Architect Trdat and the Dome of Hagia Sophia

Trdat is the best-known Armenian architect of the Bagratuni period. In 961, when King Ashot III moved his capital from Kars to Ani, the Catholicosate was moved there as well. Trdat built the cathedral of Ani (989–1001) and the Catholicosate building, and in Constantinople he was entrusted with repairing the dome of Hagia Sophia. He also built the cathedral at the Catholicos’ seat in Argina (985) and the palace chapel of King Gagik II (about 1001–1005). The main churches of the monasteries of Marmashen, Sanahin and Haghpat are attributed to him. Trdat is one of the few medieval architects whose name is recorded in written sources of his time.

The picture shows the dome of Hagia Sophia from inside, with its ring of windows and golden ornament.