This weekend, I was working on a photo album project (one of my many crazy projects). As part of this project, I ran across pictures from a Mediterranean cruise I had taken a few years back. In looking through these pictures, I was reminded how beautiful Istanbul is, particularly the Hagia Sophia, also known as the Church of the Holy Wisdom. Hagia Sophia is both a former Byzantine church and a former Ottoman mosque. Now a museum, the Hagia Sophia is breathtaking mix of both Christian and Muslim traditions, art and architecture. Constantine the Great built the original Hagia Sophia in the 4th century, however, nothing remains of this original church. Following the destruction of the original church, Constantine's son built a new church. This church was burnt down, however, some fragments still remain.
The Hagia Sophia was rebuilt in its present form around 535 under the supervision of Emperor Justinian I. It is regarded as a masterpiece of Byzantine architecture resplendent with mosaics and marble. It has a classic basilica plan. It was then converted into a mosque in the 1400s after Constantinople fell to the Ottomans. Various additions and changes were made over time to convert the church into a mosque. The Hagia Sophia has also been rebuilt and restored numerous times since then. 
The Turkish government turned the building into a museum in 1934. When visiting now, you can really see the contrast between the Islamic calligraphy and the Christian mosaics which decorate the building.
The Hagia Sophia is really a beautiful piece of architecture, whose combination of Christian and Muslim traditions make it all the more interesting. It is a must-see if you are travelling to Istanbul.
TIP: Some of the more interesting mosaics cannot be seen from the ground level. A special fee and a climb to the mezzanine level is all it takes to see these additional splendid pieces of art.
Hagia Sophia
Aya Sofya Sq, Sultanahmet
Istanbul, Turkey
Phone: 0212/522-1750
www.hagiasophia.com
