Question

Hagia Sophia has a prominent series of windows layered in multi-levels of the church. What was the main purpose of the windows?

a. For thermal insulation
b. For the play of lights inside the church
c. It is for structural stability
d. None of the above

Answer 1

The primary purpose of the windows in Hagia Sophia was to create a play of lights within the church, reinforcing its aesthetic and symbolic significance.

Step-by-step explanation:

The main purpose of the series of windows in the Hagia Sophia was for the play of lights inside the church. The architecture of the Hagia Sophia, with its central dome and layers of windows, was designed to create an ethereal atmosphere where light filters through the windows to illuminate the vast interior. The use of natural light was not only an aesthetic choice but also a symbolic one, as it helped to create a heavenly glow that was meant to inspire awe and reverence in the faithful. The windows also complemented the rich decorations inside the church, such as the intricate mosaics and lavish use of precious gold, enhancing their visual impact.