![]() ![]() ![]() A few years before serious cracks had developed in the eastern arch and semi-dome after an earthquake. Up until then mosaics and plaster were still falling from the vaults, especially in the galleries, which were usually closed because of the danger. We know that the work of restoration the Fossatis began in the 1840s was not completed until 1899-1900 when work was finished on he dome and the pendentives. They were probably scraped off around 1900 in an Ottoman restoration. These survived in part until at least 1850 when they were recorded by the Fossati brothers during their restoration. There were large figures of Peter and Paul and a circular image of the Mother and Child. This repair also required new mosaics in the semi-dome and western arch. these tie beams were not properly seasoned and were attacked by fungus. It closed up some windows and added tie beams in white oak wrapped in lead. His strange and irregular repairs were brutal and heavy, he was obviously taking no chances that his work might fail. He also rebuilt the top of the western arch thicker and taller which extended it into the dome. His work distorted the curve of the western semi-dome. An Armenian architect, Trdat was brought in to repair the damage. In 986 part of the western dome and semi-dome collapsed in an earthquake. This dome was severely damaged on two occasions 9. The dome was raised by 6.25 meters in height and a ring of windows was added. Justinian entrusted the rebuilding of the second dome to Isadore the Younger, nephew of the first Isadore. The first dome was too shallow in its pitch and collapsed into the nave in 558, destroying most of the splendid furnishings of the church that Justinian had built of silver and semi-precious marbles. The dome we now see is the second, which has been extensively repairs over the years. It is famous for its enormous and breathtaking dome, that still soars over the nave of the church. it was built in six years, from 532 to 537 by Justinian's architects, Anthemius and Isadore. Hagia Sophia is a vast domed basilica that towers to height of a 15 story building. ![]()
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