![Aya Sofya](https://a4.pbase.com/o4/93/329493/1/60328677.TurkeyApr061451.jpg) Aya Sofya |
![Floorplan of the Aya Sofya](https://a4.pbase.com/o4/93/329493/1/60328672.TurkeyApr061446.jpg) Floorplan of the Aya Sofya |
![Entrance to the Aya Sofya Museum](https://a4.pbase.com/o4/93/329493/1/60328671.TurkeyApr061445.jpg) Entrance to the Aya Sofya Museum |
![Aya Sofya (Hagia Sofia) under clear blue skies](https://a4.pbase.com/o4/93/329493/1/60239981.TurkeyApr06836.jpg) Aya Sofya (Hagia Sofia) under clear blue skies |
![Minaret, Aya Sofya](https://a4.pbase.com/o4/93/329493/1/60328788.TurkeyApr06823.jpg) Minaret, Aya Sofya |
![Four minarets were added during Sultan Mehmet's conversion from church to mosque](https://a4.pbase.com/o4/93/329493/1/60328789.TurkeyApr06824.jpg) Four minarets were added during Sultan Mehmet's conversion from church to mosque |
![Aya Sofya minaret and tulips](https://a4.pbase.com/o4/93/329493/1/60328790.TurkeyApr06825.jpg) Aya Sofya minaret and tulips |
![Aya Sofya minaret and tulip](https://a4.pbase.com/o4/93/329493/1/60328791.TurkeyApr06826.jpg) Aya Sofya minaret and tulip |
![Shops built into the outer walls of the Aya Sofya along Babihümayun Cad](https://a4.pbase.com/o4/93/329493/1/60328793.TurkeyApr06828.jpg) Shops built into the outer walls of the Aya Sofya along Babihümayun Cad |
![Shops outside the Aya Sofya](https://a4.pbase.com/o4/93/329493/1/60328792.TurkeyApr06827.jpg) Shops outside the Aya Sofya |
![Domes of outlying buildings of the Aya Sofya complex](https://a4.pbase.com/o4/93/329493/1/60328794.TurkeyApr06830.jpg) Domes of outlying buildings of the Aya Sofya complex |
![Minor dome, Aya Sofya](https://a4.pbase.com/o4/93/329493/1/60328786.TurkeyApr06820.jpg) Minor dome, Aya Sofya |
![Part of the Aya Sofya complex](https://a4.pbase.com/o4/93/329493/1/60328787.TurkeyApr06822.jpg) Part of the Aya Sofya complex |
![Hagia Sofia](https://a4.pbase.com/o4/93/329493/1/60328795.TurkeyApr06832.jpg) Hagia Sofia |
![Minaret, Aya Sofya](https://a4.pbase.com/o4/93/329493/1/60328796.TurkeyApr06833.jpg) Minaret, Aya Sofya |
![Minaret, Aya Sofya](https://a4.pbase.com/o4/93/329493/1/60328797.TurkeyApr06835.jpg) Minaret, Aya Sofya |
![Sancta Sophia](https://a4.pbase.com/o4/93/329493/1/60328798.TurkeyApr06837.jpg) Sancta Sophia |
![Aya Sofya from the entrance to Topkapi Palace](https://a4.pbase.com/o4/93/329493/1/60328799.TurkeyApr06841.jpg) Aya Sofya from the entrance to Topkapi Palace |
![Aya Sofya from the entrance to Topkapi Palace](https://a4.pbase.com/o4/93/329493/1/60328800.TurkeyApr06847.jpg) Aya Sofya from the entrance to Topkapi Palace |
![Final resting place for old columns, Aya Sofya Museum](https://a4.pbase.com/o4/93/329493/1/60328673.TurkeyApr061447.jpg) Final resting place for old columns, Aya Sofya Museum |
![Final resting place for old columns, Aya Sofya Museum](https://a4.pbase.com/o4/93/329493/1/60328674.TurkeyApr061448.jpg) Final resting place for old columns, Aya Sofya Museum |
![Column carved with a Christian cross](https://a4.pbase.com/o4/93/329493/1/60328675.TurkeyApr061449.jpg) Column carved with a Christian cross |
![Repent!](https://a4.pbase.com/o4/93/329493/1/60328669.DubTurTun06254.jpg) Repent! |
![Ok, so I'm not a good preacher](https://a4.pbase.com/o4/93/329493/1/60328670.DubTurTun06255.jpg) Ok, so I'm not a good preacher |
