Hagia Sophia
Istanbul, Turkey
Description
A masterpiece of Byzantine architecture that served as the center of the Eastern Orthodox Church for nearly a millennium before becoming a mosque, museum, and mosque again.
History
Built in 537 AD under Emperor Justinian I, the Hagia Sophia served as the principal church of the Byzantine Empire. After the Ottoman conquest in 1453, it was converted into a mosque. In 1935, it became a museum, and in 2020, it was reconverted into a mosque while preserving its historical elements.
Significance
Considered the epitome of Byzantine architecture and served as the cathedral of Constantinople. Its massive dome and intricate mosaics have influenced religious architecture for centuries.