In 2019, Hagia Sophia in Istanbul was visited by more than 3,727,360 people, making it the most visited attraction of Turkish museums.
St. Sophia Cathedral is the most important historical landmark. The building was erected in 532 by order of Emperor Justinian and acquired the status of a church in 537 In 1935, the Cathedral became the State Museum of Turkey, excursions here are included in the program of various tours. The cathedral has become one of the most popular places among tourists.
Hagia Sophia has been recognized as the most visited museum in Turkey.
In 2019, Hagia Sophia in Istanbul was visited by more than 3,727,360 people, making it the most visited attraction of Turkish museums.
St. Sophia Cathedral is the most important historical landmark. The building was erected in 532 by order of Emperor Justinian and acquired the status of a church in 537 In 1935, the Cathedral became the State Museum of Turkey, excursions here are included in the program of various tours. The cathedral has become one of the most popular places among tourists.
But the attention of guests is enjoyed by other, no less interesting sights. These are such visited places in Turkey as:
- Mevlana Rumi Museum. It is dedicated to the outstanding Persian poet Jalaluddin Rumi and is located in Konya. In 2019, it was visited by almost 3,464,155 people.
- The ruins of the ancient city of Hierapolis in Pamukkale with an attendance of about 2,557,868 visitors.
- The legendary Topkapi Palace, the residence of the sultans, whose history goes back more than 500 years. More than 2,634,946 people got acquainted with the monument of Ottoman architecture last year.
- The ancient city of Ephesus in the south of Izmir. In 2019, it was visited by more than 1,866,694 tourists.
On the eve of the 567th anniversary of the conquest of Istanbul, the question of whether the Cathedral should be considered the Sofia Mosque in Istanbul was widely discussed among the public. This aspect was covered in many printed publications in Turkey, the latest news from the summit also touched on this topic.
As a result of the discussion, at the moment it was decided to give the Hagia Sophia the status of a mosque. But, despite the updated status, the legendary building will continue to function as a museum. It can also be visited by tourists and locals, get acquainted with ancient frescoes and other historical objects stored there. All objects of cultural value will be preserved and open for study.