Date of visit: May 6, 2010, around 4:00 p.m.
We will finish our sightseeing in Istanbul today.
Hagia Sophia.
From the Galata Tower where I was earlier, I went back to the old town across the Galata Bridge. It was quite hot. From Sirkezi station, we climbed up a gentle slope to the square where Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque are located.
A stone monument around the entrance. It looks like Greek. It was the headquarters of the Eastern Roman Empire and Greek Orthodox Church.
The Hagia Sophia has kept its sacred charm even though it has been tossed around by the changes of the Roman Empire, Eastern Roman Empire, Byzantine Empire, and Istanbul. It was the place I wanted to visit the most in this visit.
The first thing I felt when I entered Hagia Sophia was that it was very cool. It was very hot today, so the contrast in temperature was particularly impressive. But the coolness seemed to emphasize the sanctity of the Hagia Sophia even more. It may be an over expression, but I felt the weight of history with every step I took.
Overall, the atmosphere is Christ-like, but still not Catholic.
However, it is also Islamic due to the influence of the post Ottoman occupation.
Even though the change of ethnic groups and religions was historically unavoidable, I felt the greatness of the Ottoman Empire, which was able to harmonize and fuse the cultures left by their predecessors and apply them to their own religious views. I can’t help but be in awe of the fact that they have left behind a legacy of humanity that has retained its charm for centuries.
I am really glad that I came to this city. It was an « accidental » visit due to the volcanic ash, but I am very grateful for this coincidence.
This is the end of sightseeing for today. I can stay in Istanbul only 2 days. Only one day left for sightseeing. I hope it will be fine tomorrow…
（初日終了。2日目へ続きます。）
