Justinian

For an archaeologist, the moment of a discovery is unparalleled—especially when it involves a find of historical magnitude and uniqueness, such as the sole surviving contemporary portrait of the last Byzantine emperor, Constantine Palaiologos.

An unprecedented architectural miracle in the world, which took place some 15 centuries ago, has been brought back into the news by the news of the forthcoming conservation work on the emblematic dome of Hagia Sophia, which is deemed necessary for the restoration and protection of this priceless UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Every crack, big or small, and every instance of wear and tear on the walls, dome or doors of Hagia Sophia - caused by time, seismic activity, or the crowds of tourists that flock inside - triggers immediate concern in Greece.

The Hagia Sophia church in Istanbul will undergo extensive restoration to preserve its structural integrity, including the dismantling of its dome, Turkish newspaper Hurriyet reports. Damage to the dome's lead cover and cement materials necessitates the project, said Ahmet Gulec, a member of the scientific committee.

The Makrygianni neighborhood continues to reveal precious treasures from its glorious past. Following the discovery of a large white marble statue of Hermes from the Roman period near the Herodeion, at the intersection of Erechtheiou and N.

The iconic dome of Hagia Sophia, described as “hanging from the heavens” with its magnificent mosaics and unique architecture, envisioned by Anthemios to “rise as high as the glory of God,” is being dismantled as part of restoration works.

On November 21, the Bulgarian Orthodox Church celebrates the Feast of the Presentation of the Virgin Mary, a day honored in Bulgaria as the Day of the Christian Family and Christian Youth. This celebration is among the 12 major Christian holidays observed by both the Orthodox and Catholic churches.

Archaeologists have uncovered a rare sarcophagus, believed to belong to a Roman gladiator named Euphrates, at Ayasuluk Hill in the western province of İzmir.

The sarcophagus, dating to the 3rd century B.C., was found containing the remains of 12 individuals, buried in the 5th century AD.

Archaeological excavations at Ayasuluk Hill, the first settlement of Ephesus in the Selçuk district of İzmir, have unearthed two different floor coverings from earlier periods on the southern cross arm of the St. Jean Church.

A large number of graves have also been discovered during the excavations around the church.

In an upcoming exhibition, Istanbul's Basilica Cistern will host a collection of 22 predominantly crystal artworks by contemporary Czech sculptors Vlastimil Beránek and Jaroslav Prošek, set within its ancient, 1,500-year-old historical ambiance.