• Europe 2022 - 2023
    Hague Sophia
    Outside of Hagia SophiaEntrance after you remove your shoes.Center left symbol is "Allah", the center right is "Muhammad". Not sure on other two.Interior close-up1CeilingHagia SophiaBack of Hagia Sophia. Not sure what any of these symbols meanInteriorDecorative vaseOmphalion or Coronation SquareCeiling of entrance hallFountainSide roomOutside courtyardRuins on display in outside courtyardRuins on display in outside courtyardOutside of Hagia SophiaQuick walkthrough of Hagia Sophia.

    Hagia Sophia, Istanbul, Turkey

    April 19, 2023 in Turkey ⋅ ☁️ 14 °C

    Hagia Sophia is a grand mosque in Istanbul. It is also known as being built as a Basilica during the time of Constantine the Great. The original building was constructed in 325 and was consecrated in 360.

    The Hagia Sophia was actually destroyed twice. First by a fire caused by a riot in 404 (after which, Hagia Sophia NOT FOUND). It was rebuilt in 415. It was then burned again during the Nika insurrection in 532. The third church, as it is today, was completed in 537.

    Originally, the Byzantines used the Hague Sophia as a Coronation Hall. There is still a mark on the floor where Coronation would happen (there is a picture of it below).

    If you get to go, I find this to be a useful floor plan to understand the Mosque.
    https://commons.m.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Aya_S…    Read more