulugu: WS (8)
by Cretense, last updated 2009-05-04 08:48 - To Bruno40: Estrella-luz (2)
by Cretense, last updated 2009-05-04 02:02
