2001 © Maxim Tabachnik
Mosaic Detail, Pumpkin Dome
The inner narthex of the Chora Church in Constantinople (Istanbul) features two pumpkin domes (c.1316–1321), named for their fluted shape. These domes are adorned with mosaics of Christ and the Virgin Mary, surrounded by saintly ancestors from scripture. This arrangement emphasizes Christ and the Virgin’s central role in salvation, highlighting their significance in human history and spiritual heritage.
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