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Hagia Sophia, located on the shores of the Bosphorus Strait in Istanbul, serves as a meeting point between the continents of Europe and Asia, bridging the classical and modern worlds.
Explore Istanbul and Make Sure to Visit Hagia Sophia –
The city of Istanbul (Turkey) has been heavily influenced by various empires and diverse cultures. Originally a Byzantine cathedral, Hagia Sophia later transformed into a mosque. Today, it stands as a museum near the city center.
Millions of tourists flock to Hagia Sophia every year to marvel at its unparalleled architecture and exquisite interior, while also hearing stories of the civilizations that once thrived here.
Multiple Religions Have Prayed at Hagia Sophia
Revealing the Secret History of Hagia Sophia
Hagia Sophia opened its doors in 537, under the supervision of the Patriarch of Constantinople. It later fell into the hands of the Roman Catholic Church (from 1204 to 1261) during the Fourth Crusade. In 1453, Hagia Sophia became the royal mosque of the Ottoman Empire after the city was conquered. In 1935, it was secularized and converted into the museum it is today.
Exquisite Architectural Design
Much of Hagia Sophia's preliminary structure reflects the creativity of the Byzantines. The church's dome is supported by just four curved frames, with 40 windows arranged along the roof not only to admit natural light but also to reduce the weight of the dome on the overall structure.
Subsequent cultures have also left their mark on Hagia Sophia. For example, the four famous minarets are a prominent feature of Islamic design.
The Story Behind the Intricate Mosaics
Many original Christian mosaics were destroyed or taken to Italy during Hagia Sophia's conversion to a mosque, but some were discovered during restoration and are now preserved in the museum. These artworks have been meticulously conserved for centuries beneath intricate Islamic decorations.
One particularly notable mosaic is the Deesis mosaic from the late Byzantine period, depicting Jesus Christ in an unconventional manner. Some scholars believe that the Greek philosopher Apollonius of Tyana is portrayed in place of Christ. According to this theory, Jesus Christ is considered mythical, and Apollonius is used as a model for the stories.
Healing Waters
Since Hagia Sophia became a museum, many visitors come here to drink from the two wells, believed to have miraculous healing powers. According to legend, if you drink water from the well in the main hall three times in a row on a Saturday, you will be cured of ailments.
Another area known as the 'sweating column' intrigues visitors as it remains damp, even on the hottest days. At the base of the column is a hole, where many place their hands in hopes of healing. Whether fact or fiction, many tourists still want to try it out.
Source: Ánh Ngọc/Zing News
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Reference: Travel Guide by Mytour
MytourFebruary 17, 2017
