Hagia Sophia, Turkey
Located in Istanbul, Turkey, Hagia Sophia is a building of great historical and religious significance. Originally built in 537 AD, the church is the cathedral of the Byzantine Empire and one of the representatives of Byzantine architecture. Hagia Sophia is world-famous for its huge dome and magnificent architectural style.
Historically, Hagia Sophia was once the central church of the Orthodox Church and a symbol of the heyday of the Byzantine Empire. However, in 1453, the Ottomans captured Constantinople (now Istanbul) and Hagia Sophia was converted into a mosque and remained in use as a mosque for centuries.
In 1935, Kemal Ataturk, the founder of the Republic of Turkey, converted Hagia Sophia into a museum to showcase its religious and historical values. However, in 2020, Turkey** decided to reconvert Hagia Sophia into a mosque and reopen it for Muslims to worship.
This decision has caused controversy and concern in the international community, because Hagia Sophia, as a world cultural heritage and historical site, has important cultural and religious value. The decision has also sparked discussions about religious freedom, cultural preservation, and the preservation of historical heritage.
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