Hagia Sophia, Istanbul

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Aerial photo of Hagia Sophia from the south. The Hagia Sophia began life as a cathedral, but was transformed into a mosque after the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople. The four minarets were added as part of that transition, but at different times.

The brick minaret at the southern corner (right) is attributed to Sultan Mehmed II, and a second stone minaret was added to the north by Mimar Sinan during his restoration. The remaining two are identical and date from the Murad III period.

Beyond the Hagia Sophia is the beautiful blue Bosporus Strait, which separates the continents of Europe and Asia.

Postcard image courtesy of Paradoxplace.com.