Hagia Sophia, Istanboel 1861 - 1870

This stereoscopic photograph of the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul was taken by Charles Gaudin. Stereoscopic photographs like this one were very popular in the 19th century and provided a 3D viewing experience. This photograph offers us a glimpse into a complex story of cultural and religious exchange. Originally built as a Christian church in the 6th century, the Hagia Sophia was transformed into a mosque during the Ottoman Empire. Gaudin’s photograph freezes a moment in this architectural palimpsest. One cannot help but wonder, what did it mean for Gaudin, a Western photographer, to capture this image of a building that embodies such a contested history? What do we, as contemporary viewers, bring to our understanding of this photograph? It is a reminder of how photography itself can become a tool for shaping perceptions and narratives about cultural identity.