The most important 2 benchmarks and Yerebatan Istanbul Hagia Sophia (Baslica) Tanks. Both were built by the Byzantines and two of the few historic sites in the world that has been preserved in perfect condition until now. Both are located in the "old city" and the distance between them is only minutes away.

A Once a church, then became a mosque and now a museum. The Hagia Sophia is more than 1600 years and remains one of the most amazing buildings important in the world. Dome has a diameter of 31.24 meters which apparently does not support the same. Hagia Sophia, now is undoubtedly regarded as the cathedral 4th largest in the world, but the fact remains that had been built 1000 years before any of the top three. However, it is possible to classify cathedrals in size because there are many variables such as size of the diameter of the dome or the current height. For the first 1000 years after it was built, has been consistently regarded as the largest church in Christendom.

The scallops that hold the dome are triangular shapes that enable the circular base of a dome stand without weight in a square-shaped construction. The weight of the dome supported by four points and went on to land piers. This all took place during long time by the Romans, but went to the Byzantines who managed to build for the first time in Hagia Sophia. Later the technique was used in the construction of many other European churches during the 2nd millennium. This was the brainchild of two geniuses of his time, Anthemius of Tralles, and Isidore of Miletus. When the Byzantine Emperor Justinian entered the church for the first time, proclaimed "Solomon, I passed you!" After Istanbul was conquered by the Turks in 1453, served as a mosque during 500 years. The minarets were added to the structure after it was converted into a mosque.
In order of Ataturk, the Turkish government changed the status of this monument in a museum in Istanbul in 1935. Some of the still surviving Byzantine mosaics in the museum. Some alterations were made when it became a mosque to facilitate worship to Mecca in Saudi. Hagia Sophia is a unique architectural monument. It has a total height of 55.6 meters and its dome has a diameter of 31.24 meters. Today Hagia Sophia is a protected cultural monument by UNESCO.

Yerebatan Cistern is the Roman water tank built in Constantinople. The 336 columns of the reservoir were built by the emperor as a support Justanian water to the city. The columns were collected from the ancient Greek monuments, two of which in the northwest have been invested in inferior head of Medusa. Although there is water dripping from the ceiling and the fish swim into eternal darkness you can hear the echoes of each drip into the tank. The tank is so impressive as it sounds and is definitely one of the most important places to see while you are in Istanbul.

About the Author:

development of modern architecture in the City during the last 5 decades. And, brief information about the historical landmarks and attractions in the area.
H. Silistre – is the author for Hotel Lamartine’s travel tips section. Please visit Istanbul construction Guide at Site Insaat for more travel tips and city specific information written solely for prospective travelers headed towards Istanbul.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – St. Sophia (hagia Sophia) and Baslica Cistern of Istanbul

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