As one of the most important churches in the Byzantine Empire, Hagia Sophia represented both the religious significance of Christianity and the political power of the empire. The church represented the Emperor's role as the protector of the faith. When the Pope came to visit the church once a year, the king would visit him every morning and evening during his stay to salute him. They were very devoted to their religion and it was customary for everyone, including the king and nobles, to visit the church every morning.[1] Coronation ceremonies for Emperors were held at the Hagia Sophia serving as the center for many political events and solidifying its political importance. Inside the church, there was a separate place of worship for women which contained more than a thousand virgins and a greater number of aged people who would devote themselves to religious practices. There were several monks and priests in the church and that was said to be descendants of the apostles.[2]

The Hagia Sophia’s central dome was often interpreted as the dome of heaven while the graceful curvature represents the vastness of the heavens.[3] The mosaics in the church tell the story of many religious events depicting Jesus, the Virgin Mary, saints, emperors, and more. The church consisted of thirteen gates covered with plaques of gold and silver and two rings made of pure gold. Over the gate of the church, it is said that a golden cross-shaped case holds the relic of the cross where Jesus was crucified.[4]