As you can see, the building is a huge one and there was another level. To go up one level, instead of climbing a staircase, we had to climb up an escalated flat floor, this first of its kind I have ever encountered. Even going down was similar, there was no staircase so we just walked down a steep flat floor.
On the higher level, visitors could see the remnants of the original church where there were pictures of religious figures on the walls which have been conserved.
After reading the history of Aya Sofia, the building has undergone many stages of conservation and renovation and it is still here for the present generation to see. Make sure you go into the museum when you go to Istanbul. It is worth the 25 lira that you have to pay for the entrance fee.
other related posts:
ARRIVING AND BLOGGING FROM ISTANBUL
TASHKONAK BOUTIQUE HOTEL, ISTANBUL
ARASTA BAZAAR IN ISTANBUL
ISTANBUL DAY 1 - EXPLORING SULTANAHMET SQUARE
ISTANBUL DAY 1 - AYA SOFYA PART 1
Wow... This place is HUGE!!!! Best Best Best.... Cant wait for next entry!!!
ReplyDeleteHello Mr. Zainal,i am a trainee teacher for English subject in SMKTUN now, and my name is JAN. I came to know about your blog from Teacher Shazah. Moreover, i am glad to say that i am from the country which just amazed you recently, TURKEY :). The country itself is just like a painted picture, there are a lot to see in Turkey. I hope to see you around the school also and have a talk about Turkey and Malaysia. Have a nice day teacher :)
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