Perhaps the largest and most representative monument of Christianity, if we only think of the fact that it has survived for more than 1,700 years. Countries or empires have appeared and disappeared, bigger or smaller wars have taken place, generations of people were born, lived and died, the earth changed its appearance, but St. Sophia was there, a huge creation of the human mind and soul. Beginning in 325, the current form was only acquired in 537, under Justinian. The 31-meter-diameter dome, at 54 meters tall, attenuates you until the annihilation any closed or limited space. Looking at the dome, you can feel that you see souls floating above you in space. The mosaics on the walls bear the traces of the iconoclastic period. The religious services held here (the last on May 29, 1453, I hope you suspect why then ...) have led the Prince Vladimir to pursue to the Christianization of the Russians. The Great Church is also the place where the Christians were slaughtered by Mahomed the Conqueror on that deadly day of May 29, 1453. The place where the Byzantine kings were crowned, as well the place where the Empress was attending the religious service are well marked. The entrance is paid, in the interior you can take pictures even with the flash, and in the side corridors there are stalls with tourist guides or memories that, believe it or not, can be paid by card. Poate cel mai mare și cel mai reprezentativ monument al creștinătății, dacă ne gândim doar la faptul că dăinuie și funcționează de mai bine de 1700 de ani.Țări sau imperii au apărut și au dispărut, războaie mai mari sau mai mici au avut loc, generații de oamenii s-au născut, au trăit și au murit, pământul și-a schimbat înfățișarea, dar Sfânta Sofia a fost acolo, uriașă creație a minții și sufletului omenesc. Începută în 325, forma actuală a căpătat-o abia în 537, sub Justinian. Cupola de 31 de metri în diametru, aflată la 54 metri înălțime îți atenuează până la anihilare orice senzație de spațiu închis, limitat. Uitându-te spre cupolă poți avea senzația că vezi suflete plutind deasupra ta, în spațiu. Mozaicurile aflate pe pereți poartă urmele perioadei iconoclaste. Slujbele ținute aici (ultima în 29 mai 1453, sper că bănuiți de ce atunci...) l-au determinat pe cneazul Vladimir să purceadă la creștinarea rușilor. Marea biserică este și locul unde au fost măcelăriți de Mahomed Cuceritorul creștinii adăpostiți în acea fatală zi de 29 mai 1453. Este marcat locul unde avea loc încoronarea regilor bizantini, la fel ca și locul unde împărăteasa urmărea slujba religioasă. Intrarea este plătită, la interior se pot face poze chiar și cu blițul, iar în navele laterale se găsesc tonete cu ghiduri turistice sau amintiri care, nu veți crede, se pot...
Read moreHagia Sophia is absolutely breathtaking! The moment you step inside, you're instantly transported to a world of grandeur and awe. The sheer scale of the architecture leaves you speechless, as the immense domed ceiling seems to touch the heavens themselves.
The interplay of light and shadow creates a mesmerizing dance that accentuates the intricate details adorning the walls and pillars. It's as if every inch of the interior is infused with centuries of history and artistry, whispering stories of Byzantine and Ottoman empires.
As you walk through the vast halls, you can't help but feel a sense of reverence and wonder. The vastness of the central nave and the magnificent Byzantine mosaics leave you breathless. The artistry and craftsmanship that went into creating these masterpieces is truly mind-boggling.
And then there's the famous Deesis mosaic, Allah and Muhammad calligraphy. The emotion and spiritual intensity emanating from this artwork are simply sublime.
Hagia Sophia's transformation from a Byzantine cathedral to an Ottoman mosque, and eventually a museum, adds yet another layer of intrigue to its already captivating story. It's a symbol of cultural and historical fusion, a testament to the enduring power of architecture to transcend time and transcend boundaries.
As you exit Hagia Sophia, you can't help but feel a mix of emotions. You're in awe of its splendor, grateful for the opportunity to witness such a remarkable monument, and humbled by the weight of its significance in shaping the course of history.
Visiting Hagia Sophia is an experience that words struggle to capture adequately. It's a journey that ignites your imagination, stirs your soul, and leaves an indelible mark on your heart. You simply have to experience it for yourself to truly understand its...
Read moreI recently visited the Hagia Sophia Mosque and I would like to share my experience through this review. Hagia Sophia Mosque is a magnificent historical landmark located in Istanbul, Turkey. It holds immense cultural and religious significance.
First and foremost, I must mention the stunning architecture of the mosque. The grandeur of the dome, the intricate detailing, and the blend of Byzantine and Ottoman influences create a captivating atmosphere. The interior is adorned with beautiful mosaics and calligraphy, adding to the overall aesthetic appeal.
The historical significance of Hagia Sophia Mosque cannot be overstated. It has served as a church and a mosque throughout its long history, representing the convergence of different cultures and faiths. Walking through its halls, one can’t help but feel a deep sense of reverence and appreciation for the centuries of history that have unfolded within its walls.
The location of the mosque is also ideal, situated in the heart of Istanbul’s historic district. It is easily accessible and surrounded by other noteworthy attractions, such as the Blue Mosque and the Topkapi Palace, making it a must-visit for tourists and history enthusiasts.
Furthermore, the staff at Hagia Sophia Mosque were welcoming and informative. They provided valuable insights into the history and significance of the mosque, enriching the overall experience.
Overall, visiting the Hagia Sophia Mosque was a truly awe-inspiring experience. Its architectural beauty, historical importance, and central location make it an essential destination for anyone visiting Istanbul. I highly recommend exploring this remarkable site to gain a deeper understanding of the region’s rich history and...
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