Exploring the Layers of Hagia Sophia's History

Hagia Sophia, a historical marvel at the crossroads of cultures, has undergone numerous transformations. Originally a Byzantine church, it was rebuilt by Justinian after the Nika Riots. Its architecture, including a grand dome, reflects diverse influences. The building's mosaics narrate its religious history, from Byzantine to Roman Catholic during the Fourth Crusade. After the Ottoman conquest, it became a mosque, with minarets added. In 1935, it was secularized into a museum, allowing restoration of its Christian mosaics. Today, it stands as a testament to its multifaceted past, with ongoing debates about its religious role.

What is the meaning of 'Hagia Sophia'?

• Divine Light

• New Rome

• Great Church

• Holy Wisdom

Which city was Hagia Sophia originally located in?

• Rome

• Athens

• Byzantium

• Istanbul

Who was the emperor during the Nika Riots that led to the destruction of the second church?

• Augustus

• Constantine

• Justinian I

• Theodosius

From which ancient structure were the columns inside Hagia Sophia taken?

• Colosseum

• Parthenon

• Temple of Artemis

• Temple of Zeus

What does the grand dome of Hagia Sophia symbolize?

• The Earth

• The Sea

• The Heavens

• The Sun

Which event led to the desecration and looting of Hagia Sophia's mosaics?

• Ottoman Conquest

• Byzantine Reconquest

• Nika Riots

• Fourth Crusade

Who was Enrico Dandolo?

• An Ottoman Sultan

• A Greek Philosopher

• A Byzantine Emperor

• A Venetian Ruler

Which Sultan rededicated Hagia Sophia as an imperial mosque?

• Selim the Grim

• Suleiman the Magnificent

• Mehmed the Second

• Bayezid the Thunderbolt

In which year was Hagia Sophia converted into a museum?

• 1923

• 1935

• 1967

• 1950

Who was responsible for the secularization of Hagia Sophia?

• Justinian I

• Kemal Ataturk

• Enrico Dandolo

• Sultan Mehmed the Second