The glorious and stunning Hagia Sophia of Istanbul!
I have been twice and I would go again and again. The former church, mosque and now official museum has a saintly ambiance combined with Byzantine and Islamic architecture. Sitting in the old city part of Istanbul called Sultan Ahmet, it joins other nearby landmarks belonging to the UNESCO World heritage list for Turkey.
The large dome, Christian frescoes and Islamic calligraphy adorning plaques hanging from the upper galleries perfectly sums up the history of 3 cities; Istanbul, Constantinople and Byzantium. I cannot criticize the building in any manner and even the long queues to get in, do not defer me from singing its praises.
How is it possible that a manmade construction can evoke so much respect from me?
Well, its history is impressive but I urge visitors to head to the upper gallery and just stand there in silence for 5 minutes. As you do this, look around and take in the architecture. Imagine the people that crafted those walls, ceilings, and balustrades.
Despite being one of Turkey’s top visited attractions, the Hagia Sophia has a calm and quiet atmosphere. I think I can correctly assume that everyone who steps inside is likewise in awe.
One of the best descriptions I have read about it was penned by the author and poet Richard Tillinghast. In his book, an Armchair Traveller’s History of Istanbul, he wrote…