![Mosaic of Christ as Pantocreator, 9th C. with Emperor Leon VI kneeling (886-912), the Virgin Mary and Archangel Gabriel](https://a4.pbase.com/o4/93/329493/1/60328680.TurkeyApr061456.jpg) Mosaic of Christ as Pantocreator, 9th C. with Emperor Leon VI kneeling (886-912), the Virgin Mary and Archangel Gabriel |
![Mosaic roof of the Inner Narthex, Aya Sofya](https://a4.pbase.com/o4/93/329493/1/60328682.TurkeyApr061457.jpg) Mosaic roof of the Inner Narthex, Aya Sofya |
![Main hall, Aya Sofya](https://a4.pbase.com/o4/93/329493/1/60328684.TurkeyApr061459.jpg) Main hall, Aya Sofya |
![8 massive calligraphy panels were added during the mosque conversion, this one bearing the name of Ali](https://a4.pbase.com/o4/93/329493/1/60328686.TurkeyApr061460.jpg) 8 massive calligraphy panels were added during the mosque conversion, this one bearing the name of Ali |
![TurkeyApr06 1461.jpg](https://a4.pbase.com/o4/93/329493/1/60328687.TurkeyApr061461.jpg) TurkeyApr06 1461.jpg |
![Hagia Sophia](https://a4.pbase.com/o4/93/329493/1/60328689.TurkeyApr061463.jpg) Hagia Sophia |
![Small mosaic panel, Aya Sofya](https://a4.pbase.com/o4/93/329493/1/60328690.TurkeyApr061464.jpg) Small mosaic panel, Aya Sofya |
![Muhammad, as-salam alayhi -- Muhammad, peace be upon him (PBUH)](https://a4.pbase.com/o4/93/329493/1/60328691.TurkeyApr061465.jpg) Muhammad, as-salam "alayhi -- Muhammad, peace be upon him (PBUH) |
![Hellenistic urn carved from a single block of marble from Pergamon](https://a4.pbase.com/o4/93/329493/1/60328692.TurkeyApr061467.jpg) Hellenistic urn carved from a single block of marble from Pergamon |
![Aya Sofya](https://a4.pbase.com/o4/93/329493/1/60328693.TurkeyApr061470.jpg) Aya Sofya |
![North transcept, Aya Sofya](https://a4.pbase.com/o4/93/329493/1/60328694.TurkeyApr061472.jpg) North transcept, Aya Sofya |
![Sultan's Loge, Aya Sofya](https://a4.pbase.com/o4/93/329493/1/60328695.TurkeyApr061473.jpg) Sultan's Loge, Aya Sofya |
![Mibrab, in place of the Christian altar, pointing the direction of Mecca, just a bit south of the east-west axis of the church](https://a4.pbase.com/o4/93/329493/1/60328696.TurkeyApr061477.jpg) Mibrab, in place of the Christian altar, pointing the direction of Mecca, just a bit south of the east-west axis of the church |
![Mihrab, Aya Sofya](https://a4.pbase.com/o4/93/329493/1/60328697.TurkeyApr061478.jpg) Mihrab, Aya Sofya |
![Rub al-alameen, Lord of the Worlds, sala allah 'alayhi wa salam, God bless him and grant him salvation (Mohammed)](https://a4.pbase.com/o4/93/329493/1/60328698.TurkeyApr061480.jpg) Rub al-alameen, Lord of the Worlds, sala allah 'alayhi wa salam, God bless him and grant him salvation (Mohammed) |
![Mosaic of the Madonna and Child over the apse, 9th C.](https://a4.pbase.com/o4/93/329493/1/60328699.TurkeyApr061481.jpg) Mosaic of the Madonna and Child over the apse, 9th C. |
![Madonna and Child, 9th C.](https://a4.pbase.com/o4/93/329493/1/60328700.TurkeyApr061484.jpg) Madonna and Child, 9th C. |
![Bismi Allah Ar-Rahman Ar-Rahim, In the Name of God the Merciful the Compassionate](https://a4.pbase.com/o4/93/329493/1/60328701.TurkeyApr061486.jpg) Bismi Allah Ar-Rahman Ar-Rahim, In the Name of God the Merciful the Compassionate |
![Sultan's Loge, Aya Sofya](https://a4.pbase.com/o4/93/329493/1/60328702.TurkeyApr061487.jpg) Sultan's Loge, Aya Sofya |
![Mosaic of Archangle Gabriel on the right side of the apse, 9th C.](https://a4.pbase.com/o4/93/329493/1/60328703.TurkeyApr061490.jpg) Mosaic of Archangle Gabriel on the right side of the apse, 9th C. |
![Aya Sofya](https://a4.pbase.com/o4/93/329493/1/60328704.TurkeyApr061492.jpg) Aya Sofya |
