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Hagia Sophia, a quintessential example of Byzantine architecture.
Hagia Sophia, meaning "Holy Wisdom" in Turkish, was originally an Eastern Orthodox basilica, later a mosque, and is now a museum in Istanbul, Türkiye. Particularly famous for its massive dome, Hagia Sophia is a prime example of Byzantine architecture and is considered a site that "changed the history of architecture." It was the largest church in the world for nearly 1,000 years, until the Seville Cathedral was completed in 1520.
The current building was originally constructed as a church between 532 and 537 by order of the Byzantine Emperor Justinian and was the third Church of the Holy Wisdom built on this site (the two previous churches were destroyed by rebels). The cathedral was designed by two architects: Isidorus of Miletus and Anthemius of Tralles. Hagia Sophia possesses a collection of relics and features a 15-meter-long silver wall painting. It served as the central church of the Eastern Orthodox Church and the seat of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople for nearly 1,000 years.
Much of the preliminary structure of the Hagia Sophia cathedral showcases the ingenuity of the Byzantines. The cathedral's dome is supported by only four curved frames. Forty windows arranged in rows on the roof not only capture natural light but also reduce the weight of the dome on the overall structure. Marble columns support the dome from below, providing structural stability. The walls are inlaid with intricate patterns and symbols, and dozens of cleverly placed windows create an atmosphere that will leave anyone entering the Hagia Sophia for the first time in awe. Large chandeliers, mosaics, and traces of various religions such as Christianity and Islam can also be found throughout the Hagia Sophia cathedral.
In 1453, Constantinople was captured by the Ottoman Empire. Tsar Mehmed II ordered the building to be converted into a mosque. The bells, altars, and wall paintings were removed, and many parts of the mosaic floor were covered with plaster. Islamic architectural details, such as the mihrab (a niche facing Mecca), minbar (amphitheater), and four minarets on the exterior, were added during the Ottoman period.
The Hagia Sophia church opened in 537, under the control of the Eastern Orthodox Archbishop of Constantinople. It quickly fell into the hands of the Roman Catholic Church (from 1204 to 1261) during the Crusades. In 1453, Hagia Sophia became the royal mosque when the Ottoman Empire captured the city. In 1935, it was secularized and transformed into its current museum.
Don't treat Hagia Sophia as a museum.
Not long ago, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan stated that tourists visiting Hagia Sophia should not view it as a museum but as a mosque. Erdogan argued that treating Hagia Sophia as a museum would diminish its solemnity and erase its true value.
In the past, Hagia Sophia was Istanbul's principal mosque, serving as a model for many other Ottoman mosques such as the Mosque of King Ahmed, the Mosque of Şehzade, the Mosque of Süleymaniye, and the Rüstem Pasha.
In 1935, Hagia Sophia reluctantly became a museum in Istanbul. Fierce disputes and power struggles between extremist Islamic and Orthodox factions over ownership of the church ensued. Unwilling to perpetuate the division within the Turkish population, the government was forced to convert the site into a museum, despite the fact that Hagia Sophia was a genuine cathedral. Hagia Sophia is part of Istanbul's historic complex and was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985.
With its four majestic minarets and expansive central dome, Hagia Sophia stands out on the Istanbul skyline. From the outer terraces, five gateways lead to the inner courtyard, where visitors can admire 9th-century mosaics and 10th-century frescoes from the Christian faith. The domes of Hagia Sophia are adorned with Islamic inscriptions including verses from the Quran. Additionally, visitors can access the eastern corner of Hagia Sophia's gardens to visit the tombs of several past Turkish sultans.
Because Hagia Sophia is Türkiye's premier cultural treasure, long lines of visitors often form outside. However, it's rare for visitors to wait more than half an hour to get inside. Located in the Old City, Hagia Sophia is accessible by public transport. It's open every day except Monday, with extended visiting hours during the summer. For just $15, visitors can enter a site that was once the world's largest cathedral for nearly a millennium and a source of national pride for Türkiye.
