Hagia Sophia, Istanbul

The Hagia Sophia (Aya Sofya), the "church of holy wisdom" is considered to be not only one of the oldest churches in the world, but one of the greatest architectural achievements. It was used as a church for 961 years, as a mosque for 481 years, and has been a museum since 1935. The first church was built between 324-337 AD, burnt down in 404 AD; was reconstructed over the top of the previous building and reopened in 415 AD; this structure also burnt down in 532 AD and was reconstructed over the top of the previous two and reopened in 537AD. That is the building that remains today, although there is continuous restoration to a structure as large and old as that. When Islam came to Turkey and the church was turned into a mosque, all the mosaics and Christian symbols were plastered over for Islamic symbols and writings. Today they are restoring many portions of the remaining mosaics and signs of Christianity.


View across Sultanahmet Park to the Hagia Sophia from the Blue Mosque.


View of two of the 4 minarets and a gold topped dome. There are 4 minarets on the Hagia Sophia, all different, representing the the reigns of 4 different rulers.


Hagia Sophia, showing the whole building with the 4 different minarets.


Some of the roman ruins found during some restorations that are being cataloged and restored.


One of the Roman columns with the Christian symbol.