![Caliph Abu Bakr](https://a4.pbase.com/o4/93/329493/1/60328705.TurkeyApr061495.jpg) Caliph Abu Bakr |
![Mimbar (pulpit) and calligraphic Allah](https://a4.pbase.com/o4/93/329493/1/60328706.TurkeyApr061498.jpg) Mimbar (pulpit) and calligraphic Allah |
![Al-farooq, the second caliph, Omar, he who distinguises truth from falsehood, may God be pleased with him](https://a4.pbase.com/o4/93/329493/1/60328707.TurkeyApr061500.jpg) Al-farooq, the second caliph, Omar, "he who distinguises truth from falsehood, may God be pleased with him" |
![East semi-dome, Aya Sofya](https://a4.pbase.com/o4/93/329493/1/60328708.TurkeyApr061501.jpg) East semi-dome, Aya Sofya |
![Iznik tile panel (16-17 C) left of apse in tunnel](https://a4.pbase.com/o4/93/329493/1/60328709.TurkeyApr061502.jpg) Iznik tile panel (16-17 C) left of apse in tunnel |
![Column detail](https://a4.pbase.com/o4/93/329493/1/60328710.TurkeyApr061504.jpg) Column detail |
![Aya Sofya](https://a4.pbase.com/o4/93/329493/1/60328711.TurkeyApr061505.jpg) Aya Sofya |
![Mosaic ceiling of southern transept, Aya Sofya](https://a4.pbase.com/o4/93/329493/1/60328712.TurkeyApr061506.jpg) Mosaic ceiling of southern transept, Aya Sofya |
![Mosaic ceiling of southern transept, Aya Sofya](https://a4.pbase.com/o4/93/329493/1/60328713.TurkeyApr061508.jpg) Mosaic ceiling of southern transept, Aya Sofya |
![Chandalier](https://a4.pbase.com/o4/93/329493/1/60328714.TurkeyApr061509.jpg) Chandalier |
![Ali and the upper gallery](https://a4.pbase.com/o4/93/329493/1/60328715.TurkeyApr061510.jpg) Ali and the upper gallery |
![Interesting stone over the entrance to the upper gallery ramp](https://a4.pbase.com/o4/93/329493/1/60328716.TurkeyApr061511.jpg) Interesting stone over the entrance to the upper gallery ramp |
![Mosaic of a Christian cross, Inner Narthex](https://a4.pbase.com/o4/93/329493/1/60328717.TurkeyApr061512.jpg) Mosaic of a Christian cross, Inner Narthex |
![Inner Narthex mosaic ceiling](https://a4.pbase.com/o4/93/329493/1/60328718.TurkeyApr061513.jpg) Inner Narthex mosaic ceiling |
![Upper Gallery](https://a4.pbase.com/o4/93/329493/1/60328719.TurkeyApr061514.jpg) Upper Gallery |
![Upper Gallery](https://a4.pbase.com/o4/93/329493/1/60328720.TurkeyApr061515.jpg) Upper Gallery |
![Uthman (Osman), may God be pleased with him](https://a4.pbase.com/o4/93/329493/1/60328721.TurkeyApr061516.jpg) Uthman (Osman), may God be pleased with him |
![Photographic exhibition in the north gallery](https://a4.pbase.com/o4/93/329493/1/60328722.TurkeyApr061517.jpg) Photographic exhibition in the north gallery |
![Chandalier from the upper gallery](https://a4.pbase.com/o4/93/329493/1/60328723.TurkeyApr061520.jpg) Chandalier from the upper gallery |
![Mosaic of Archangel Gabriel from the upper gallery](https://a4.pbase.com/o4/93/329493/1/60328726.TurkeyApr061525.jpg) Mosaic of Archangel Gabriel from the upper gallery |
![Mosaic of the Madonna and Child from the upper gallery](https://a4.pbase.com/o4/93/329493/1/60328728.TurkeyApr061527.jpg) Mosaic of the Madonna and Child from the upper gallery |
![Main dome, partially obscured by scaffolding](https://a4.pbase.com/o4/93/329493/1/60328730.TurkeyApr061529.jpg) Main dome, partially obscured by scaffolding |
![What the main dome is supposed to look like without the scaffolding](https://a4.pbase.com/o4/93/329493/1/60328732.TurkeyApr061532.jpg) What the main dome is supposed to look like without the scaffolding |
