By the MOOK Scenic Spots Editorial Team, compiled and reported
Following the previous introduction to Italy, this time we’re covering Istanbul, Turkey. Flying from Italy to Istanbul also marks the final stop of Professor Langdon’s adventure—this world city that straddles Europe and Asia once served as the imperial capital of the Roman, Byzantine, Latin, and Ottoman Empires, exerting profound influence on the development of both Christianity and Islam. Beyond its pivotal historical and religious significance, the city has also seen rich development and meaning in terms of geography, architecture, and culture.
Istanbul church at night (Image source: Sura Hagia Sophia Hotel & Spa)
1. Hagia Sophia
Hagia Sophia boasts a history of nearly fifteen hundred years and is world-renowned for its massive dome. It is a quintessential example of Byzantine architecture that “changed the history of architecture.” The cathedral houses numerous relics, among which a 15-meter-high silver iconostasis is particularly distinctive. It also features many carvings of Christian and Islamic symbols.
Hagia Sophia (Image source: Huffington Post)
A corner of the interior of Hagia Sophia featuring Islamic calligraphy (Image source: Wikipedia)
The mosaics of Hagia Sophia are exquisitely ornate. These frescoes depict the Virgin Mary, Jesus, saints, emperors, empresses, as well as purely decorative geometric mosaics.
Mosaic "The Virgin and Child with Empress Irene" (Image source: Wikipedia)
2. Basilica Cistern
Located south of Hagia Sophia, the Basilica Cistern is an ancient underground water reservoir featuring 366 columns and is one of the largest of its kind. Built during the reign of Byzantine Emperor Justinian I (527–565 AD), it served as one of the primary sources of drinking water for Istanbul’s residents at the time.
Basilica Cistern with 366 columns (Image source: Wikipedia)
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