Have you had the privilege of seeing Hagia Sophia in Istanbul?

[cally]

The former Christian church, then mosque, then historical site, has just returned to being a Mosque only. I found the site gorgeous and somewhat disconcerting as Christian displays were crossed out and Muslim writing placed over it. It was vividly displayed how one dominant religion is replaced by another.

still the church, now Mosque, is stunning and I wish it had stayed a world heritage site. I have been listening to music created to resemble what it would have sounded like in that church centuries ago. It is otherworldly.

[reACTIONary]

1. Yes, I have...

I stayed in Istanbul for several days within walking distance of it and the other sites around there. My son and I walked around, not knowing exactly where we were, and when we came upon it he said "Oh, that's Haga Sophia" And explained it's significance to me. I was impressed - by Haga Sophia and by my son.

[NewDayOranges]

2. It's a beautiful building...

The Hagia Sophia...

https://images.app.goo.gl/MeCb1pfbcQD96cx4A

[3catwoman3]

7. That photo is stunning.

Thank you for the link.

[Tech]

3. Yes, 1976. Turkey, like us, was much different then. It's a really impressive place. As a young

woman in the days before the internet, I found the culture and history of Turkey to be amazing.

[Cicada]

6. I road the bus across Turkey in 1981

I returned from working in Saudi traveling alone through Turkey, Greece, Italy. I found turkey fascinating. At that time few Americans visited Turkey but when they found out I was American they treated me like a movie star. It is so sad that we have managed to lose our friendship with them. I loved The Hagia Sophia of course. And the grand bazaar. Istanbul is fascinating.

[Midnightwalk]

4. Istanbul is on our list

And Hagia Sophia is something we’ll have to see if we go.

Is Istanbul as good as we hear? A friend went before Erdogan was elected and said it was spectacular.

[cally]

5. Yes. Better

I went right before 9/11 so I had a different experience but I had a wonderful trip. Welcoming, historical, and beautiful and the food is delicious! We traveled along the coast (stayed at beach resort for a night) and to Ankara to see underground city. The museums are astonishing with what they have in their collections. I wanted to go to Eastern Turkey but even then it wasn't safe for Americans. My bucket list site to see is Göbekli Tepe.