Hagia Sophia is one of the most famous monuments in the world. It is an ancient Greek Orthodox Christian basilica located in Istanbul, Turkey. It was originally built as a church in the 6th century by the Byzantine Emperor Justinian I, and later it was converted into a mosque in the 15th century by the Ottoman Empire. Hagia Sophia has since been used as a museum since 1935, and it is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
History of Hagia Sophia
The first version of Hagia Sophia was built in 537 AD by the Byzantine Emperor Justinian I. This version was destroyed in a fire in 558 AD, and the current version of Hagia Sophia was built between 532 and 537 AD. This version of the church is considered to be one of the most important surviving examples of Byzantine architecture.
Hagia Sophia served as a church for nearly 1,000 years, until it was converted into a mosque in 1453 by the Ottoman Empire. The mosque was used for almost 500 years, until it was converted into a museum in 1935 by the Republic of Turkey.
Architecture of Hagia Sophia
Hagia Sophia is a large building, with a height of more than 180 feet and a length of more than 400 feet. It is composed of a large central nave, two side aisles, and a large dome. The dome is considered to be one of the most impressive achievements of Byzantine architecture. It is supported by four massive pillars and decorated with mosaics, paintings, and marble.
Interior Decoration
The interior of Hagia Sophia is decorated with a variety of materials, including mosaics, marble, and paintings. The mosaics were originally created in the 6th century, and they depict a variety of religious scenes. The paintings were added in the 15th century, when Hagia Sophia was converted into a mosque.
Exterior
The exterior of Hagia Sophia is decorated with marble, brick, and stone. The marble was added in the 12th century, and the brick and stone were added in the 15th century. The exterior also features four minarets, which were added in the 16th century.
Hagia Sophia Today
Hagia Sophia is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most visited monuments in the world. It is open to visitors every day, and it is a popular destination for tourists.
Hagia Sophia is an important part of the history and culture of Istanbul, and it is a symbol of the city’s past and present. It is a stunning example of Byzantine architecture and an important part of the world’s heritage.
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