Haghia Sophia Museum,
the great
masterpiece of Byzantine art. It was
built by Justinian in 6th century AD
and is the 3rd church to occupy this site.
At the time it was built, it was the largest
church in existence. The church was sacked
by the Latins during the 4th crusade in 1204
and many of its treasures taken to the
west.
When Contantinople (Istanbul) was conquered
by the Ottoman Sultan, Mehmet II in 1453,
it was converted into a mosque.
Since 1936,
by Ataturk's order it has been a museum. The interior is decorated
with wonderful Byzantine mosaics from 6th to 13th century AD.