Hagia Sophia was the Cathedral of Constantinople (now Istanbul) when it was built in the year 537 AD.
In 1453 it was changed from being a Church to a Mosque.
Today this building is a Museum and worship is strictly prohibited.
Turkey is where the West meets the East. Part in Europe and part in Asia.
It has neighbours with names that shiver the bones. Syria, Iraq and Iran.
Turkey itself is a wonderful country. Full of warm and friendly people.
Millions of Europeans visit Turkey each year and enjoy the Mediterranean beaches and the superb golf courses. The food is very western style. Just no pork. But you’ll have a wonderful vacation if you travel to Turkey. I’ve just had 2 weeks in the Voyage Hotel in Belek. Absolute luxury !
Great photo, GarryRF! Notice you returned with your head still attached
Welcome back!
Especially interesting to me: the conversion of a cathedral to mosque, just after my visits this year in Andalucia, Spain, where there are many examples of the opposite! An example is the building of the Cathedral of Cordoba inside the city’s main mosque.
Great picture. It used to be Cathedral and then Mosque, now it is museum. We have a FB page Another Turkey and if you do not mind I shared this blog post there. By the way thank you for following us on twitter @vostokturkey. Best regards, Fethiye Holidays.
Great picture, Garry! Looks so much better than in bleak February with snow coming!