NOVA: Hagia Sophia - Istanbul's Ancient Mystery

This episode is no longer available to stream on demand

Istanbul’s magnificent Hagia Sophia has survived on one of the world’s most active seismic faults, which has inflicted a dozen devastating earthquakes since Hagia Sophia was built in 537 AD.

As Istanbul braces for the next big quake, a team of architects and engineers is investigating Hagia Sophia’s seismic secrets.

NOVA follows the team’s discoveries as they examine the building’s unique structure and other ingenious design strategies that have insured the dome’s survival.

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Within the south vestibule is a golden mosaic featuring Justinian presenting the Hagia Sophia to the Virgin Mary and the baby Jesus.

Courtesy of Providence Pictures

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Gold is a fundamental component of the tesserae used to make this shining mosaic of the Virgin and Child. Many of these iconographic mosaics were hidden for years under layers of plaster installed while under Muslim rule.

Courtesy of Providence Pictures

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Even after 1500 years the Hagia Sophia still stands proudly in the historical heart of Istanbul.

Courtesy of Providence Pictures

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Hagia Sophia's magnificent architecture is highlighted by spotlights in Istanbul's starry night landscape.

Courtesy of Providence Pictures

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Professsor Robert Ousterhout is an architectural historian at the University of Pennsylvania and author of "Master Builders of Byzantium." He is featured in NOVA "Hagia Sophia - Istanbul's Ancient Mystery."

Courtesy of Providence Pictures

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In the central gallery of the Hagia Sophia, Hitoshi Takanezawa works with a team member to analyze his new results as seen in NOVA ""Hagia Sophia - Istanbul's Ancient Mystery."

Courtesy of Providence Pictures

The engineers build a massive eight-ton model of the building’s core structure, place it on a motorized shake table and hit it with a series of simulated quakes.

This episode is the third in a BUILDING WONDERS series from NOVA:

"Colosseum - Roman Death Trap" and "Petra - Lost City Of Stone" also premiered in 2015.

"Hagia Sophia" and "Petra" are no longer available to stream on demand. Watch "Colosseum" is available through Dec. 2, 2020.

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Credits:

A NOVA production for WGBH Boston. Explore the science behind the headlines in PBS’ premier science series. With compelling stories and spectacular visuals, NOVA programs demystify science and technology for viewers of all ages and spotlight people involved in scientific pursuits.