On the afternoon of October 16, 2026, while accompanying Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet on a working visit to Turkey, Prime Minister's spouse Pich Chanmony traveled to Istanbul and visited the renowned Hagia Sophia and Dolmabahçe Palace, gaining an in-depth appreciation of the local historical and cultural heritage.
Hagia Sophia was originally built in the 6th century AD and historically served in succession as an Eastern Orthodox cathedral, a mosque, and a museum; today it functions once again as a mosque. The structure has witnessed Istanbul's transformations across multiple historical eras and stands as a world-renowned landmark of history and culture.
Pich Chanmony subsequently visited Dolmabahçe Palace. Built in the mid-19th century, this imperial palace was an important seat of the Ottoman Empire. Its architecture fuses European artistic styles and is celebrated for ornate ornamentation and grand spatial design, showcasing the distinctive building character of the empire's late period.
During the visit, Pich Chanmony showed keen interest in the two historic sites. This cultural tour not only deepened her understanding of Turkey's long history and architectural arts, but also reflects Cambodia's attention to and respect for the historical and cultural heritage of other nations.
