If you are interested in history, you should definitely visit the beautiful Hagia Sophia which was also called ‘’8^th wonder of the world’’ by East Roman Philon in 6^th century. The name Hagia Sophia refers to Holy Wisdom, it is also called Ayasofya in Turkish, and Sancta Sophia in Latin language. It is known as the biggest church constructed by East Roman Empire in Istanbul and what makes it interesting that it has been constructed three times in the same location. When the church was first built, it was also used for the ceremonies of rulers who were crowned. At that time, the church was named as Megale Ekklesia which means Big Church. The church had a wooden roof and it was burned down in a public riot in the year of 404.

After the destruction, the church was reconstructed in 415 with five naves, monumental entrance and a new wooden roof. The place was demolished in 532 after Nika revolts, a public riot, during the reign of Emperor Justinianos, when aristocrats, merchants and tradesman in the society collaborated against the Empire.

For the third construction of the church, the best architectural pieces have been used to make Hagia Sophia bigger and grander. The best marbles and columns have been taken from ancient cities – from Ephesus to Aspendus, Tarsa and some others. The walls of Hagia Sophia have been covered with beautiful mosaics made of gold, silver, glass and colorful stones.

When Istanbul was occupied by Latins during the Holy Crusades, the church was damaged. When Eastern Rome took over the city again, it was known to be in a bad condition. After the conquer of Fatih Sultan Mehmet in 1453, it was renovated into a mosque and continued to serve as a mosque until 1935. Later then, under the decision of Atatürk and Council of Ministers, Hagia Sophia was turned into a museum in 1935.

If you would like to see this historical beauty, you should definitely visit Hagia Sophia and enjoy the atmosphere of a rich culture, art and history; see Byzantine mosaics, architectural drawings and amazing structural incarnations.

To enter the museum, you can also get a museum card at the entrance which will allow you to visit other museums for free.