⚡Hagia Sophia: From basilica to mosque to museum and back again⚡
A Journey Through Time in Istanbul’s Iconic Monument
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The Hagia Sophia in Istanbul is one of the world’s most breathtaking architectural masterpieces, standing for over 1,500 years.
Originally built as a Christian basilica by the Byzantine Emperor Justinian I in 537 AD, it was later converted into a mosque after the Ottoman conquest in 1453. Known for its massive dome and intricate mosaics, Hagia Sophia represents a fusion of Byzantine and Ottoman artistry.
In 1935, it became a museum, only to be reconverted to a mosque in 2020.
Despite its changing roles, Hagia Sophia has remained a symbol of Turkey’s rich, diverse heritage and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, attracting millions of visitors every year.
This flashfact is a reference to my JourneyJots post on Istanbul.
And one last thing - this publication will stay free forever, but if you feel I deserve a cup of matcha 🍵 here and there, then please buy me some - the next drink’s on me! ☕
I hope to visit one day.