Built in the 5th century, the Ottomans converted the Chora into a mosque in 1511. From that time, the decorations were first covered under a layer of lime. They were only rediscovered in 1948.
Hagia Sophia, an architectural marvel and a symbol of Istanbul’s rich history, stands as a testament to the city’s diverse cultural heritage. Originally built as a cathedral in the 6th century, it has ...