Who has visited Hagia Sophia?

Question

What did you think as you walked inside?

Answer 1

It's a magnificent building, totally awe-inspiring. the mosaics upstairs are stunning.
We are so lucky to be able to view a building of this age (nearly 1500 years old) that has survived. Thank God it has been respected by all who have had care of it over the centuries, the Ottoman Turks whitewashed but did not damage the images when it was converted to a mosque, now that it is a museum it has been beautifully restored so people of all faiths or none can appreciate it.

Answer 2

I've been there many times. It's not my favourite part of the Sultanahmet district (to me the Yerebatan Sarnıcı is much more wonderful) but it is certainly amazing.

The Christian motifs that the Byzantines put in it are gorgeous. The Islamic motifs that the Ottomans added are also wonderful. What few people say (and I don't know why) is that its present status as a museum that features both Byzantine and Islamic motifs and designs makes it even more wonderful, because it makes it unique. It creates a picture of Muslim tradition and Christian tradition overlapping and blending together. Maybe it's true that at no point while it was a house of worship did it look as it does now (so maybe it's not 'authentic') but that doesn't stop it from being an amazing building.

It's also gorgeous from the outside.

Answer 3

Dolmabahce is amazingly superb yet i'd quite bypass to Sultanahmet section. i'd see Sultanahmet Mosque, the Underground Cistern, Hagia Sophia, Suleymaniye mosque ( you may end all in 0.5 an afternoon) on the second one part of the dayI 'd take a short experience contained in the Bosphorus. There are a million hour rides from Eminonu, Besiktas, Kadikoy or Ortakoy. perhaps you may choose Ortakoy. you may take a one hour experience contained in the Boshphorus with the aid of boat,plus you may sit down with the aid of the seashore and income from the view. you may want to do each one of those in an afternoon. it absolutely relies upon on what the journeys they provide you're.

Answer 4

I have been to the Aya (Hagia) Sophia. It is beautiful. It rained the day I was there, and the sun did not show the beauty of the tiles, marble, and such. Still it was beautiful.

It is closed on Mondays-if you are planning to go there.

The Blue Mosque is across from it--just about the most fascinating building I have ever been in. I do want to go back there.

Answer 5

My first response was not to feel aghast and to cry, but I respect that someone could feel that way. However, I just don't see how one could stand in such a spectacular place of beauty and seek the negative. That almost makes me want to cry. But hey, that is one person's experience. It certainly was not mine.

I remember the serenity and the honest beauty of the place. It is awe-inspiring to stand in a place where so many millions have been before you. The magnificent height of the dome is inspiring. The images are compelling. I will definitely return.

Answer 6

I don't know I just can't describe. It's magnificent. You feel like you're very little in that huge but spectacular building. It's definitely a must-see.

Answer 7

I am in the same city with that wonderful place, but I couldn't visit there :'(

Answer 8

I cried

a lot

cause religious fanaticism has destroyed the most beautiful
the most wonderful
the most divine
church of orthodox-ism

I cried because I saw hate, cruelness - and its results on every part, every corner...

it is such a pity!

Answer 9

Yea, I cannot add anything to fidget. She did well.

Answer 10

me!
it was so touching coz im greek....i nearly cried