Istanbul = Hagia Sophia

Just a short walk from the Topkapi Palace is Hagia Sophia (Ayasofya in Turkish). This huge construction was originally a church built by Emperor Justinian in the early 6th Century, later turned into a mosque, and now it is a museum.

For nearly a thousand years, between 360 and 1453, Hagia Sophia served as the cathedral of Constantinople and the religious focal point of the Eastern Orthodox Church. And then for nearly 500 years, until 1934, the building was a mosque.



One pillar inside was designated as a Wish Column, or Sweat Column, and Jodie stuck in her thumb for good luck.


A long climb up a steep ramp led to the higher level, where there was an interesting photo exhibition.



A look at the building from the outside clearly indicates that it served as a mosque.


A visit to Hagia Sophia at night:

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