AsTounding HisTory of The Hagia Sophia
Hagia Sofia (meaning Holy Wisdom in Greek) in Istanbul is considered one of 8 miracles of light, a most important architectural structure of peace, as the best monument of Byzantine epoch, & also the epitome of Byzantine architecture. The Hagia Sofia was ordered built by the Byzantine emperor Justinian in 532 and 537 AD. It has 107 columns from colored marble, on the walls ancient mosaic frescoes, & many unique relics. The building served two religions: first was to Christianity, namely for the Eastern Orthodox Church.
After the invasion of Constantinople (now Istanbul) in 1453 by the Ottoman Turks, the Hagia Sophia served Islam. The Hagia Sophia was removed of its Christian elements (The bells, altar, iconostasis, sacrificial vessels, & many of the mosaics were eventually plastered over) & was added the Islamic features like the mihrab, the minbar, & the four minarets outside it, thus altered into a mosque. In the 30th year of the 20th century this temple became a museum by the secular Turkish republic, after preserving in its walls the characteristic features of two religions. Historic & beautiful place! Very impressive in scale! You will want to visit it!
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