Hagia Sophia is a religious monument based in present-day Turkey. The building was established in Sixth-century A.D as a cathedral in Constantinople region. Historians and professional architects view Hagia Sophia as a “modern” building owing to its designs and architecture. The structure has two floors and dual dome-shaped ceilings unlike the other monuments of the early Sixth Century A.D. The domes, in this regard, are towers above the dome ceilings within the building. Hagia Sophia is an outstanding monument since it has an imposing structure that distinguishes it from other buildings. The diameter of the Hagia Sophia is 31-33 meters, whereas the height is about 54 meters in measurement. However, its outlook has changed over time to reflect modern architectural designs. It is apparent from the observation that Hagia Sophia initially had a traditional rectangular shape with a wooden roof. The architects later transformed the building by altering the design to a square format.

Hagia Sophia has a unique outlook that resembles the structure of modern buildings. The architects crowned the monument with a massive dome to enhance its design. In this regard, the dome forms the upper part of the building, and it consists of lightweight hollowed bricks. At the base of the vaults, there are several windows. The design is essential as it improves the lighting system of the interior designs. As such, it is apparent that Hagia Sophia uses the modern architecture that considers critical aspects such as designs of the interiors. The architectural structure, in this regard, resembles the Roman designs whose roofs have dome-shaped configurations. Also, the upper part uses an architectural design that is similar to the Byzantine building modes. The interiors, on the other hand, have golden mosaic tiles that make the building to glitter. These tiles are fragile, and their outlook illustrates scenes and Christian figurines of ancient times.

Hagia Sophia was initially a Christian monument, but Muslim leaders later converted it to a mosque. Therefore, this aspect explains the transformations as it is apparent in the picture; for instance, the change of the structure of the building from rectangular to a square format. The artistic quality and the inspirational architecture of the monument reflect both political and cultural developments in history. Accordingly, these aspects explain why building in Turkey is perceived to have modern designs. It is evident from the diagram that there is a gradual transformation in the outlook and structure of the building. The architects changed the critical aspects of the building over the centuries. In this case, some of these elements are additional features to the interiors, removal of architectural features, and restorations.

The architectural designs of the Hagia Sophia have improved since its initial establishment. The pictures show that the initial plan of the building had only one floor. However, architectures added more stories, and, thus, increasing the facades of the interiors. The present-day Hagia Sophia monument has multiple facades for different purposes. The decorations, in particular, have improved the designs of the building as architectures enhanced Hagia Sophia’s exterior look. The religious structure, at first, had simple decorations and images like crosses. However, designers incorporated advanced designs where they included decorations such as ornate mosaics. It is apparent from the diagrams that decorations are part of Hagia Sophia’s architectural design. The portraits and paintings convey essential subjects in religion. These elements support an assertion that Hagia Sophia is a modern building.