DOT led the way and we started off with the magnificent Hagia Sophia. Now a museum (since 1935), it once stood tall as a cathedral during the Byzantine era before converting to a mosque under Sultan Mehmet II reign.
Chronological of events:
- Eastern Orthodox Cathedral (537–1204)
- Catholic Church Cathedral (1204–1261)
- Eastern Orthodox Cathedral (1261–1453)
- Imperial Mosque (1453–1931)
- Museum (1935–present)
Interior
Remnants of the 2nd church in by the entrance. Each sheep symbolizes the 12 apostles of Christ. |
Presence of Islam with Calligraphic roundel in vicinity with apse mosaic of Virgin Mary and child in the background. |
Marble pillars |
Ceiling made of gold and precious stones (i.e. Red = Ruby, etc) |
Coronation square |
Our tour guide :) |
We then head off to the Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed mosque) which is only a few metres away in vicinity from Hagia Sophia.
One of the blue mosque 6 minarets. |
Obelisk outside of the mosque - this is from Egypt. |
Meatballs & vege (+ endless supply of bread!). The red paste is somewhat similar to our local Malaysian "sambal" |