Hagia Sophia, Aya Sofya, Ayasofya, St. Sophia, Church of Holy Wisdom, Ablution fountain, Sadirvan

Hagia Sophia is a former Orthodox basilica, later a mosque, and now a museum. From the date of its dedication in 4th Century until 1453, it served as the Greek Patriarchal cathedral of Constantinople. The building was a mosque from 15th Century. Hagia Sophia is one of the greatest surviving examples of Byzantine architecture. Interior decorated with mosaics, marble pillars and coverings. Hagia Sophia is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Cite from 1985. Outside in the small courtyard is a very decorative ablution fountain. This fountain was used by Muslims to wash themselves before they went to pray. Eight slender columns supporting eight pointed arches. The fountain is ornamented with a bronze network on which the floral designs are engraved. It was erected on the orders of Sultan Mahmud I as part of his larger plan to bring architectural unity to the Hagia Sophia complex.