The "Church of Holy Wisdom," Haghia Sophia is among the world's greatest architectural achievements.

More than 1,400 years old, it stands as a testament to the sophistication of the 6th-century Byzantine capital and had a great influence on architecture in the following centuries. 

In the 15th century, the Ottomans converted the Hagia Sophia into a mosque: the minarets, tombs and fountains date from this period. 

So now the Christian is thoroughly mixed with the Muslim in the Hagia Sophia.

There's an explanation of one of the more important mosaics.

The architecture is stunning.

But the place really seems to be falling apart.

The Hagia Sophia was hosting a nice exhibit of religious art when we visited.

See the rods that have been added to hold things together?

Just beautiful.

But look at that column.  It really is leaning, just as it appears to be.  The entire building is being squished by its own weight.

View from a window.

Mete says that scaffolding has been in place for years.  They are trying to refurbish the place.

After a while, I walked down to that little cafe and sat at a table and sipped bottled water and rested my tired feet.