The amazing building which was built in the fourth century by Constantine the Great is called as as Hagia Sophia (Άγια Σοφία) in Greek, Sancta Sophia in Latin, and Ayasofya or Aya Sofya in Turkish, is a Byzantine church and former Ottoman mosque in Istanbul. It is one of the greatest surviving examples of Byzantine architecture, rich with amazing mosaics and marble pillars and coverings. It is such a marvelous construction is that after its completion, architect Justinian is said;

         Νενίκηκά σε Σολομών            Lithograph of the Hagia Sophia in 1852, by the Fossati brothers.

("Solomon, I have outdone thee!").

 Besides the religious meanings of the mosaics used to decorate the interior surfaces of the building, the emperor was also used as a subject. On one mosaic there is the Virgin Mary with the emperors Justinian, Constantine sitting at her sides. Another mosaic shows Jesus sitting on a throne with the Emperor Leon 7. Another mosaic is of Mary and John the Baptist imploring Jesus for mercy to the people. All               

These mosaics carries deep Hellenistic influences.
There are also several mosaic "portraits" of other members of the imperial family. Art of portrait was very advanced during the Byzantine period. After Fatih Sultan Mehmet captured the city, this great structure was used as a mosque by the Muslims. In 1934 Ataturk wanted the structure to be used as a museum. Since then Aya Sofya is a great and valuable source of history in İstanbul. When you enter to this museum you feel the all this fate in the air. Different religions prayed and hoped to their own Gods in this place and now, after all wars, all deaths, all births and all changes; there is still one thing standing on its same place: Aya sofya… I am sure it has some stories to tell us; maybe you should visit and see with your own eyes.