Hagia Sophia in the Long Nineteenth Century

Uncovers a diversity of local encounters with Hagia Sophia in the late Ottoman Empire
Examines the "biography" of a single monument from multiple points of view
Nine chapters present a variety of methodological approaches drawn from the fields of history and art history
Emphasis on local or non-traditional discourses in the Ottoman Empire and beyond
Considers the physical changes to the structure, decoration and surroundings of Hagia Sophia
Opens new avenues of research for readers interested in alternative accounts of modernity
Hagia Sophia—a building whose domes have defined Istanbul’s skyline for over 1500 years—has led many lives. Initially a church, subsequently a mosque, then a museum, the structure is today a monument of world heritage, even as its official status remains contested. Hagia Sophia’s global fame took shape during the long nineteenth century, when Europeans "discovered" its architectural significance. But what role did local actors play in the creation of Hagia Sophia as a modern monument?