It just kills me that the Aya Sofya was built in 5 years- 531-536 A.D.  Slave labor gets results!  What's even more amazing is this behometh is located right in "eathquake central" yet it never crumbles.  Pictures do this thing no justice.  It must be seen to be believed.

This antiquity is a jewel in terms of its beautiful and imposing architecture, yet even more so because of it having been witness to such significant moments in history such as when Turkey was conquered by the Ottoman empire and changed from Chrisitanity into Islam. This mosque, previously a church, has been the place of worship for both Chrisitans and Muslims and proof of both religions can be appreciated when one visits it.