Flaming Passage #1
by Cheri Randolph
Title
Flaming Passage #1
Artist
Cheri Randolph
Medium
Photograph
Description
Shown is the dramatic lighting of Doric columns located in the cistern in Istanbul, Turkey. This cathedral-size cistern is an underground chamber approximately 138 metres (453 ft) by 64.6 metres (212 ft)[5] - about 9,800 square metres (105,000 sq ft) in area - capable of holding 80,000 cubic metres (2,800,000 cu ft) of water. The ceiling is supported by a forest of 336 marble columns, each 9 metres (30 ft) high, arranged in 12 rows of 28 columns each spaced 4.9 metres (16 ft) apart. The capitals of the columns are mainly Ionic and Corinthian styles, with the exception of a few Doric style with no engravings.
The majority of the columns in the cistern appear to have been recycled from the ruins of older buildings, likely brought to Constantinople from various parts of the empire, together with those that were used in the construction of Hagia Sophia. They are carved and engraved out of various types of marble and granite.
Historical texts claim that 7,000 slaves were involved in the construction of the cistern.[4]
The enlarged cistern provided a water filtration system for the Great Palace of Constantinople and other buildings on the First Hill, and continued to provide water to the Topkapi Palace after the Ottoman conquest in 1453 and into modern times.
Uploaded
October 4th, 2012
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Viewed 766 Times - Last Visitor from New York, NY on 03/30/2024 at 11:49 AM
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Comments (49)
Randy Rosenberger
Not only one totally awesome capture of this very unique and special place, but I loved reading your description of it, as it was a true and exciting learning experience for me, Cheri. Thanks so much for sharing the beauty of the photo and the history behind it! fave and vote
Cheri Randolph replied:
Randy, it was truly one of the most fascinating places that I've ever been. I'm glad that you enjoyed the photo and reading about it. Appreciate your F/V!
Cheri Randolph
John, your favorable comments are always most welcome! I really appreciate your visit to my gallery and the very generous promotional support! Thanks!
JOHN TELFER
Cheri, Amazing capture of this underground chamber, the way you have captured the lighting is fantastic and the shining and reflection of the colors of the columns on the floor is remarkable. The clarity in this photo is great, nice depth to this photo also with a great write up of this location and the history behind it. Excellent photo, voted, google and FB promoted and chose as my Pay It Forward in the Wisconsin Flowers and Scenery group
Cheri Randolph
Nadine & Bob, Thanks so much for your feature of "Flaming Passage" today in the USA Artist News!
Cheri Randolph
Franklyn, Thanks. This was one of the most mysterious and wonderful places I've ever been. Appreciate the vote.
Cheri Randolph
Neal, many thanks for the feature of "Flaming Passage" in your group, All Things Reflective!
Rene Triay Photography
Hi Cheri, you outdid yourself again. This is One of those Wonderful captures that makes one sit back and stare at for a long time, while allowing one's imagination to run wild. I spent a long time staring at the reflections and shadows on the floor and way at the end imagining whats there????? I mentally visualized a very large rich Gothic wooden door with steel spiked nails protecting something very special inside that room. V! (PS I purposely did not read beforehand your very detailed explanation as I wanted my mind to wonder, appreciate, and decipher what I was seeing.) I will now go back and read what you wrote.
Cheri Randolph replied:
Rene, I'm delighted that you enjoyed being "captured" by this place. It is mesmerizing. While walking around in here, you get the feeling that you have trespassed into a place of secret ritual, or, perhaps you've been transported to the underground/water realm of the 'Phantom of the Opera". It is truly amazing.