My Istanbul Trip and Hagia Sophia Visit

Hello, everyone! I'm back from my amazing trip to Istanbul, Turkey, and I want to share with you some of the highlights of my journey. Istanbul is a city that has so much to offer, from its rich history and culture, to its delicious cuisine and friendly people. But the most impressive attraction for me was the Hagia Sophia, a stunning monument that has witnessed the rise and fall of empires, religions, and civilizations.

The History of Hagia Sophia

Hagia Sophia, which means "Holy Wisdom" in Greek, was originally built as a Christian basilica in the 6th century by the Byzantine Emperor Justinian I. It was the largest and most magnificent church in the world for almost a thousand years, until the Ottoman Turks conquered Constantinople in 1453 and converted it into a mosque. The Ottomans added four minarets, a mihrab, a minbar, and other Islamic features, but they also preserved the original mosaics and architecture of the Byzantine era. In 1935, the founder of the Turkish Republic, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, declared Hagia Sophia a museum, as a symbol of secularism and modernity. In 2020, however, the Turkish government decided to revert Hagia Sophia to a mosque, sparking controversy and criticism from the international community.

The Legend of Aya and Sofya

As I was admiring the beauty and grandeur of Hagia Sophia, I learned about a legend that is associated with its name. According to the legend, there were two lovers named Aya and Sofya, who lived in Constantinople during the reign of Justinian I. Aya was a Christian, and Sofya was a pagan, but they loved each other despite their differences. However, their families and society were opposed to their relationship, and they faced persecution and violence. They decided to run away and seek refuge in the Hagia Sophia, which was under construction at the time. They hoped to find peace and protection in the holy place, but they were betrayed by one of the workers, who informed the authorities about their hiding spot. The soldiers came and captured them, and they were sentenced to death for their forbidden love. As they were being executed, they prayed to God and asked him to reunite them in heaven. Their souls ascended to the dome of the Hagia Sophia, where they became one with the divine wisdom. Since then, the Hagia Sophia has been named after them, as a tribute to their love and faith.

My Hotel Experience

I stayed at the Ottoman Hotel Imperial, which is a 4-star hotel near the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque. It has a great location, a friendly staff, and a cozy atmosphere. The rooms are spacious and comfortable, and they have a traditional Ottoman decor. The hotel also has a restaurant, which serves delicious Turkish and international dishes. The breakfast buffet is especially good, with a variety of options, such as cheese, olives, bread, eggs, honey, jam, fruits, and pastries. The hotel also has a terrace, which offers a panoramic view of the Hagia Sophia and the Bosphorus.

The only downside of the hotel is that it can be noisy at night, because of the nearby mosques and the street traffic. The sound of the call to prayer can be heard from the rooms, which can be disturbing for some guests. The hotel provides earplugs, but they are not very effective. The hotel also has a limited parking space, which can be a problem for guests who have a car. The hotel charges a fee for the parking, which is not included in the room rate.

My Dining Experience

Istanbul has a lot of restaurants to choose from, but I want to mention two of them that I really enjoyed. The first one is Fuego Restaurant, which is a Mediterranean restaurant near the Hagia Sophia. It has a cozy and elegant interior, and a friendly and attentive service. The food is fresh and tasty, and the portions are generous. I ordered the grilled sea bass, which was served with rice, salad, and a lemon sauce. It was one of the best fish dishes I ever had. The restaurant also has a dessert menu, which includes baklava, kunefe, and ice cream. I tried the baklava, which is a traditional Turkish pastry made with layers of filo dough, nuts, and syrup. It was sweet and crunchy, and it melted in my mouth.

The second restaurant that I want to recommend is Turk Art Terrace Restaurant, which is a rooftop restaurant near the Hagia Sophia. It has a stunning view of the Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and the Bosphorus. The restaurant serves Turkish and international cuisine, and it has a live music performance every night. The atmosphere is romantic and lively, and the service is friendly and professional. I ordered the mixed grill, which consisted of lamb, chicken, beef, and meatballs, served with rice, bread, and salad. It was a feast for the eyes and the mouth. The meat was tender and juicy, and the spices were just right. The restaurant also has a drink menu, which includes wine, beer, and cocktails. I had a glass of Turkish red wine, which was smooth and fruity.

My Tips for Travelers

If you are planning to visit Istanbul and the Hagia Sophia, here are some tips that might help you:

- The best time to visit Istanbul is in spring or autumn, when the weather is mild and pleasant, and the crowds are less. The summer can be very hot and humid, and the winter can be cold and rainy.

- The best way to get around Istanbul is by public transportation, such as metro, tram, bus, ferry, or taxi. The public transportation is cheap, convenient, and reliable, and it covers most of the attractions in the city. You can buy an Istanbulkart, which is a rechargeable card that you can use for all modes of public transportation.

- The best way to visit the Hagia Sophia is by buying a ticket online, which costs 100 Turkish liras (about 12 US dollars). The online ticket allows you to skip the long lines at the entrance, and it is valid for one year from the date of purchase. You can buy the ticket from the official website of the Hagia Sophia.

- The best time to visit the Hagia Sophia is in the morning or in the evening, when the light is better and the crowds are smaller. The Hagia Sophia is open every day, except on Mondays, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in winter, and from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. in summer. The last admission is one hour before closing time.

- The best way to enjoy the Hagia Sophia is by hiring a guide, who can explain the history, architecture, and art of the monument. The guides are available at the entrance, and they charge about 200 Turkish liras (about 24 US dollars) for a one-hour tour. You can also rent an audio guide, which costs 25 Turkish liras (about 3 US dollars), or download a free app, which provides information and images of the Hagia Sophia.

Conclusion

Istanbul is a city that has something for everyone, whether you are interested in history, culture, art, or food. The Hagia Sophia is a must-see attraction, as it is a masterpiece of Byzantine and Ottoman architecture, and a witness of the changing times and faiths. I hope you enjoyed reading about my Istanbul trip and Hagia Sophia visit, and I hope you will visit this amazing city and monument someday. Thank you for reading!