So About Hagia Sophia

My first inkling of trouble was when the taxi driver said, as we approached Sultanahmet Square, Hagia Sophia is under construction. Do not worry, he said, it is still open for tours. Okay, I thought. It’s okay. And it was dark so I couldn’t see the structure itself.

The next morning, however, as we approached for our timed tour, I saw the scaffolding. And the dome. That glorious dome made up of 40 slender windows, all letting in light from different angles so that it quite literally glows and appears to be suspended, was covered in a giant grey shower cap. That shower cap? Not letting in any light.

So, my 40 year quest to see the dome of Hagia Sophia, was a bit of a bust. Oh sure, the structure is awesome and the mosaics are intricate and beautiful, and just being in the space was the fulfillment of a dream. The dome, though? No bueno.

I’m just going to pretend I saw it like this. That’s my story and I’m sticking to it.