mtfaidherbe1

Marble platform for the readers of the Koran, erected at Murat III time. (1574-95)

Marble urn, thought to date from the Hellenistic or early Byzantine period. (In one piece of marmol).

Marble sarcophage of Empress Irene.

Record of decisions made in a Synode in 1166.

Porphiry font. (?)

Thank you !

Mosaic of the Virgin between Justinian and Constantine in St Sophia. Last quarter of the tenth century. The lunette od the second gate of the southern vestibule of the inner narthex.Constantine presents her with the city of Constantinople, while Justinian offers her Saint Sophia. This was made long after either of these two emperors lived, probably in the 10th century, during the reign of Basil II.

Above the Imperial Door of Saint Sophia. Looking west from the nave. The wall surface above the door is decorated with panels in opus-sectile (cut-work). Centrally placed at the top of the panel shows, under a ciborium and trough half opened curtains, the cross of Golgotha (Latin "Calvary") on a stepped altar. Each of the lower rectangular panels shows, flanking a trident, a pair of dolphins tied by their tails. The area under the central arch of the west gallery was reserved for the seat of the empress.