- 1. Hagia Sophia, located in Istanbul, Turkey, is an architectural marvel that has transcended its original purpose, serving as a cathedral, mosque, and now a museum, embodying a rich tapestry of history and culture. Constructed between 532 and 537 AD under the orders of the Byzantine Emperor Justinian I, this grand edifice was initially a Christian basilica and the centerpiece of Eastern Orthodox Christianity for nearly a thousand years. Its innovative dome, which appears to float above the central nave, was revolutionary for its time and inspired countless structures in both the Christian and Islamic worlds. After the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople in 1453, Hagia Sophia was converted into a mosque, leading to the addition of minarets and myriad Islamic calligraphic adornments that blended seamlessly with the existing Christian mosaics, creating a unique synthesis of artistic expressions. Over the centuries, it has witnessed pivotal historical events and has become a symbol of the cultural convergence that characterizes Istanbul. In 1935, Hagia Sophia was secularized and turned into a museum, allowing people of all faiths to appreciate its breathtaking beauty and historical significance. Today, Hagia Sophia stands as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, drawing millions of visitors from around the globe who come to marvel at its awe-inspiring architecture, intricate mosaics, and dynamic history that reflects the ever-changing narrative of a city that straddles two continents.
Who ordered the construction of Hagia Sophia?
A) King Constantine
B) Emperor Justinian I
C) Sultan Mehmed II
D) Pope Leo III
- 2. Which city is Hagia Sophia located in?
A) Ankara
B) Istanbul
C) Antalya
D) Izmir
- 3. What is the meaning of the name 'Hagia Sophia'?
A) Royal Palace
B) Holy Wisdom
C) Great Mosque
D) Heavenly Dome
- 4. Hagia Sophia was converted into a mosque in which century?
A) 20th century
B) 18th century
C) 10th century
D) 15th century
- 5. Which empire used Hagia Sophia as a mosque?
A) Byzantine Empire
B) Roman Empire
C) Gothic Empire
D) Ottoman Empire
- 6. What architectural style does Hagia Sophia represent?
A) Gothic
B) Baroque
C) Renaissance
D) Byzantine
- 7. Which renowned feature of Hagia Sophia impresses visitors with its scale and beauty?
A) Dome
B) Minaret
C) Courtyard
D) Fountain
- 8. What significant event happened at Hagia Sophia in 1453?
A) Fall of Constantinople
B) Earthquake
C) Coronation of a king
D) Great Fire
- 9. How many minarets surround Hagia Sophia?
A) Two
B) Eight
C) Four
D) Six
- 10. Which famous architect supervised the construction of Hagia Sophia?
A) Leonardo da Vinci
B) Michelangelo
C) Frank Lloyd Wright
D) Isidore of Miletus
- 11. Which empire initially built Hagia Sophia as a Christian church?
A) Roman Empire
B) Byzantine Empire
C) Mongol Empire
D) Ottoman Empire
- 12. What is the main function of Hagia Sophia today?
A) Museum
B) University
C) Mosque
D) Palace
- 13. What natural disaster caused damage to Hagia Sophia in the past?
A) Flood
B) Volcanic eruption
C) Tornado
D) Earthquake
- 14. What is the significance of the Deesis Mosaic within Hagia Sophia?
A) Portrays mythical creatures
B) Depicts Christ and the Virgin Mary
C) Commends a famous architect
D) Celebrates a military victory
- 15. In what year did Hagia Sophia become a museum?
A) 1481
B) 1821
C) 1935
D) 1963
- 16. What is the diameter of Hagia Sophia's main dome?
A) 25 meters
B) 31 meters
C) 40 meters
D) 50 meters
- 17. What material was used for the construction of Hagia Sophia's main dome?
A) Brick
B) Concrete
C) Steel
D) Marble
- 18. Which historical figure ordered the plaster removed from Hagia Sophia's walls to reveal mosaics?
A) Cleopatra
B) Queen Victoria
C) Mustafa Kemal Atatürk
D) Suleiman the Magnificent
- 19. How many years did it take to build Hagia Sophia?
A) Ten
B) Fifteen
C) Five
D) Twenty
- 20. What is the height of Hagia Sophia's main dome?
A) 28.5 meters
B) 55.6 meters
C) 70 meters
D) 40.2 meters
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