Some of my favorite art is derivative in some way of Turkey. The era in which Istanbul was known as Constantinople produced some of the most stunning, provocative iconography, most notably in the form of mosaic. Below are some links to general information on Emperor Justinian and his role as patron to the arts.
The Hagia Sophia (Istanbul, Turkey)
Justinian I (This link discusses the superlative mosaics of Justinian and Theodora at San Vitale in Ravenna, Italy)
The pictures you found are amazing, and I never get tired of looking at the architecture of this part of the world! The mosaic work is beautiful also and makes me wish that we could have more of this type of art in America!
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