One of the most striking monument throughout the centuries, Hagia Sophia, still is in must visit list of every traveler. Hagia Sophia constructed in 6th century. It served as an Orthodox cathedral until 1453 and remained greatest place of worship in Christendom for almost a thousand years. After the conquest of Istanbul, with order of Mehmed the Conqueror, it was converted into mosque four minarets were added that changed the silhouette of historic peninsula. Even there are many mosques around, Sultans preferred Hagia Sophia for friday prays for centuries. In 1935, young, new Turkish regime proclaimed Hagia Sophia as museum regarding to its historical, cultural and architectural importance. During its construction, many building materials were carried to Istanbul from ancient areas all over the Byzantine Empire, mai
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