Analysis Of Hagia Sophia

In the 6th century, Hagia Sophia was constructed under the direction of Byzantine emperor, Justinian I in what is now presently Istanbul, Turkey. Completed in a short six years, the church is often considered the most important Byzantine structure with its impressive architecture, artwork, and large size. While Hagia Sophia often viewed as a beautiful, massive structure, it also possesses a much deeper importance that can be examined in light of Mircea Eliade’s book, The Sacred and the Profane. This paper will attempt to examine several of Eliade’s philosophical concepts and how they relate to Hagia Sophia’s internal divisions, connections to God, and location.
Internal divisions play a large role in Hagia Sophia as well as other churches. Entering into Hagia Sophia is considered crossing a threshold. In order to enter Hagia Sophia, one must cross the threshold “where

Upon entering the structure, “communication with the gods is made possible” (Eliade 26). It is a sacred space where humans are able to interact and communicate with the gods, something that cannot be achieved in other places. The Hagia Sophia is a brilliant example of a “sanctuary that are ‘doors of the gods’ and hence place of passage between heaven and earth” (Eliade 27). Eliade stresses the difference between the sacred and profane worlds and that only communication with the gods can be obtained by crossing a threshold, entering into the sacred realm. The decorations and iconoclasm within the church also express a connection to the gods. God is present everywhere and the church acts as an entrance to the world above. The Hagia Sophia acts as an “axis mundi” which is a “cosmic pillar,” a connection between sacred ground and profane earth (Eliade 35). As a place where the world connects to the heavens, Hagia Sophia contains many connections to God and acts as a pillar, connecting them to