The Stunning Hagia Sophia Museum, Istanbul, Turkey


Hagia Sophia Istanbul Photo
Hagia Sophia Istanbul Photo

Hagia Sophia Museum in the city of Istanbul, Turkey, arguably is one of the most important historical relics that illustrate the development of the country’s civilization. Before it became a museum by Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, modern Turkey’s state leaders in 1935, the Hagia Sophia building or Aya Sofya, it was first built in 360 AD by the Eastern Roman Emperor Constantine.

Then Hagia Sophia became the largest church or basilica in the Eastern Roman Empire for more than 1,000 years and after 3 times rebuilt in the riots and rebellion. Hagia Sophia Basilica and then converted into the Aya Sofya mosque in 1453 AD by Fatih Sultan Mehmet, Sultan of the Ottoman Empire conquered the city of Constantinople, ending the Eastern Roman imperial power in Turkey.

Hagia Sophia

Hagia Sophia

This function changes brought a number of consequences. The whole symbol of the church in this building removed, modified, or covered to match its new function as the largest mosque of the Turkish Ottoman Empire. Not only at the door, a number of paintings in the dome and the mosaics were covered with stucco and painted with calligraphy. Then in front of the mosque was added a pulpit as a place for preaching. Then the altar transformed into a priest.

On the left side altar was also made special building earmarked for the Sultan of the Ottoman Empire to perform Friday prayer or evening prayer. Then, in 1935 after converted into a museum, all the old ornaments of the church of Hagia Sophia were restored.

For example, a painting in the dome above the mosque is also a mosaic that is located on the 2nd floor of the mosque relic roman empire, and excavations at a number of parts. The building also reveals some hidden parts such as the sarcophagus to entomb officials of the Roman Empire in the 2nd floor.

Church of the Basilica of Hagia Sophia or Aya Sofya Mosque itself is architecturally stunning because it was built using the finest materials such as iron-plated doors. Marble walls and all large pillars supporting the mosque were made of marble imported from Egypt. No exaggeration to Hagia Sophia Museum is often referred to as a marker of civilization Turkey dazzling trip, since nearly 2,000 years ago.

Hagia Sophia Istanbul Turkey

Hagia Sophia Istanbul Turkey

Hagia Sophia Istanbul Photo

Hagia Sophia Istanbul Photo

Hagia Sophia Photo

Hagia Sophia Photo. Image Via: pbs.org

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Hagia Sophia Inside

Hagia Sophia Inside

Hagia Sophia Inside Photo

Hagia Sophia Inside Photo

Hagia Sophia Inside Pictures

Hagia Sophia Inside Pictures

Hagia Sophia Inside Images

Hagia Sophia Inside Images

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