ISTANBUL HAGIA SOPHIA

Gokce Nacar

Jan 24 668 read

ISTANBUL HAGIA SOPHIA

Hagia Sophia is one of the most magical places in Istanbul! Hagia Sophia was first built as a church; then, it became a mosque. Later, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk chose to protect this work by converting it into a museum so that different people from different beliefs and cultures can enjoy the cultural heritage it carries within as a tribute to secularism. And, now, it became a mosque once again. This magnificent work of art represents the changes of the times it endured with every memory it encapsulates. Since it conveys different reflections from different cultures, it enriches the World. Hagia Sophia is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. And of course, it is an undeniably irreplaceable part of Istanbul, celebrated by the citizens of Turkey and the citizens of the whole World. If you are planning on visiting Istanbul, you should pay a visit to Hagia Sophia and breathe in the cultural atmosphere it provides!

THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE THE MAGICAL HAGIA SOPHIA EXPERIENCE

If you want to visit Hagia Sophia, you must know a few things. When you enter the building, you are expected to take off your shoes and wear reasonable clothes as a way of expressing your respect. It has a grand garden surrounding it with colorful flowers and beautifully designed fountains. With everything around it and inside it, this place provides a mesmerizing landscape for the visitors.

Once you step inside, you will be astonished by the captivating design. There are both Christian mosaics and Islamic marbles in this building. Every piece of this work of art is doubtlessly fascinating, but there are, of course, some highlights to consider. The Virgin Mary Mosaic, Omphalion, Ottoman Tombs, Weeping Column, and many more interesting parts of the stunning Hagia Sophia can be regarded as a highlight.

The name this work of art carries, “Hagia Sophia,” means “holy wisdom.” This name is dramatically appropriate for the legacy, and history Hagia Sophia represents. As a place that includes various cultural reflections, both from the Christian and the Islamic cultures, Hagia Sophia gathers all the beautiful components of these cultures and embodies their unity by pouring them into art.

Hagia Sophia is an inspiring artistic production that draws the attention of millions of people coming from different parts of the World because it is a magnificent cultural monument. It brings both Islam and Christianity together, combining their values and cultural references. With this characteristic, Hagia Sophia holds, it is an excellent representation of tolerance among different faiths. Hagia Sophia is worth seeing!