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Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, Turkey (Ayasofya)

New Wonders of the World Photo Gallery: Hagia Sophia

From Jackie Craven, About.com

Christian and Islamic architecture combine in Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, Turkey. Hagia Sophia was a finalist in the campaign to choose the New World Wonders.
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Byzantine mosaicsPress photo © 2000-2006 NewOpenWorld Foundation
Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, Turkey
The English name for Hagia Sophia is Divine Wisdom. In Latin, the cathedral is called Sancta Sophia. In Turkish the name is Ayasofya. But by any name, Hagia Sophia is an architectural treasure with remarkable examples of Byzantine mosaics.

Christian and Islamic art combine in the Hagia Sophia. Hagia Sophia was a great Christian cathedral until the mid-1400s. After the conquest of Constantinople, the Hagia Sophia became a mosque. Then, in 1935, the Hagia Sophia became a museum.

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