Hagia Sophia

Some call Hagia Sophia the “8th wonder of the world”. Indeed, Hagia Sophia is one of the most valuable works of art in the world in terms of art and architecture. When the religious significance is added to this, one of the most valuable cultural assets of the world emerges. As a result, it is one of the most visited tourist destinations in İstanbul and the world.

It was built as a church by the Byzantine Emperor Justinianus between the years 532-537 in the old city center of Istanbul on the historical peninsula. It was used as a church for 916 years and converted to mosque for 481 years after the conquest of Constantinople during Ottoman Empire.  After being used as a museum for 86 years, it became a mosque now and you can pray here 5 times a day.

Hagia Sophia is the oldest cathedral in history, built in 5 years. It has been the largest cathedral in the world for nearly a thousand years since it was built.