Istanbul is one of the most interesting places to visit in Europe. With one foot in Asia and the other in Europe, this historic city in Turkey, Istanbul is full of ancient sites that are just waiting to be discovered.
Top of many tourists' lists is the grand Hagia Sophia, which has a particularly interesting history. First built as a church and later used as a mosque, this colossal building is now a busy museum. Conceived by Emperor Justinian, the current building was constructed on the site of two earlier monumental buildings.
After the city was conquered by Sultan Mehmed in 1453, the church was converted to become the first Imperial mosque in Istanbul. The building began its new life as a museum in 1935 when the plaster was carefully removed from the mosaics and the structure began to be carefully restored.
Inside, the structure is incredibly grand, with a tremendous square nave which is topped by a large glittering dome and is surrounded by spectacular domed alcoves. From the outside the enormous, asymmetrical building looks like a jumble of extensions and domes of various sizes. Added over time to sustain and rebuild this ambitious edifice through earthquakes, fires and riots, many of these additions are structural reinforcements and alterations.
Once you have admired the grand scale of the architecture and the detailed mosaic designs from the ground floor, be sure to climb the ramps to the upper galleries and you'll be able to gain a new perspective over the main hall and get a closer look at the intricate Byzantine mosaics.
Using public transport in the city is relatively easy. Many multi-lingual machines are available, offering tokens for the trams, trains and buses. As well as connecting the city with the international airport, the wide network strings together the different districts.
Top of many tourists' lists is the grand Hagia Sophia, which has a particularly interesting history. First built as a church and later used as a mosque, this colossal building is now a busy museum. Conceived by Emperor Justinian, the current building was constructed on the site of two earlier monumental buildings.
After the city was conquered by Sultan Mehmed in 1453, the church was converted to become the first Imperial mosque in Istanbul. The building began its new life as a museum in 1935 when the plaster was carefully removed from the mosaics and the structure began to be carefully restored.
Inside, the structure is incredibly grand, with a tremendous square nave which is topped by a large glittering dome and is surrounded by spectacular domed alcoves. From the outside the enormous, asymmetrical building looks like a jumble of extensions and domes of various sizes. Added over time to sustain and rebuild this ambitious edifice through earthquakes, fires and riots, many of these additions are structural reinforcements and alterations.
Once you have admired the grand scale of the architecture and the detailed mosaic designs from the ground floor, be sure to climb the ramps to the upper galleries and you'll be able to gain a new perspective over the main hall and get a closer look at the intricate Byzantine mosaics.
Using public transport in the city is relatively easy. Many multi-lingual machines are available, offering tokens for the trams, trains and buses. As well as connecting the city with the international airport, the wide network strings together the different districts.
About the Author:
Steve Alexander is a travel writer with a passion for holidays in Turkey. Click this link for lots of useful information about Turkey or take a look at the latest hotel deals by visiting Hotels4u.
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