The Hagia Sophia of Istanbul

Istanbul is one of the most beautiful places you will see in Turkey. Formerly known as “Constantinople”, Istanbul now has a very deep-rooted history that has led the city to have stories that make Istanbul a culturally rich city even today. The streets of Istanbul boast of the stories of the past. Not only history and culture, Istanbul is blessed in terms of geography as well. It is one unique city that happens to be in two continents at the same time. Yes! You read it right. Istanbul is the only city that lies in Asia as well as Europe geographically. With so many unique features, there’s one more reason for you to visit Istanbul. Wondering what is it? It is the majestic Hagia Sophia. Let’s know something about this architectural beauty before you book your Turkey Holiday Package.

Hagia Sophia is a majestic monument which has had its own significance in the stories of Istanbul since the time it was known as Constantinople. The Hagia Sophia has been subjected to various religious differences over a long period of time until finally when the Turkey government made it a symbol of secularism and turned it into a museum.

Today, the Hagia Sophia museum embodies secularism in Turkey, but, it was originally made as the church of Holy Wisdom in the 360. Later in the 404, the church was subjected to religious immoralities and faced the same consequences in 532 A.D. As a result of many differences over a long period of time, the Hagia Sophia was turned into a Mosque in 1453. With the culturally rich and luxurious design, the Hagia Sophia became a very vital part of the stories of Istanbul. Not only that, the Hagia Sophia had become an integral part of the skyline of Istanbul. It had become a significant monument in the entire world irrespective of the religious tag that it belonged to.

While all the years of the prevalence, Hagia Sophia had become a beautiful home to various irreplaceable mosaics denoting the history of the city right from the Iconoclasm to the late ninth century. Moreover, Hagia Sophia preserves the treasure of the history of the city’s journey from Constantinople to Istanbul and beyond. Finally, in the year 1935, the government of Turkey acknowledged the art and the architectural uniqueness of the monument and declared its secularism. Thus, Hagia Sophia became a museum of national as well as international significance and stands for the art and architecture that it conserves till date.

Research and restoration continue to safeguard and develop the art of this beauty called “Hagia Sophia”. This royal beauty has featured in various movies as well. The depiction of Istanbul’s beauty in the movie ‘Dil Dhadakne Do’ and ‘Ek tha Tiger’ is marvelous. Not just this, Istanbul is dear to many artists from different corners of the world. Interestingly, Agatha Christie, the famous mystery book writer wrote her famous work ‘Murder on the orient express’ in Istanbul. Ernest Hemingway is also a great writer who considered Istanbul a great inspiration. When you visit this beautiful home of the Hagia Sophia, you will know the reason why it is a muse to many.

So, what are you waiting for? Book your trip to Turkey with Flamingo Transworld  and head towards Hagia Sophia!

Happy travelling!