The present day museum of Hagia Sophia (Holy Wisdom) was originally a Byzantine Christian church built by Emperor Justinian 1 between 532-537.
The two most famous architects of the age, Anthemius of Tralles and Isidorus of Miletus, designed the building and supervised the master builders and laborers.
HIstory tells us that Justinian himself took part in overseeing the construction of the church.

Hagia Sophia's history is long and complex. Several earthquakes severely damaged the building, making the dome unstable,
and requiring extensive repairs. It eventually collapsed in 558 and was rebuilt in 559.
Hagia Sophia was sacked during the 4th Crusade in 1204, and when the Turks conquered Constantinople in 1453,
The Church was then converted into a mosque.

Originally the Turks preserved the frescoes and mosaic Christian imagery which decorated the walls.
Later, in the 16th century, these were completely covered by plaster, since the Islamic code forbids figural representation.
Also, the altar was moved to the east in the direction of Mecca. At various times, minarets were added.

In 1935, under the direction of Mustafa Kemal (Ataturk), Hagia Sophia was converted into a museum by the Turkish government.