One of the 336 columns in the Basilica Cistern, The Hen’s Eye, features slanted branches and tears. According to ancient texts, the tears pay tribute to the hundreds of slaves who died during the construction of the cistern.
Here is one of the two recycled Roman era Medusa heads that were used for pillar supports in the cistern. In Greek mythology the snake-haired Medusa is one of the three Gorgons of the underworld who have the power to turn others into stone.
Here is the second Medusa head that was used as a pillar support in the cistern
Here’s a gallery of photos featuring the Hagia Sophia Museum. Originally built in AD 537 as the Greek Orthodox Christian Patriarchal Cathedral, it was later converted into the Ottoman Imperial Mosque from 1453 until 1931. In 1935, it was secularized and opened in its current manifestation as a museum. At the time of its construction, it was the world’s largest building. It is considered the epitome of Byzantine Architecture and is said to have changed the history of architecture.
Faux painted arches mix with real ones just off the central dome.
A bit of Christian iconography uncovered on the ceiling, after being covered by plaster for centuries.
In some places the Christian mosaic designs bleed through the painted plaster from the Islamic period.
