Hagia Sophia is a former Eastern Orthodox church that is now a museum in Istanbul, Turkey. It was built in the 6th century and served as a church until the 16th century when it was converted into a mosque. In 1935, it was turned into a museum and today it is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Turkey.
History of Hagia Sophia
Hagia Sophia was originally built as a Christian basilica in 537 under the orders of the Byzantine Emperor Justinian I. It was designed by two architects, Anthemius of Tralles and Isidorus of Miletus, and was the largest cathedral in the world for nearly 1000 years. The church was damaged by several earthquakes over the centuries, but was eventually restored by the Byzantine Emperor Basil I in the 9th century.
Conversion to a Mosque
In 1453, the city of Constantinople fell to the Ottoman Turks and the Hagia Sophia was converted into a mosque. During this time, the interior of the building was modified to reflect the Islamic faith. Minarets were added, the mosaics and frescoes were covered up, and the Christian symbols were removed.
Museum
In 1935, the Turkish government converted the Hagia Sophia into a museum. This was done to promote the idea of a secular Turkey, and to show that the country was open to all cultures and religions. The mosaics and frescoes were uncovered, and the building was restored to its original form. Today, it is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Turkey.
Architecture
The Hagia Sophia is an architectural masterpiece. It is built in the Byzantine style and is renowned for its massive dome, which is supported by four massive pillars. The interior is decorated with intricate mosaics and frescoes, which depict scenes from the Bible and the life of Jesus.
Dome
The dome of the Hagia Sophia is the most impressive feature of the building. It is nearly 100 feet in diameter and rises 180 feet above the floor. It is supported by four massive pillars, which are connected by arches. The dome is decorated with intricate mosaics and frescoes, which depict scenes from the Bible and the life of Jesus.
Mosaics and Frescoes
The interior of the Hagia Sophia is decorated with a variety of mosaics and frescoes. The most impressive of these is the Deesis mosaic, which was created in the 13th century. It depicts Jesus Christ flanked by the Virgin Mary and John the Baptist. Other mosaics and frescoes depict scenes from the Bible, the life of Jesus, and the history of the Byzantine Empire.
Conclusion
Hagia Sophia is a beautiful and historic building that has played an important role in the history of Istanbul. It is a testament to the power of the Byzantine Empire and a reminder of the religious and cultural diversity of the city. It is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Turkey and is definitely worth a visit.