Monday, February 19, 2007

Hagia Sophia

Ayasofya Museum, is a former Eastern Orthodox church converted to a mosque in 1453 by the Turks, and converted into a museum in 1935. It is considered one of the great buildings in history ; according to Wikipedia.
It is a candidate for the selection of the New 7 Wonders of the World. It stands for Faith & Respect.
You can vote here.
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19 comments:

Dsole said...

Oya, that's so beautiful and imposing building! I don't understand.. only 7 wonders!!? Fortunately we all know there are many many more... But i'm sorry, i'll vote for my Alhambra in Granada... okey I have 7 votes... then I'll give you one! ;)

Anonymous said...

This building is my husband's favorite in Istanbul . . . maybe anywhere! It certainly is a wonder and important in architectural history . . and religious history! I hope you'll show us photos from inside sometime!

Deb said...

Such a magnificent and beautiful structure!

Unknown said...

Aya Sofya is absolutely the great treasure of the world!!

isa said...

I'm glad you've included some people on the street - that way I can see the scale of the Museum. Enormous! I'd love to visit some day...

Anonymous said...

When I see this huge building, I understand a writer, whose book`s most thrilling events happened in the deepest parts of Hagia Sophia.
BTW I am reading just now Orhan Pamuk`s book.
My husband spoke just yesterday about a journey to look at this very, very interesting building.
Perhaps quite soon. . .

Jazzy said...

what a history. great post Oya.

Anna said...

We love this place oya! Beautiful and magnificent! It definitely has my vote!

John Roberts said...

It's so big! It looks like it has been added on to over the centuries, because it appears to gave some different architectural styles.

Annie said...

Hello Oya,

It is a very beautiful and formidable building. I've heard of it but have never before seen it.

Your dog . . . very nice photo of his longing eyes. And thanks for commenting on my dog today.

nowhereman said...

nice building....I remember learning in school that 1453 was the year "constantinople" was occupied ....am dont remember correctly ....nice picture! ....

photowannabe said...

A very majestic building and is truely a wonder. Nice composition.

Carraol said...

Great theme, full of history & wonderful architecture.

BuJ said...

This is a fantastic building with very interesting history!

Funnily, it is so big inside that apparently some section of it is always being renovated, there's scaffolding at least at some where inside. Maybe it's size, or maybe it's just that Turkish contractors take it easy hehe.

I guess it's difficult to give this building the justice it deserves from such a close up shot..

Kala said...

That is fascinating that it is prestigious - I will haveto read up on this place - your postings are so interesting and educational, I absolutely love it! =)

freelancer said...

godd theme, the builing carry the traces of the history

Kate said...

This building makes me wish that I had a trip planned to Istanbul! Maybe, in the future!

Oya said...

Ruth, Lavender Lady, I will try, but last time I was there, photo taking was not allowed.
Mimmu, lots of friends reading Orhan Pamuk recentley, since he won the Nobel. You definetley make a trip here. But I would suggest on April or Mai.
John, they added some new parts during the history.
Prash, you remember correct.
Kate, you are welcomed:)

Dee said...

oh definitely one of the 7 wonders. Although Ive never been here, Ive seen the photos of its insides and oh man, i bow down to its greatness. The intricate details and all the gold and fine craftmanship, geez its definitely a wonder.