![Mosaic of Emperor Alexandros (912-913), 10th Century, upper gallery](https://a4.pbase.com/o4/93/329493/1/60328734.TurkeyApr061533.jpg) Mosaic of Emperor Alexandros (912-913), 10th Century, upper gallery |
![Loge of Empress, Upper Gallery](https://a4.pbase.com/o4/93/329493/1/60328736.TurkeyApr061537.jpg) Loge of Empress, Upper Gallery |
![Main hall from upper gallery](https://a4.pbase.com/o4/93/329493/1/60328738.TurkeyApr061538.jpg) Main hall from upper gallery |
![Sultans loge from Empress' loge](https://a4.pbase.com/o4/93/329493/1/60328740.TurkeyApr061539.jpg) Sultans loge from Empress' loge |
![Deisis - famous mosaic of Christ and the Last Judgement Day](https://a4.pbase.com/o4/93/329493/1/60328743.TurkeyApr061541.jpg) Deisis - famous mosaic of Christ and the Last Judgement Day |
![Detail of Christ Enthroned, 12th C](https://a4.pbase.com/o4/93/329493/1/60328745.TurkeyApr061542.jpg) Detail of Christ Enthroned, 12th C |
![The Last Judgement Day, Upper Gallery, 12th Century mosaic](https://a4.pbase.com/o4/93/329493/1/60328747.TurkeyApr061543.jpg) The Last Judgement Day, Upper Gallery, 12th Century mosaic |
![Virgin Mary at the Last Judgement Day](https://a4.pbase.com/o4/93/329493/1/60328749.TurkeyApr061545.jpg) Virgin Mary at the Last Judgement Day |
![Mosaic detail of St. John the Baptist, Last Judgement Day, Upper Gallery of Hagia Sophia](https://a4.pbase.com/o4/93/329493/1/60328751.TurkeyApr061546.jpg) Mosaic detail of St. John the Baptist, Last Judgement Day, Upper Gallery of Hagia Sophia |
![St. John the Baptist, Last Judgement Day](https://a4.pbase.com/o4/93/329493/1/60328752.TurkeyApr061547.jpg) St. John the Baptist, Last Judgement Day |
![Christ Enthroned](https://a4.pbase.com/o4/93/329493/1/60328753.TurkeyApr061549.jpg) Christ Enthroned |
![Depiction of the complete scene of the Last Judgement Day](https://a4.pbase.com/o4/93/329493/1/60328754.TurkeyApr061550.jpg) Depiction of the complete scene of the Last Judgement Day |
![11th C. mosaic of Christ Pantokrator with Empress Zoe and Constantine IX](https://a4.pbase.com/o4/93/329493/1/60328763.TurkeyApr061563.jpg) 11th C. mosaic of Christ Pantokrator with Empress Zoe and Constantine IX |
![Empress Zoe, 1028-1050](https://a4.pbase.com/o4/93/329493/1/60328755.TurkeyApr061553.jpg) Empress Zoe, 1028-1050 |
![Detail of Empress Zoe presenting a scroll](https://a4.pbase.com/o4/93/329493/1/60328760.TurkeyApr061560.jpg) Detail of Empress Zoe presenting a scroll |
![Christ Pantokrator](https://a4.pbase.com/o4/93/329493/1/60328756.TurkeyApr061555.jpg) Christ Pantokrator |
![Detail of Christ Enthroned, 11th C.](https://a4.pbase.com/o4/93/329493/1/60328758.TurkeyApr061557.jpg) Detail of Christ Enthroned, 11th C. |
![Detail of Christ's hand and Bible](https://a4.pbase.com/o4/93/329493/1/60328759.TurkeyApr061558.jpg) Detail of Christ's hand and Bible |
![Constantine IX (Imperator Konstantinos IX)](https://a4.pbase.com/o4/93/329493/1/60328757.TurkeyApr061556.jpg) Constantine IX (Imperator Konstantinos IX) |
![Detail of Constantine IX Monomachus](https://a4.pbase.com/o4/93/329493/1/60328761.TurkeyApr061561.jpg) Detail of Constantine IX Monomachus |
![Detail of Constantine IX Monomachus presenting a sack of gold](https://a4.pbase.com/o4/93/329493/1/60328762.TurkeyApr061562.jpg) Detail of Constantine IX Monomachus presenting a sack of gold |
