- 1. The Hagia Sophia, an architectural masterpiece located in Istanbul, Turkey, was originally constructed as a cathedral in the Byzantine Empire in the 6th century under the orders of Emperor Justinian I. Completed in 537 AD, it was renowned for its massive dome, which was considered a remarkable engineering achievement of its time, symbolizing the heavens and representing the reach of the Byzantine Empire. The interior of the Hagia Sophia is adorned with stunning mosaics, intricate marble pillars, and expansive galleries that reflect a blend of Christian and Islamic artistic influences, resulting from its conversion into a mosque after the Ottoman conquest in 1453. This monumental structure has served various spiritual purposes over the centuries, embodying both a Christian church and a mosque, and is now a museum that draws millions of visitors from around the world. The Hagia Sophia stands as a testament to the rich history and cultural exchanges that have shaped the city of Constantinople, which later became Istanbul, and it continues to inspire awe with its grandeur, historical significance, and architectural innovations.
When was the Hagia Sophia cathedral built?
A) 1453 AD
B) 800 AD
C) 537 AD
D) 1012 AD
- 2. What was the original purpose of the Hagia Sophia cathedral?
A) Palace
B) Roman Catholic cathedral
C) Mosque
D) Eastern Orthodox cathedral
- 3. What architectural style is the Hagia Sophia known for?
A) Byzantine
B) Baroque
C) Gothic
D) Renaissance
- 4. In which year did the Hagia Sophia become a mosque?
A) 1299
B) 1453
C) 1520
D) 1204
- 5. Which empire converted Hagia Sophia into a mosque?
A) Roman Empire
B) Byzantine Empire
C) Ottoman Empire
D) Sassanian Empire
- 6. What is the meaning of the name 'Hagia Sophia' in Greek?
A) Eternal Peace
B) Divine Light
C) Sacred Heart
D) Holy Wisdom
- 7. What is the significance of the Hagia Sophia's dome?
A) It collapsed and had to be rebuilt
B) It was the largest dome in the world for centuries
C) It contained secret chambers
D) It was painted with intricate frescoes
- 8. What material was originally used for the Hagia Sophia's dome?
A) Gold
B) Brick
C) Wood
D) Stone
- 9. What is the name of the famous mosaic inside the Hagia Sophia that depicts the Virgin Mary and Child?
A) Deësis mosaic
B) The Last Judgment mosaic
C) The Triumph of Orthodoxy mosaic
D) The Creation mosaic
- 10. How many minarets does the Hagia Sophia have?
A) 4
B) 2
C) 1
D) 6
- 11. What year did Hagia Sophia officially become a museum?
A) 1948
B) 1963
C) 1918
D) 1935
- 12. What does the Hagia Sophia symbolize in terms of architectural history?
A) The pinnacle of Byzantine architecture
B) A model for Gothic cathedrals
C) A fusion of Greek and Roman styles
D) The beginning of Islamic architecture
- 13. In what year was the Hagia Sophia selected as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO?
A) 1995
B) 1985
C) 2005
D) 1975
- 14. Who is believed to have been the lead architect of the Hagia Sophia's construction?
A) Vitruvius
B) Isidore of Miletus
C) Michelangelo
D) Leon Battista Alberti
- 15. Hagia Sophia means 'Holy Wisdom' in which language?
A) Greek
B) Arabic
C) Latin
D) Turkish
- 16. Which city is Hagia Sophia located in?
A) Athens
B) Istanbul
C) Rome
D) Paris
- 17. Which empire converted Hagia Sophia into a museum in 1935?
A) Ottoman Empire
B) Turkish Republic
C) Holy Roman Empire
D) Byzantine Empire
- 18. Hagia Sophia was once the world's largest cathedral, a title it held for nearly:
A) 2,000 years
B) 500 years
C) 1,000 years
D) 100 years
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