Istanbul’s Hagia Sophia, also known as Ayasofya, was originally built as a Christian cathedral in the 6th century, it later became a mosque and is now a museum.

Hagia Sophia, the name used in English, comes from the Greek “Άγια Σοφία,” meaning “Holy Wisdom.” It was named after the concept of Divine Wisdom and was dedicated to Christ, who is often referred to as the personification of Divine Wisdom. The name Ayasofya, used in Turkish, is derived from the Greek name and has the same meaning.

The building itself showcases magnificent Byzantine architecture with a massive dome, intricate mosaics, and stunning marble interiors. It served as the principal cathedral of the Byzantine Empire for nearly a thousand years until the Ottoman Empire conquered Constantinople (present-day Istanbul) in 1453 and converted it into a mosque.

uring its time as a mosque, various Ottoman additions were made to the structure, including the addition of minarets, mihrab (a niche indicating the direction of Mecca), and a minbar (a pulpit). The Hagia Sophia remained a mosque until 1935 when it was turned into a museum by the decision of the Turkish government, led by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of modern Turkey.

s a museum, Hagia Sophia attracts millions of visitors each year who come to admire its historical and architectural magnificence. However, in 2020, the status of Hagia Sophia was changed again, and it was converted back into a mosque by a decision of the Turkish government. This decision sparked both local and international debates due to the significance of the building to both Christianity and Islam.

” Ayasofya” is the Turkish name for the Hagia Sophia, a historic museum in Istanbul, Turkey. Here are some typical collocations associated with Ayasofya in Turkish:

1. Ayasofya Müzesi: This refers to the Hagia Sophia Museum, the name it held before its conversion back into a mosque in 2020.

2. Ayasofya Camii: Since its reconversion into a mosque, it is often referred to as Ayasofya Mosque.

3. Ayasofya’nın tarihi: Referring to the history of Ayasofya.

4. Ayasofya’nın mimarisi: Discussing the architecture of Ayasofya.

5. Ayasofya’nın restorasyonu: Referring to any restoration work done on Ayasofya.

6. Ayasofya’nın UNESCO Dünya Mirası Listesi’nde olması: The inclusion of Ayasofya in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

7. Ayasofya’nın iç mekanı: Describing the interior of Ayasofya.

8. Ayasofya’nın dış cephesi: Describing the exterior facade of Ayasofya.

9. Ayasofya’nın minaresi: Referring to the minarets of Ayasofya.

10. Ayasofya’nın kubbesi: Referring to the dome of Ayasofya.

These collocations encompass various aspects such as its historical significance, architectural features, and its status as a cultural heritage site.

• Turečtina