Turkey - Hagia Sophia

About

Hagia Sophia, located in Istanbul, Turkey, is a historic landmark renowned for its architectural brilliance and rich cultural heritage. Originally built as a church in the Byzantine era, it was commissioned by Emperor Justinian I and completed in 537 AD. The structure's innovative design, featuring a massive central dome, was a technological marvel of its time. Hagia Sophia served as the principal church of the Byzantine Empire for nearly a thousand years, symbolizing the zenith of Byzantine religious art and theology. Following the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople in 1453, Hagia Sophia was converted into a mosque, with Islamic elements such as minarets and a mihrab added. In 1934, it was secularized and turned into a museum by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. This transformation preserved its cultural significance while promoting Turkey's secular identity. In 2020, it was reconverted into a mosque, maintaining its status as a symbol of peaceful coexistence between religions. Hagia Sophia's enduring legacy reflects Istanbul's unique position as a bridge between East and West, attracting millions of visitors annually.