LARGE OTTOMAN-STYLE
ILLUMINATION
(Turkey, 20th c.)
Magos Fondation Collection
HAGIA SOPHIA
& THE RELICS OF THE MAGI
The presumed relics of the Magi first found refuge in the Basilica of Hagia Sophia thanks to the Empress Helena of Constantinople (4th century). “After finding the bodies of Melchior, Balthasar, and Gaspar, Queen Helena placed them in a chest, which she richly decorated and transported to Constantinople. She placed it in a church called Hagia Sophia” John of Hildesheim (14th c.). Sultana Mara (16th c.) offered the last relics to Mount Athos.