For the first few days in Istanbul we skirted around the Aya Sofya. It's very prominent in the skyline, and was sure to be on the itinerary at some point or another. Mandy, Katie, Michelle, and I had a lovely lunch on a rooftop deck one day, overlooking the beautiful building.
But once you're there, and finally walking inside (after standing in the long line in Turkey's daytime heat) you realise it is so much more. The detail in that building is incredible.
In the end, I visited the Aya Sofya with Mandy, Megan, and Dave. You can see from this picture, the immediate reaction we had. The Aya Sofya began its life as a Greek Orthodox Basilica, was transformed into a Mosque in the 15th century, and now remains as a museum to both and more. People of all faiths are welcome in this building, although it is no longer used for prayer.
The interior is decorated with mosaics, pillars, and marble, and shows influences from both Christian and Muslim religions.
To get up to the upper galleries, there is a very interesting passageway that evoked older times to me. It's things like these that make me wish I'd taken a tour, however, usually I've not been very impressed by tours or tour guides, so it's always a toss-up. Perhaps I'll just leave this to my imagination.
Architecturally, the building is breathtaking. The mosaics/paintings inside are worth a visit in and of themselves. Culturally, I enjoy the feeling of flux and melding of cultures and religions that is so often hidden from view. This building highlights the history of Istanbul, and gives us a window into the beauty of different time periods, peoples, and beliefs. If you're interested in some of the stories/myths surrounding the Hagia Sofia, this website seems to have a variety.
But once you're there, and finally walking inside (after standing in the long line in Turkey's daytime heat) you realise it is so much more. The detail in that building is incredible.
In the end, I visited the Aya Sofya with Mandy, Megan, and Dave. You can see from this picture, the immediate reaction we had. The Aya Sofya began its life as a Greek Orthodox Basilica, was transformed into a Mosque in the 15th century, and now remains as a museum to both and more. People of all faiths are welcome in this building, although it is no longer used for prayer.
The interior is decorated with mosaics, pillars, and marble, and shows influences from both Christian and Muslim religions.
To get up to the upper galleries, there is a very interesting passageway that evoked older times to me. It's things like these that make me wish I'd taken a tour, however, usually I've not been very impressed by tours or tour guides, so it's always a toss-up. Perhaps I'll just leave this to my imagination.
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