The former Orthodox Church dedicated to Holy Wisdom, later a mosque, is now a museum in Istanbul. It was built during the reign of Emperor Justinian (527-565) in what was then Constantinople. For almost a thousand years, it was the largest Christian church in the world and the place where Byzantine emperors were crowned.
Especially known for its huge dome, it is considered one of the most beautiful examples of Byzantine architecture.
It was designed by Isidore of Miletus and Anthemius of Tralles, who died during the first year of construction. Ten thousand workers built the church for almost six years from 532-537. The base is in the shape of a square, the interior is divided by pillars into three naves, with galleries. The pillars are made of marble and the mosaics of gold. The 32-meter-diameter dome was erected at a height of 55 meters.
It served as an Orthodox church until 1453 and the fall of the Byzantine Empire (except 1204-1261 when it was converted into a Catholic church), and from 1453 to 1931 it was a mosque. , The Mother of God, saints and angels were plastered or destroyed, and Islamic elements were added, including four minarets on the outside. Since 1935, it has been opened as a museum. Following the example of the Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque was built in Istanbul, another architectural masterpiece.
I did not know that the blue mosque was modeled on the Hagia Sophia