Editing Byzantine architecture (section)

=== Hagia Irene ===
[[File:Hagia Irene exterior.JPG|thumb|Exterior view of [[Hagia Irene]].]]
[[Hagia Irene]] served as a model church for the Hagia Sophia. Construction on the church began in the 4th century. This was the first church that was built in Constantinople, but due to its location, it was severely damaged by earthquakes and the Nika riots, and required repair several times. The Hagia Irene is defined by its large atrium, and is in fact the only surviving building of the [[Byzantine Empire]] to have such a feature.<ref name=":0">{{Cite journal|date=2016-01-01|title=The Unique Construction of the Church of Hagia Irene in Istanbul for The Teaching of Byzantine Architecture|journal=Procedia Engineering|language=en|volume=161|pages=1745–1750|doi=10.1016/j.proeng.2016.08.770|issn=1877-7058|last1=Musílek|first1=Josef|last2=Podolka|first2=Luboš|last3=Karková|first3=Monika|doi-access=free}}</ref>

==== Construction ====
Hagia Irene is composed mainly of three materials: stone, brick, and [[Mortar (masonry)|mortar]]. Bricks 70&nbsp;cm x 35&nbsp;cm x 5&nbsp;cm were used, and these bricks were glued together using mortar approximately 5&nbsp;cm thick. The [[building material]]s chosen for the construction of the church had to be lightweight, durable, and strong. Volcanic materials were chosen for this purpose, as volcanic concrete is very light and durable. Perhaps the most definite feature of the Hagia Irene is the strict contrast between the interior and exterior design. While the plain outside composed of stone and brick favors functionality, the interior is decorated in elaborate mosaics, decorative marble, and, in some places, covered in plaster. Another important characteristic of the church include two domes that follow one behind another, the first being a lower oval, and the second being a higher semi-circle.<ref name=":0" />

==== History of Hagia Irene ====
Throughout history Hagia Irene has undergone several changes. There were multiple repairs due to the Nika riots and earthquakes. When the Ottomans took over Hagia Irene they repurposed it and made a few changes, but none as drastic as what was done to Hagia Sophia.<ref name=":0" /> Today, Hagia Irene is still standing and open to visitors as a museum. It is open everyday, except for Tuesdays.

'''Construction of Hagia Irene'''
{| class="wikitable"
|+Timeline<ref name=":0" />
!Time
!Event
|-
|4th C.
|Construction began
|-
|532
|Church was burned during Nika riots
|-
|548
|[[Justinian I|Emperor Justinian]] repaired the church
|-
|740
|Significant damages from earthquakes
|-
|1453
|Constantinople was conquered by the Ottomans - became a weapons storehouse
|-
|1700
|Became a museum
|-
|1908-1978
|Served as a military museum.
|}