Known for its massive dome, the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul is a former Greek Eastern Orthodox Christian patriarchal cathedral. After this it was an Ottoman imperial mosque and, in these days, used as a museum. This beautiful marvel blends elements from its Christian and Islamic heritage, creating a truly unique place to visit.
The Hagia Sophia was built in its present form in A.D. 537 by the Byzantine Empire at the beginning of the middle ages and remained an Eastern orthodox cathedral for 916 years. After the Ottoman conquest in 1453, it was transformed into a mosque, which it remained for 482 years. In 1935, the building was transformed into a museum by order of the Turkish President.
One of the most popular tourist attractions in Istanbul, The Hagia Sophia still showcases features of both Christian and Islamic architecture and remains an important place of significance to both the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires.
