Hagia Sophia, Istanbul

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This is the Vestibule of the Warriors, so-called because the emperor's bodyguards waited here while he prayed. Today, it is the exit from Hagia Sophia.

Above the door is a lovely mosaic of the Virgin with Constantine and Justinian, also known as the Mosaic of the Donors. In the center is the Virgin Mary seated on a throne holding the Christ Child.

On the right is Constantine the Great offering her the city of Constantinople, which he made a great imperial city. On the left is Emperor Justinian who is offering her a (not very accurate) model of Hagia Sophia, which he rebuilt to its current splendid proportions in less than six years.

The mosaic was made long after the time of the two emperors, but it is still one of the oldest mosaics in Hagia Sophia; it probably dates from the late 10th century. It was one of the first to be restored in the 1930's.

A mirror has been placed above the exit to alert visitors to the mosaic on their way out. See following photos for more views of the mosaic.

Photo © Dick Osseman.