Hagia Sophia is a church was once the greatest among Christians in Istanbul, Turkey, until finally the building was converted into a mosque in 1453 when Constantinople was conquered by the armies of Sultan Mehmet and Ottomen. Then in 1935 until today Hagia Sophia became one of the famous museum in Istanbul with the name of Ayasofya Museum.

The building is often used as a reference model for several other mosques, including the Blue Mosque which is located in front of him. During the change into a mosque, all the elements of Christianity as the altar, bells, and statues removed.

Then the interior design modified and adapted to the characteristics of Islam. Two minarets added afterwards. Not forgetting the mihrab (the priest standing), the pulpit, and also a place to perform ablution. There is calligraphy that decorate the dome of the mosque since the 19th century. Until now still be found.

At the top of the museum there is a gallery where there are works of art depicting the teachings of Christianity. Directly below lies the room shades of Islamic art and also functioned as a mosque. Although it has been converted into a museum, religious activities of Muslims are still running. Efforts to repair the building makes this museum has an element of balance to the two religious styles.

Also visit nearby attractions like Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, Basilica Cistern, Hippodrome, Istanbul Archaeological Museums, Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum Gulhane Park

The Art museum is located on Lake Michigan , which is aesthetical in itself. It really appears equivalent a gigantic sailboat the way it’s intentional and the direction the “flanks” come up from the water, or the elbow room it comes along to come astir from the water. This is a beautiful base to aim around photographs if you’re into photography or if you merely like to recollect the bases you clavered on vacation. The landscaping around the museum is as well dishy and practically a work of graphics in itself as well. By the time you’ve come across the exterior, landscape gardening, and the Pavilion you will already be overcome with the peach of the museum and sufficiently immersed in art to walk in the doors and assure completely that’s on showing. The exhibits change sporadically although there are approximately ageless collectings on showing as well. You’ll be astonished the least bit that’s on-duty display and really enjoy the art inside even if you aren’t an art lover to begin with.

There’s a parking service department hole-and-corner merely sour Michigan Street however there’s as well metered parking during the street outside. Admission is $8 for adults, $6 for seniors and students are just $4 dollars. When companied by an fully grown minors sub- 12 are free.