Inside Istanbul's Famous Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque

Rich in history, Istanbul is one city where East meets West, Europe blends with the Middle East and Asia, and Christianity and Islam live side by side. The famous Grand Bazaar is a popular tourist site- a truly must-see destination, but it is the Hagia Sophia mosque that is the spiritual heartbeat of the city. 

For centuries, this was a Christian basilica built 1500 years ago. This Greek Orthodox church is a magnificent structure! Massive yet delicate pillars support large domes decorated with inlaid tile, all beautifully illuminated by equally impressive chandeliers. 

Nowadays, it is an Islamic mosque, to the delight of some and the dismay of others. Prayer towers, known as minarets, were added during the time of the Ottoman empire. 

In modern days, any Christian elements found in the building were wisely not destroyed but only covered up with Islamic symbols. The historical nature of the building and the political climate of the city and country lent itself to this cultural sensitivity. If you look closely, you still still find crosses, angels, and other images that reflect the mosque's Christian origins.

There's a huge and fascinating world beyond the Disney park borders, and a visit to Istanbul is a once charming, startling, and fascinating. Very much worth your time.

(Photographs copyright Mark Taft.)