1000 Places to See Before You Die—Istanbul

Haiga Sophia, built between 532-537 A.D. The original church built on this spot in 360 was destroyed by fire in 404. The church was rebuilt and destroyed by another fire in 532.



The interior is decorated with mosiacs dating to the 6th Century.



When Istanbul was taken by the Turks in 1453, the church was converted into a mosque. Four minarets were built, and the interior was decorated with calligraphic inscriptions of verses from the Koran.

More photos of Hagia Sophia from our trip to Istanbul in November 2010.