The Church of Aya Sophia, (Άγια Σοφία), constructed in Constantinople in A.D. 360 as a temple to Christ, to wisdom, to faith and to beauty. It holds priceless treasures of Byzantine iconography.
Cheers…
Art History: Aya Sophia of Constantinople. Art of Byzantium
JaZzArt en València 
I’ve never been fortunate enough to see this amazing building in real life F, so lucky you. Whether it’s a secular building like Ataturk wanted or a mosque, let’s hope that it gets the TLC that it really deserves.
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I have been travelling to Turkey for many years now, not to Istanbul but I had to transfer flights there so I would stay and visit Aya Sophia, basically I thought of myself as a pilgrim. It’s the most amazing building I’ve seen I tell you Malc. And it does bother me that they’ve turned it into a mosque, but I am sure that it will be a secular museum and a basilica again. Thank you my friend and a great week to you 😊
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Hope you have a great week ahead too Francesc
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Cheers Malc 😊
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this church looks beautiful and sounds like an incredibly sacred place
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It is an incredible temple Beth, one that has truly withstood the passing of time with elegance and grace. Thank you.
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I hope an effort is made to protect these beautiful and rare pieces of art. The architecture is amazing and stunning. This building would be beautiful even if it did not hold the art it does. Great post, Francisco!
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Yes, the building itself is a marvel of art and architecture but the mosaics it holds are quite priceless, dating back to the Vth C. A.D. Thank you very much Brad!
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Wonderful video, Francesco. I hope Turkey never goes the way of the extremists who feel it is their duty to destroy cultural icons that do not conform to their version of Islam. I am impressed that the Egyptians value their entire history and seek to preserve their antiquities.
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Yes I hope so too Pat. And I too admire Egypt’s open and secular approach. They recently did a huge show on the Nile paying tribute to the ancient Pharaohs and history. This could not have been done in Iran or Afghanistan or any other extremist country. Turkey since Atatürk has always been quite secular, let’s hope it remains that way. Thank you 😊
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Amen, Francisco.
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Reminds me of the mosaics of Herculanium. Great music too.
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Very similar yes, and thank you!
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How lucky that you were able to visit! Definitely on my list of monuments to see.
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Every time I went through Istanbul I made it a point to visit, the first time it was full of scaffolding and I could hardly see anything…it is worth the trip, an incredible place.
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Thank you for sharing this incredible place with us Francis, what a treat. Thank you and blessings to you two. ❤️🦋🙏
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