Blue Mosque doorway

Hagia Sofia

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August 27th 2011
They weren't kidding when they said the Hagia Sofia was converted into a mosque. The new interior design makes it clear that new management had taken over. There are a few remnants of the old Byzantine chuch--mosaics of Christ and Mary. The Blue Mosque is just across the square from the Hagia Sofia. The first time I showed up during prayer times when no visitors are allowed, so I had t ... read more

Middle East » Turkey » Marmara » Istanbul

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Modern Turkey was founded in 1923 from the Anatolian remnants of the defeated Ottoman Empire by national hero Mustafa KEMAL, who was later honored with the title Ataturk, or "Father of the Turks." Under his authoritarian leadership, the country adopt... ... read more