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Old mosque, perfect condition, amazing design and huge, one of the best things everyone must see in Istanbul, a lot of things to learn, the place around is great, I love it
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Date of experience: February 2020
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I cannot, in good conscience, give Hagia Sophia less than 4 stars. The building is one of the wonders of the world. However, what a disappointment to visit after its re-conversion. Although it was reported in July that the coverings over the Byzantine art in Hagia Sophia would be pulled back between prayer times, that is not how it has turned out. When I visited the Orthodox Christian mosaics in the entryway outside of what is now the prayer hall were uncovered but the most famous mosaic in the apse was covered - all of the sail like curtains which can cover the entire apse were pulled back except for the two that block the view of the virgin and child mosaic in the middle. I was told afterwards by several people that those will stay that way permanently. The second floor of the building is now off limits to tourists. And, of course, the 1500 year old stone floors are covered wall-to-wall in dark green carpet. The huge disappointment to no longer be able to see the the incredible Byzantine period art in this structure cannot be overstated. One finds oneself thinking the offending mosaics should be removed and put in a museum. Very sad.…
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Date of experience: January 2021
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This building is so old, and so massive, and still in use after all these years. It is almost a holy place to visit. Someone said we were there at a good time -- there was no internal scaffolding.
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Date of experience: January 2021
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Review of: Historical Peninsula
I've never seen anything like it. Use a guide if possible, there's so much to learn. Please respect the locals.
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Date of experience: November 2020
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It was a place filled with great enenrgy, and the history of this place is mind blowing! You have to visit it and take off your shoes while entering as you cant enter the place with shoes and there is a place to put your shoes in
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Date of experience: January 2021
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