Apse/Mihrab

View looking east into the original apse of the Hagia Sophia. When it was turned into a mosque after the conquest of Constantinople in A.D. 1453 the—slightly off centered—Mihrab was added to assist Moslem worshippers determine the direction toward Mecca. This version of the Mihrab dates to the mid–nineteenth century.

For a brief description of the Hagia Sophia Click Here.