Overview:

Ayasofya Mosque is one of the largest and most important mosques in northeastern Turkey. It was built in 1252 by Byzantine Emperor Andronikos II Palaiologos as a present to the city and is located on the hill of Topraktepe, in the center of the city. The unique feature of Ayasofya Mosque is the cylindrical bell tower, known as the 'Minareh' or 'Cupola', which houses two separate mosques -the eastern one dedicated to Prophet Muhammad and the western one dedicated to the Four Imams. The interior consists of several frescos representing stories from Islamic history and the Holy Qur’an. The mosque opened for prayer in 1358 and is open to visitors during the day, excluding prayer times. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Turkey
Prominent Features:

1. It is one of Trabzon's most important and iconic monuments. 2. It is located near the city’s old centre and is the most conspicuous feature of the town. 3. Built by Sultan Abdulhamit II in 1871, the mosque is dominated by two six-domed marble minarets with three-arched entrances and four pebble-paved staircases. 4. The mosque features a stone courtyard and a marble-paved interior with a central dome of nearly 17 metres in height. 5. The mosque is surrounded by a large wall and its entrance is decorated with old tiles. 6. As one of the greatest examples of Islamic architecture in the region, it has been a popular destination for visitors. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Turkey.

History:

The Ayasofya Mosque in Trabzon, Turkey is one of the oldest mosques in the country. The Ayasofya Mosque was constructed sometime between 1260 and 1278 by the Ottoman Sultan Bayezid I. It was built as part of the Ottoman’s expansion into Trabzon. The mosque is named after the Hagia Sophia in Constantinople (now Istanbul). The Ayasofya Mosque contained a prayer hall and a minaret. Its architecture was influenced by Seljuk architecture with its ornate exterior decorations. During the Ottoman period, the mosque was the center of the city and the city’s main Friday mosque. It remained an important religious site until the end of the Ottoman era in 1923. After the war of independence in 1923, the mosque was used as a storage depot for the Turkish Red Crescent until 1936. The mosque underwent a major renovation in the late 1950s. It was restored to its original state and opened up for visitors in July 1954. In 1993, the mosque's facade was restored and its interior renovated. It now serves as an important tourist destination and is one of the most visited mosques in Trabzon. Visit one of the famous monuments of Turkey with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. Ayasofya Mosque is an Ottoman mosque located in Trabzon, Turkey. 2. It was built in the 14th century during the reign of the Ottoman sultan Murad I. 3. It is one of the oldest mosques in the entire region. 4. When it was initially constructed, it was called the ‘mosque of the law’ and it was used as a court of justice. 5. The mosque was damaged during World War I and was later reconstructed using an original plan. 6. It has three domes and one minaret which was added in the 17th century. 7. The interior is decorated with traditional Islamic calligraphy and turquoise and white tiles. 8. It is currently used as a museum where visitors can view the history of Trabzon and the Ottoman Empire. 9. The mosque is a popular tourist attraction and draws visitors from around the world. One of the historical monuments of Turkey, it tells the story of a bygone era