Ayasofya.

The Hagia Sophia. Yes a very big church/mosque/museum. I overheard a tour guide saying that the Statue of Liberty could easily fit inside.

The front door apparently known as the İmparator Kapısı (Imperial Gate). Note that you go through two naves to get to this, apparently called an inner and outer narthex. (Guess I was too stingy to pay for a guide.) You can see both naves in the second photo here and in the second of the previous couple.

The Omphalion is the set of circular marble slabs. No idea what the little room is, however, the museum’s official website says this is the Müezzin Mahfili (Müezzin’s Loge – the Müezzin calls everyone to prayer).

The Minbar (pulpit). This is to the right of the Mihrap (Altar).

The Hünkâr Mahfili (Sultan’s Loge) to the left of the Mihrap.

Esonarthex (Inner nave – pay attention!).

Artifacts and artworks in the esonarthex.

Some examples of the geometric mosaics.

Ramp in the narthex leading up to the Gallery.

View from the Gallery above the İmparator Kapısı. This is the only photo I have that includes the Mihrap.

View from the Gallery as you exit the ramp. Note the top of the Minbar.

One of the büyük hat levhaları (great calligraphic panes).

Back of one of the büyük hat levhaları showing the wooden frame.

Sunu Mozaiği (Sunu Mosaic).

Deisis Kompozisyonu (Deisis Composition).

Komnenos'lar Mozaiği (Komnenos Mosaic).

Gallery mosaics.

More recent art exhibited in the Gallery.

“Halvdan was here”. Viking graffiti from the 9^th century.

Gallery window view towards Mecca with some of the Padişah Türbeleri (Sultan Tombs) in the foreground. You can see the Sultan Ahmet Camii (Blue Mosque) in the background.

Gallery window view of the Boğaziçi (Bosphorus strait) and the Beyoğlu district in the distance.

Baptismal pool and a sample of the mosaics.

Fountain.

There are a number of Padişah Türbeleri (Sultan tombs) each with a number of sarcophagi.

Side view showing buttresses.