ISTANBUL, Turkey / Türkiye — A Byzantine mosaic of gold in the Hagia Sophia. Originally built as a Christian cathedral, then converted to a Muslim mosque in the 15th century, and now a museum (since 1935), the Hagia Sophia is one of the oldest and grandest buildings in Istanbul. For a thousand years, it was the largest cathedral in the world and is regarded as the crowning achievement of Byzantine architecture.
The Hagia Sophia, situated in Istanbul, Turkey, is an architectural marvel with a rich history spanning over 1,500 years. Originally built as an Eastern Orthodox Church by the Roman Emperor Justinian I in 537 AD, it was the world's largest cathedral for nearly a thousand years. The Hagia Sophia was later converted into a mosque after the Ottoman Empire conquered Constantinople in 1453. This iconic structure, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, showcases a unique blend of Byzantine and Ottoman architecture. The Hagia Sophia's most distinctive feature is its massive dome, supported by pendentives, which was a pioneering architectural innovation at the time of its construction. Inside, visitors can admire stunning frescoes and mosaics, including the famous Deesis Mosaic, which represent both Christian and Islamic art styles. In 1935, the Hagia Sophia was converted into a museum by the order of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of modern Turkey, to preserve its cultural and religious significance. In 2020, the building was reconverted into a mosque, officially named the Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque, and it continues to serve as a place of worship and a major tourist attraction. As a symbol of Istanbul's diverse history and cultural heritage, the Hagia Sophia remains an important historical monument and architectural masterpiece.
Size: 3677px × 2443px
Location: Hagia Sophia, Istanbul, Istanbul Province, Turkey
Photo credit: © David Coleman | Have Camera Will Travel / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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