
Istanbul Blue Mosque & Hagia Sophia 4K Walking Tour | Historic Mosques | September 2023
Istanbul Blue Mosque & Hagia Sophia 4K Walking Tour | Historic Mosques | September 2023 The Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia are two iconic architectural landmarks located in Istanbul, Turkey, and they both have significant historical and cultural importance. Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque): History: The Blue Mosque, also known as the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, was built in the early 17th century (completed in 1616) during the rule of Sultan Ahmed I. It was constructed to rival the grandeur of Hagia Sophia. Architecture: The Blue Mosque is renowned for its intricate tilework, which gives it its nickname. Its architectural style is a fusion of Islamic and Byzantine elements, and it features six minarets, a central dome, and a spacious courtyard. Religious Significance: The Blue Mosque is an active mosque and serves as a place of worship for Muslims. It is also a popular tourist attraction, and visitors are welcome to tour the mosque outside of prayer times. In recent history, there have been significant developments regarding these two landmarks: In 1935, the Turkish government, under the leadership of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, transformed Hagia Sophia into a museum as part of a secularization effort. However, in July 2020, the Turkish government decided to convert Hagia Sophia back into a mosque, sparking international debate and controversy. Both the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia are remarkable examples of architectural and cultural heritage and continue to be important symbols of Istanbul's rich history. They are often visited by tourists and hold a special place in the hearts of both locals and people worldwide. Hagia Sophia: History: Hagia Sophia, originally known as the Church of Holy Wisdom (or Ayasofya in Turkish), was built in the 6th century CE during the reign of the Byzantine Emperor Justinian I. It served as an Eastern Orthodox cathedral and the primary religious center of the Eastern Orthodox Church for nearly 1,000 years. Architecture: Hagia Sophia is renowned for its stunning architectural design, featuring a massive dome that was considered an engineering marvel of its time. The interior is adorned with beautiful mosaics and marble columns. Conversion: After the Ottoman Empire conquered Constantinople (now Istanbul) in 1453, Hagia Sophia was converted into a mosque. It remained a mosque for nearly 500 years. Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/nick-petrov/brig... Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/hey-pluto/take-t... #hagiasophiagrandmosque #uppbeat #turkeytravel #turkeytravel2023 #walking #walkingtour #4k #turkeytravelvlog #türkiye #turkey #sultanahmedmosque #bluemosque #sultanahmetcamii #sultanahmet #sultanahmed #istanbul #gopro11black