Hagia Sophia Istanbul, Turkey

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 in two symbols for Christians and Muslims

The period of the Byzantine Empire

Until 1453, the Hagia Sophia cathedral is the church (basilica) Byzantines built by Constantius, son of Constantine the Great. The Church is frequently hit by earthquakes has risen and fallen, although the dome-shaped building is made. On 7 May 558, during Emperor Justinian, the eastern dome collapsed after an earthquake hit. October 26, 986, during the reign of Emperor Basil II (958-1025, again affected by the earthquake.

At last major renovation done in order not affected by the earthquake at the beginning of the 14th century. The specialty of this building is situated on a large dome shape and height. Size tenghnya 30 m. Fundamennya high and 54 m. The interior was decorated with mosaics and frescoes, its pillars are made of colored marble, and walls adorned with carvings.

Ottoman Period

When Sultan Mehmed II conquered Constantinople on Tuesday, May 27, 1453 and entered the city, Mehmed II, dismounted and prostrated himself 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 the tower in the south. Selim II (1566-1574) to build 2 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 crescent ornaments.

So for nearly 500 years the Hagia Sophia to function as a mosque. Statues, crosses, and his paintings had been removed or covered with paint.


The period of 'Modern'

In 1937, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk changed the status of Hagia Sophia into a museum. Begin the project "Demolition Hagia Sophia." Some parts of the walls and ceilings scraped off the paint-paint calligraphy until rediscovered paintings of sacred Christian.

Since then, the Aya Sofya mosque as one of the famous tourist attraction by the Turkish government in Istanbul. Historical value covered the beautiful Byzantine architecture style charm.

The letters in the Hagia Sophia Mosque

Here the letters on display that shows the greatness caliphs Ottoman caliphate in the guarantee, protect, and prosperity of its citizens or foreigners indiscriminately asylum seekers. The oldest is the letter given land certificates in 1519 to Jewish refugees who fled from the cruel Spanish Inquisition after the fall of Islamic rule in al-Andalus.

Then a letter of thanks from the Government of the United States for food aid sent there caliph who was hit by famine (post war with England) the 18th century. Then a letter of guarantee protection to the King of Sweden who expelled the Russians and exiles danced to the caliph on 7 Agustus1709.

Letter dated 13 Robi'ul End 1282 H (5 September1865) who gave permission and fees to the 30 families who emigrated to Greece Rusianamun back to the caliphate, because in Russia they were just miserable. What is the latest duty-free regulations luggage Russian people who seek exile to the region after the Bolshevik Revolution caliphate of 25 Desember1920 M.

Here on display about 100 samples of the amazing letters, both addressed and issued to the caliph. Unfortunately, guests will find is proof that if all of that though is testament to the greatness of the Turks had not emanated from the belief, shari'ah and the Islamic Caliphate system Daula.

source : indotoplist.com

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