Hagia Sophia – Museum in Istanbul filled with 30 Million Gold Tiles

Hagia Sophia (Turkish: Ayasofya) is a famous museum in Istanbul built in 537 AD. Initially, this building was a Greek Christian Cathedral and later transformed into Mosque. The museum was built in Byzantine architecture and is more popular for its huge dome. The structure of this building was designed by Isidore of Miletus and Anthemius of Tralles.The main dome which is 32 m is supported by pendentives, two semi-domes and is surrounded by four minarets.The arches supporting the domes were covered by mosaics. The floors covered with marbles are from Anatolia and Syria. The museum’s 104 Column bring from Ephesus, Temple of Artemis.

The length of the building is 82m, width is 73m and height is 55m. The walls are covered with mosaics made from gold, silver, glass, and colorful stones. The walls are adorned with scenes and figures from the Christian Gospels.Mustafa Kemal Ataturk who was the First President of Turkey transformed this building into Museum in 1935. He altered the interiors of the mosque into the museum by changing the floors, carpets, and wall designs. Hagia Sophia is recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985 in the part of Historic Areas of Istanbul which also includes other historic sites in this city. 

The massive building now standing on this land is built during the 6th century. The interiors are marvelously filled with 30 million gold tiles. Beautiful place to get relax both outside and inside. Hagia Sophia Museum took second place for the most visited museum in Turkey. 

Address : Sultan Ahmet, Ayasofya Meydanı No:1, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul, Turkey

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