![12th C. mosaic panel of the Virgin & Child with Emperor Johannes Komnenos II, Empress Irene and their son Alexios](https://a4.pbase.com/o4/93/329493/1/60328764.TurkeyApr061564.jpg) 12th C. mosaic panel of the Virgin & Child with Emperor Johannes Komnenos II, Empress Irene and their son Alexios |
![12th C. mosaic panel of the Virgin & Child with Emperor Johannes Komnenos II, Empress Irene](https://a4.pbase.com/o4/93/329493/1/60328769.TurkeyApr061571.jpg) 12th C. mosaic panel of the Virgin & Child with Emperor Johannes Komnenos II, Empress Irene |
![The Virgin and Child, 12th C.](https://a4.pbase.com/o4/93/329493/1/60328767.TurkeyApr061567.jpg) The Virgin and Child, 12th C. |
![Detail of Christ as a child held by Mary](https://a4.pbase.com/o4/93/329493/1/60328766.TurkeyApr061566.jpg) Detail of Christ as a child held by Mary |
![Detail of the Virgin Mary](https://a4.pbase.com/o4/93/329493/1/60328771.TurkeyApr061573.jpg) Detail of the Virgin Mary |
![Empress Irene](https://a4.pbase.com/o4/93/329493/1/60328768.TurkeyApr061570.jpg) Empress Irene |
![Empress Irene presenting a scroll](https://a4.pbase.com/o4/93/329493/1/60328772.TurkeyApr061575.jpg) Empress Irene presenting a scroll |
![Emperor Johannes Komnenos II](https://a4.pbase.com/o4/93/329493/1/60328770.TurkeyApr061572.jpg) Emperor Johannes Komnenos II |
![The Sultanahmet Mosque (Blue Mosque) seen through an open window of the Aya Sofya](https://a4.pbase.com/o4/93/329493/1/60328773.TurkeyApr061576.jpg) The Sultanahmet Mosque (Blue Mosque) seen through an open window of the Aya Sofya |
![Hard to see mosaic of St. Ignatius the Younger](https://a4.pbase.com/o4/93/329493/1/60328774.TurkeyApr061577.jpg) Hard to see mosaic of St. Ignatius the Younger |
![Central dome of the Aya Sofya](https://a4.pbase.com/o4/93/329493/1/60328775.TurkeyApr061579.jpg) Central dome of the Aya Sofya |
![Map of the upper gallery](https://a4.pbase.com/g4/93/329493/2/60328776.TurkeyApr061582.jpg) Map of the upper gallery |
![Constantinople](https://a4.pbase.com/o4/93/329493/1/60328777.TurkeyApr061583.jpg) Constantinople |
![The Virgin Mary between Constantine (rt) presenting Constantinople and Justinianus presenting the Hagia Sophia, 10th C.](https://a4.pbase.com/o4/93/329493/1/60328778.TurkeyApr061586.jpg) The Virgin Mary between Constantine (rt) presenting Constantinople and Justinianus presenting the Hagia Sophia, 10th C. |
![Emperor Justinian presenting the Hagia Sophia](https://a4.pbase.com/o4/93/329493/1/60328779.TurkeyApr061587.jpg) Emperor Justinian presenting the Hagia Sophia |
![Virgin Mary and Child, 10th C.](https://a4.pbase.com/o4/93/329493/1/60328780.TurkeyApr061588.jpg) Virgin Mary and Child, 10th C. |
![Emperor Constantine the Great presenting the city of Constantinople](https://a4.pbase.com/o4/93/329493/1/60328781.TurkeyApr061589.jpg) Emperor Constantine the Great presenting the city of Constantinople |
![Constantine , Mary and Justinian](https://a4.pbase.com/o4/93/329493/1/60328782.TurkeyApr061590.jpg) Constantine , Mary and Justinian |
![Ablutions fountain, Aya Sofya](https://a4.pbase.com/o4/93/329493/1/60328785.TurkeyApr061593.jpg) Ablutions fountain, Aya Sofya |
![Ayasophya - September 2006](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/101147530.WIJjPTZi.BuhIstSep06173.jpg) Ayasophya - September 2006 |
![Christian Mosaics of the Hagia Sophia](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/101147532.D0Gli6n6.BuhIstSep06183.jpg) Christian Mosaics of the Hagia Sophia |
