We finally went INTERNATIONAL! How amazing to see an ancient architectural marvel like the Hagia Sophia up close. One of the most awe-inspiring places I've ever set foot in.

Apologies for the quality, I had camera issues and the entire video was recorded with incorrect settings and my lens malfunctioned. It was a whole thing.

"The Hagia Sophia, located in present-day Istanbul, Turkey, is one of the most significant architectural marvels in history. Its story begins in the 6th century when it was commissioned by the Byzantine Emperor Justinian I as a grand cathedral. Completed in 537 AD, it served as the center of Eastern Orthodox Christianity for nearly a millennium.

In 1453, after the conquest of Constantinople by the Ottoman Empire, the Hagia Sophia was converted into a mosque. Its architecture was embellished with Islamic elements, including minarets and calligraphy. It remained a mosque for nearly five centuries, serving as a symbol of Islamic civilization and the power of the Ottoman Empire.

In the early 20th century, following the fall of the Ottoman Empire and the establishment of the Republic of Turkey under Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the Hagia Sophia was secularized and turned into a museum in 1935. This transformation aimed to reflect Turkey's commitment to secularism and preserve the monument as a symbol of its rich history, blending both Christian and Islamic heritage.

However, in July 2020, the Turkish government announced the decision to convert the Hagia Sophia back into a mosque, sparking controversy both domestically and internationally. This move reignited debates about the complex historical and cultural significance of the Hagia Sophia, reflecting its enduring importance as a symbol of religious and cultural identity."

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vVARIETY aka The Somethin' Or Other Tour [SOOT.tv] is an adventure and tour web series that explores and experiences all sorts of things life has to offer. A little adventure, a little silly, a little this and a little that. From abandoned places to stadium tours to odd museums, we love to explore it all! Subscribe to us for NFL games to urban exploring abandoned places!

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