One of the popular tourist spot for tourists because of its uniqueness is the Museum of Hagia Sophia or Aya Sofia. Hagia Sophia (Greek: Άγια Σοφία, "Holy Wisdom"), Sancta Sophia in Latin or Aya Sofya in Turkish, is a former church building (basilica) and the mosque, now a museum in Istanbul. Because it has two functions, namely as mosques and churches, in this museum can be found two symbols for Christians and Muslims. Museum of Hagia Sophia or Aya Sofia, before becoming a museum was once a mosque. And before it became a mosque, this building is the church called Haghia Sopia. Age of the building is about five centuries. This building is the pride of the Muslim community in Istanbul, Turkey. The beauty of the architecture is so amazing. Visible from the outside, there is a dome with a size so big and tall. Diameter in the middle of 30 meters, and height 54 meters. When entering the building, visible beauty of the interior is decorated with mosaics and frescoes. Poles are made of colored marble. While the walls are decorated with various carvings. Besides the beauty of the interior, the appeal of this building was also obtained from the historical value. This is where the symbol of the struggle between Islam and non-Muslims, including secular values after the collapse of the Ottoman Caliphate.
Period Byzantine Empire
Until 1453, the Hagia Sophia cathedral is the church (basilica) Byzantines built by Constantius, the son of Constantine the Great. The church is often damaged by the quake. On 7 May 558, at the time of Emperor Justinian, the eastern dome, collapsed affected by the earthquake. On October 26 986, in the reign of Emperor Basil II (958-1025), the building was again hit by the quake. Finally, a major renovation at the beginning of the 14th century made, so that these buildings are not destroyed by the earthquake. The specialty of this building is situated on a large dome shape and height. The size of the center is 30 meters. High and fundamental is 54 meters. The interior is decorated with mosaics and frescoes, its pillars are made of multicolored marble, and walls adorned with carvings. The building of this church also looks solid, handsome, and charming in the city of Istambul.
Ottoman Turkish Period
When Sultan Mehmed II conquered Constantinople on Tuesday, May 27, 1453 and entered the city, Mehmed II dismounted and prostrated thanks to God, then go to the Church of Hagia Sophia and ordered to change into a mosque known as the Aya Sofia. Jum'atnya directly converted into mosques for Friday prayers. Various modifications to the building to be done to fit the pattern and style of mosque building. At the time of Mehmed II (1444-1446 and 1451-1481) built four towers in the south. Selim II (1566-1574) to build two towers and convert part of the building is characterized by the church. Including changing the sign of the cross on display at the top of the dome with a crescent moon ornament. As a result of cultural contacts between the Turkish people are Muslim with the Christian culture of Europe. And finally the original architecture of the mosque has a flat roof and the dome shape, then began to recognize the pointed roofs. After identifying a tapered roof form is the starting point of development of mosque building is magnificent, mighty impressive and vertical. This also led to the emergence of a new style in the appearance of the mosque, which is developing the arches at the entrances, to gain a broader impression of space and height.
Museum
In 1937, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk changed the status of Hagia Sophia into a museum. Begin the project "The demolition of Hagia Sophia". Some parts of the walls and ceilings scraped off the paint-paint calligraphy until rediscovered paintings of Christian sacred. Since functioned as a museum, visitors can see the Christian and Islamic cultures mingled adorn the walls and pillars in the building Aya Sofia. The section of the ceiling on the second floor are painted calligraphy exfoliated to form mosaic paintings of sacred Christian relics of the Church of Hagia Sophia back into view. While the Aya Sofia Mosque relics that adorn the walls and pillars in the other room will be retained. Since then, the Aya Sofia mosque as one of the famous tourist attraction in Istanbul by the Turkish government. Historical value covered with beautiful Byzantine-style architecture fascinating.
At present, be building it as The Best Tourist Destination In Istanbul, Turkish. If you chance to visit there, you really will feel the religion is often dragged into here and there to suit the interests of power. Church of Hagia Sophia, Aya Sofia Mosque, Hagia Sophia Museum, or by whatever name we should call it, is a symbol of politics that is not wise; politically justify any course (including the use of religion) for the sake of political interests.