![Beautiful mihrab of the Ayasophya from when the church was converted to a mosque](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/101147534.eUUMqd82.BuhIstSep06185.jpg) Beautiful mihrab of the Ayasophya from when the church was converted to a mosque |
![Mosaic - Emperor Alexandros (912-931 AD)](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/101147535.Wcp6CzSz.BuhIstSep06193.jpg) Mosaic - Emperor Alexandros (912-931 AD) |
![This must be one of the most amazing mosaics of Christ in the world](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/101147537.bB8q5qVK.BuhIstSep06203.jpg) This must be one of the most amazing mosaics of Christ in the world |
![The Ayasofya is now neither church nor mosque - it was opened as a museum by the fiercely secular Kamal Atatürk](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/101147540.pj18lkKo.BuhIstSep06210.jpg) The Ayasofya is now neither church nor mosque - it was opened as a museum by the fiercely secular Kamal Atatürk |
![Ayasofya mosaics](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/101147539.Fr8nrccu.BuhIstSep06209.jpg) Ayasofya mosaics |
![Mosaics of the Hagia Sophia, Istanbul](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/101147543.eoY4iodZ.BuhIstSep06227.jpg) Mosaics of the Hagia Sophia, Istanbul |
![The Blue Mosque from a window of the Hagia Sophia](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/101147542.xpK3blM6.BuhIstSep06213.jpg) The Blue Mosque from a window of the Hagia Sophia |
![The Blue Mosque seen across the park from the Hagia Sophia, Istanbul](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/101147547.fH2kTIjb.BuhIstSep06229.jpg) The Blue Mosque seen across the park from the Hagia Sophia, Istanbul |
![Market against the ancient walls of the Hagia Sophia](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/101147549.jMMYfDFn.BuhIstSep06315.jpg) Market against the ancient walls of the Hagia Sophia |
![The Hagia Sophia was converted into a mosque in 1453 following the fall of Constantinople](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/101147550.bw55JGBk.BuhIstSep06316.jpg) The Hagia Sophia was converted into a mosque in 1453 following the fall of Constantinople |
![The dome of the Hagia Sophia was rebuilt in 562 AD following numerous earthquakes that resulted in its collapse in 558 AD](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/101147553.mLil2r9q.BuhIstSep06318.jpg) The dome of the Hagia Sophia was rebuilt in 562 AD following numerous earthquakes that resulted in its collapse in 558 AD |
![Four minarets were added to the Ayasofya after the Ottoman Turk conquest of Constantinople in 1453](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/101147554.3MiUwru3.BuhIstSep06386.jpg) Four minarets were added to the Ayasofya after the Ottoman Turk conquest of Constantinople in 1453 |
![The Haigia Sophia was a church for almost 1000 years, then a mosque for nearly 500 years and is now a museum](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/101147555.TKmlXoMw.BuhIstSep06388.jpg) The Haigia Sophia was a church for almost 1000 years, then a mosque for nearly 500 years and is now a museum |
![Hagia Sophia, Istanbul](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/101147556.cP6mUbU9.BuhIstSep06389.jpg) Hagia Sophia, Istanbul |
![Hagia Sophia, Istanbul](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/101147558.ByOtyS2p.BuhIstSep06390.jpg) Hagia Sophia, Istanbul |
![Hagia Sophia, Istanbul](https://a4.pbase.com/o6/93/329493/1/101147559.EG04V105.BuhIstSep06391.jpg) Hagia Sophia, Istanbul |