The Hagia Sophia (Ayasofya in Turkish). It was originally built as a basilica for the Greek Orthodox Christian Church, and was completed in 537 AD. However, after the Ottoman Empire conquered Constantinople in 1453, the building was converted into a mosque. It remained a place of worship until 1935, where it was designated as a national museum. Most recently, Turkish President Erdoğan reclassified the Hagia Sophia as a mosque in 2020. Regardless of its functional status, it is a beautiful building that graces Istanbul’s skyline. I was lucky enough to get multiple opportunities to be nearly alone with the building while visiting Turkiye, including a couple of mornings after Spring snow squalls. Nikon D850 Nikkor 18 - 300 mm f/3.5-5.6 18 mm f/3.5 1/30 sec ISO 100 #hagiasofia #ayasofya #ayasofyacamii #istanbul #istanbulturkey #sultanahmetcamii #citiesofturkey #visitistanbul #total_turkey #holidayinturkey #onlyintürkiye #placeinthe_world #istanbulandyou #istanbul_ha #imaginemytrip #visitturkey #hey_ihadtosnapthat #amazingshots_reflections #bestoftheglobe #reflecting_perfection #reflection_perfection #reflection_shotz #sunrise_lovers #sunrise_and_sunset #europe_greatshots #mapofeurope #europe_pics #citybestpics