Istanbul

Hagia Sophia

Hagia Sophia (Ἁγία Σοφία, “Holy Wisdom” in Greek; Turkish: Ayasofya) is a historical site in Istanbul, Turkey. Originally constructed as a Christian cathedral in the 6th century AD (532-537) during the reign of the Byzantine Emperor Justinian I, it is considered a masterpiece of Byzantine architecture. The architects were Anthemius of Tralles and Isidore of Miletus, who ingeniously combined a longitudinal basilica and a centralized domed structure.

Photo by Tomas Tuma

Topkapı Palace

Topkapı Palace was the primary residence and administrative center of the Ottoman sultans from the mid-15th to the mid-19th centuries. This sprawling complex comprises courtyards and buildings showcasing Ottoman architecture and now serves as a museum.

Photo by Nima Aksoy on Unsplash