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Coordinates are Latidude is 41.008508649999996 and Longtidude is 28.980009932000005

Hagia Sophia

Item: Hagia Sophia
Rating: 5
Author: Hagia Sophia

Hagia Sophia is a historic monument in Istanbul, Turkey. It was originally built as a church in 537 AD, during the reign of Byzantine Emperor Justinian I. The church was designed by the architects Isidorus of Miletus and Anthemius of Tralles. For about 900 years, Hagia Sophia was a Christian church and the center of the Eastern Orthodox Church. In 1204, when the Fourth Crusade captured Constantinople, the church was looted and damaged. After the Ottoman Empire conquered Constantinople in 1453, the church was converted into a mosque. The Ottomans added minarets and other Islamic features, and it remained a mosque for almost 500 years. In the 20th century, following the defeat of the Ottoman Empire in World War I, the Turkish government declared Hagia Sophia a museum in 1935.

Hagia Sophia Information

Hagia Sophia (also known as Ayasofya in Turkish) is a historic structure located in Istanbul, Turkey. It was originally built as a church in the 6th century by the Byzantine emperor Justinian I, and then converted into a mosque by the Ottoman Sultan Mehmed II in the 15th century. It served as a mosque for over 500 years until 1935, when it was turned into a museum by the Turkish government. Hagia Sophia is famous for its architectural design, which is a combination of Byzantine and Ottoman styles. It is particularly renowned for its massive dome, which is over 55 meters high and has a diameter of 31 meters. The interior of the building is adorned with intricate mosaics and frescoes, some of which date back to the original construction of the church. Hagia Sophia is also significant for its cultural and historical importance. It was the largest church in the world for more than a millennium, and its construction played an important role in shaping Byzantine culture and society. During its time as a mosque, it was considered one of the holiest sites in Islam, and it remains an important symbol of Turkey's religious and cultural heritage. In July 2020, the Turkish government announced that Hagia Sophia would once again be used as a mosque, sparking controversy and criticism from many organizations and individuals around the world. Despite this, the building remains a popular tourist destination and a significant cultural landmark in Istanbul.

What is Hagia Sophia and why is it significant?

Hagia Sophia is an architectural landmark located in Istanbul, Turkey. It was built as a Christian church in the Byzantine Empire in the 6th century, during the reign of Emperor Justinian. It remained a church for nearly a thousand years until the Ottoman Empire conquered Constantinople (Istanbul) in 1453 and converted the building into a mosque. In the 20th century, the building was turned into a museum, and in 2020, the Turkish government converted it back into a mosque. Hagia Sophia is significant because it represents the convergence of different cultures and religions over the centuries. The building was constructed during a period of great architectural innovation in the Byzantine Empire and is considered a masterpiece of Byzantine architecture. Its massive dome and intricate mosaics are a testament to the technical and artistic skill of the builders. During the Ottoman era, Hagia Sophia became a symbol of Islamic conquest and power, and the building was adorned with Islamic features such as minarets and calligraphy. As a museum, it was a symbol of Turkey's secular identity and its commitment to the preservation of cultural heritage. The conversion of Hagia Sophia back into a mosque in 2020 has been controversial, with some critics arguing that it represents a rejection of Turkey's secular identity and a threat to the preservation of the building's historical and artistic significance.

Can non Muslims enter Hagia Sophia?

Yes, non-Muslims can enter Hagia Sophia. However, visitors are required to dress modestly and remove their shoes before entering the mosque.

7 best attractions on Hagia Sophia

1. The dome:The iconic dome of Hagia Sophia is a truly awe-inspiring sight. The dome is 105 feet in diameter and rises to a height of 182 feet above the ground, making it one of the largest domes in the world.

2. Mosaics:The interior of the building is adorned with stunning mosaics that are over a thousand years old. These mosaics depict religious scenes and portraits of saints and emperors.

3. Calligraphy:In the 16th century, after the building was converted into a mosque, Ottoman calligraphers added inscriptions in Arabic script that celebrate Islamic faith and honor the Prophet Muhammad.

4. The Imperial Door:The massive, intricately carved wooden door at the south end of the nave was used by emperors on ceremonial occasions.

5. The Gallery of the Emperors:This balcony area was reserved for the use of emperors and members of the imperial family, who could sit and watch religious services without being seen by the general public.

6. The Deesis Mosaic:This large mosaic in the south gallery depicts Christ flanked by the Virgin Mary and St. John the Baptist. The figures are rendered in a more realistic style than many of the other mosaics and are thought to be from the 13th century.

7. The Mihrab:This niche in the south wall of the mosque indicates the direction of Mecca and is the focal point for prayer. It is adorned with intricate geometric designs, carved stone and calligraphy.

6 places to see near Hagia Sophia

1. Topkapi Palace:Former residence of the Ottoman sultans and now a museum, it is located just a short walk away from Hagia Sophia.

2. Blue Mosque:Also known as Sultan Ahmed Mosque, this stunning mosque is situated just across the park from Hagia Sophia and boasts remarkable blue interior tiles.

3. Grand Bazaar:One of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world, the Grand Bazaar is lined with over 4,000 shops selling textiles, jewelry, ceramics, rugs, and more.

4. Basilica Cistern:A fascinating underground water reservoir built in the 6th century, it is located just a short walk away from Hagia Sophia.

5. Hippodrome:The former chariot-racing arena of Constantinople, it is now a public square featuring several ancient monuments like the Obelisk of Theodosius.

6. Istanbul Archaeology Museum:One of the largest museums in Istanbul, it houses a vast collection of artifacts from the city's past, including the sarcophagus of Alexander the Great.

9 things to do over Hagia Sophia

1. Admire the grandeur and beauty of the building's architecture and design.

2. Learn about the history of the building, including its transformation from a church to a mosque to a museum.

3. Explore the impressive artwork and decoration, including mosaics, frescoes, and calligraphy.

4. Take in the breathtaking views from the upper gallery, which offers a panoramic vista of Istanbul.

5. Attend a guided tour to learn more about the history, art, and architecture of Hagia Sophia.

6. Attend a religious service or prayer session if you are Muslim, as Hagia Sophia is still used as a mosque.

7. Visit the adjacent museum to see artifacts and exhibits related to the building's history and religious significance.

8. Photograph the intricate details and beauty of the building's interior and exterior.

9. Take a leisurely stroll around the surrounding park and gardens, which offer a peaceful and scenic respite from the bustle of the city.

What was the Hagia Sophia before Islam?

The Hagia Sophia was originally a Christian cathedral located in Constantinople, the capital of the Byzantine Empire. It was built in the 6th century during the reign of Emperor Justinian I, and served as the primary church of the Eastern Orthodox Church for over 900 years.