Hagia Sophia, Iznik, Byzantine religious structure in Iznik, Turkey
Hagia Sophia in Iznik is a place of worship from Byzantine times with a central nave flanked by two side aisles. The walls display Islamic elements added later that shape the appearance of the interior.
The building's origins go back to the 4th century, though it was rebuilt in 1065. Its conversion to a mosque took place in 1331, after it had served as an important gathering place for religious councils.
The structure carries names reflecting different eras and shows how believers of various faiths used the space over time. You can still see traces of both traditions in the decorations and how the space is organized.
Visitors can enter the place of worship outside of prayer times to see its architecture and interior layout. It helps to wear respectful clothing and follow the rules for sacred spaces.
During restoration work between 2007 and 2011, experts uncovered layers from different time periods beneath the surfaces. These discoveries reveal how the spaces were altered and adapted over centuries.
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