Who is Sophia?

 

 

Before heading out of Istanbul, I had to make one more stop that just couldn’t be missed while in the area. Known by many as the “8^th wonder of the world”, Hagia Sophia is one of the most influential buildings in architectural history.

 

 

 

So who is this Sophia anyway? And why is this building that is apparently so significant named after her? Well actually, there is no Sophia! However, that doesn’t mean that this name doesn’t have meaning. Translated, Hagia = divine and Sophia = wisdom. So, put it together and it makes a lot more sense than figuring out who Sophia is! Haha.

 

So the next question is why is it so influential in architectural history? This is the building that influenced others such as St. Paul in London by being the first one with a dome ceiling! Before this, it had never been done and this became the prototype for many thousands of buildings to come.

 

 

With that being said, this next bit will blow your mind. I have just today learned that this building, a brand new style of architecture at the time, was built in a short 5 years! They started it in 532 and finished it in 537. That’s impressive…

 

 

It was first built to be a church and stayed as such for 916 years. After being conquered by Fatih Sultan Mehmed, it was transformed and used as a mosque for 482 years. It was only in 1935 that it was turned into a museum.

 

 

 

If you are in Istanbul, this is a must stop, no exceptions!

 

 

After Hagia Sophia, it was back on the bus and on the road to the coast! The bus ride was about 6 hours long, and I slept for a lot of it, but for the times I was awake I was amazed at the beauty of the landscapes. Out of the main city and into the countryside, there were plenty of sheep with their shepherds watching them, mountains, cliffs, and seas!

 

Backpackers on the side of the highway - taken from my bus window

 

We finally made it to the edge of the peninsula, to Gallipoli, where our bus drove onto a ferry and we sailed off on The Dardanelles to the other side.

 

 

 

Good bye Europe, hello Asia!!!

 

 

 

This ferry ride was so much fun. Jessica and I climbed the stairs to the top deck of the ferry to enjoy the sun and breeze. Little did we know that we were about to get the surprise of a lifetime. From where we were standing, we could look over and see the Captain of the ship through the glass. We waved and after waving back, they signaled us to come in! So we went into the Captain’s quarters where he and his first mate were steering the ship and they both were so friendly and happy to show us what they do.

 

 

 

 

We got to hold the steering wheel and he even had me press the button to blow the horn! He grabbed my finger with a huge smile on his face and ran with me over to the little green button, and pressed my finger down on it. What fun!

 

 

 

The ride only lasted about 30 minutes, but it was well spent. We ran back down to quickly get on the bus before the ferry reached the other side and then we were off to our hotel.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Captain throwing the symbol for Alpha Chi Omega with me!

 

 

This hotel has by far been my favorite as it is right on the beach! The moment we got here, we threw off our backpacks in our rooms and ran down to the ocean. The water was ice cold, but we didn’t care, we were running and jumping and splashing the water on ourselves and each other. This wonderful day was ended by watching the sunset with my feet hanging off of the end of the pier, the sound of waves crashing on the shore and good friends by my side. I’d have to say that I am one lucky girl and life is so, so good.

 

 

 
 
 

 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

Until next time!