Information Overload
A day full of interesting facts about Sultanahmet (Blue Mosque) and the Hagia Sofia. Here are some pictures throughout the day. To show his superiority to Suliyemaniye (Ahmet's idol), Ahmet included 6 minarets in the design of his mosque (I couldn't capture all 6 minarets in the photograph). Among other things, the Blue Mosque is still a mosque Muslims go to for prayer, especially during large holidays such as Ramadan. Throughout history, people have created myths surrounding this mosque believing it has healing powers. With such grandeur and majesty who wouldn't believe that?
Inside
Our next stop was the Hagia Sofia, famous for the sheer amount of mosaics inside. A former church, Hagia Sofia was converted to a mosque during the conquering of Istanbul. You will notice the numerous Christian mosaics that remained inside Hagia Sofia when it was converted, but also the 'tacked on' Arabic/Islamic symbols. Built in the 6th century, it is amazing that so many of these mosaics are still in tact. Built with architecture and sophisticated calculations that went into the building of Hagia Sofia makes it able to withstand a 7.5-Richter earthquake!
Something Look Odd?
Look Familiar?
The Mihrab (placed in the direction of Mecca)
An interesting fact about this Mihrab was that since it the mosque was converted from a church, the mihrab is actually 30 degrees North of the actual direction of Mecca in order to face the congregation and accommodate times of prayer.
The Slab was Cut In 1/2 for Symmetry -- Genius!
It took 120 hours between 2 men to cut through the marble! This was one of DOZENS!
After 1600 Years, Hagia Sofia has Shifted A Little...
Sultanahmet
Inside
Our next stop was the Hagia Sofia, famous for the sheer amount of mosaics inside. A former church, Hagia Sofia was converted to a mosque during the conquering of Istanbul. You will notice the numerous Christian mosaics that remained inside Hagia Sofia when it was converted, but also the 'tacked on' Arabic/Islamic symbols. Built in the 6th century, it is amazing that so many of these mosaics are still in tact. Built with architecture and sophisticated calculations that went into the building of Hagia Sofia makes it able to withstand a 7.5-Richter earthquake! One of the Many Mosaics
Something Look Odd?
Look Familiar?
The Mihrab (placed in the direction of Mecca)
An interesting fact about this Mihrab was that since it the mosque was converted from a church, the mihrab is actually 30 degrees North of the actual direction of Mecca in order to face the congregation and accommodate times of prayer.
The Slab was Cut In 1/2 for Symmetry -- Genius!It took 120 hours between 2 men to cut through the marble! This was one of DOZENS!
After 1600 Years, Hagia Sofia has Shifted A Little...
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