Hagia Sophia was built by the Roman emperor Justinian in 532-537. The present Hagia Sophia is the third of that name to stand upon this site. The first Hagia Sophia was built in 360 during the reign of Constantius, who was the son of Constantine the Great. The church was destroyed by fire in 404, during a riot by mobs protesting Patriarch Chrysostom’s exile by the Empress Eudoxia. The second church of Hagia Sophia was completed in 415and was dedicated by Theodosius on 10 October. The second Hagia Sophia eventually suffered the same fate as its predecessor, the fort was burned down during the Nika Revolt in 532.
Hagia Sophia, one of Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks, stands at the heart of the historic Sultanahmet district, symbolizing centuries of rich, diverse history. Originally built as a cathedral in 537 AD during the Byzantine Empire, it was later converted into a mosque, then a museum, and finally, in 2020, was re-designated as a mosque. Known for its immense architectural and artistic significance, Hagia Sophia is renowned for its grand dome, intricate mosaics, and a blend of Byzantine and Islamic art, reflecting its varied religious and cultural history.
Location and Accessibility
Hagia Sophia is located in Sultanahmet Square, Istanbul, Turkey, near several other important historic sites, such as the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, and the Basilica Cistern. Its exact address is:
Address: Ayasofya Meydanı, Sultanahmet, Fatih, Istanbul, Turkey
The site is easily accessible by public transport, especially by tram on the T1 line, which stops at Sultanahmet Station. From there, it’s only a short walk to Hagia Sophia. The neighborhood also offers plenty of cafes, restaurants, and shops, making it an excellent area for exploration.
Entrance and Visiting Hours
Since Hagia Sophia was converted back into a mosque, entry to the site is now free for all visitors. This change aligns with the standard practice of mosque entry in Turkey. However, donations for the mosque’s upkeep are welcomed, as with most historic and religious sites. Entrance fee is 25 Euro.
Hours:
Hagia Sophia is open every day, with general visiting hours from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
During prayer times, particularly the five daily Muslim prayers, non-Muslim visitors are asked to pause their tours and respect the worshippers. The mosque is also closed to tourists during Friday midday prayers.
The best times to visit are typically in the morning to avoid crowds, especially if you’re interested in a quieter experience to fully appreciate the site’s remarkable interior.
Architectural and Historical Significance
Hagia Sophia’s architecture is both grand and intricate. Its main dome, one of the largest in the world, seems to float above the nave, supported by pendentives that were a groundbreaking architectural achievement for the time. The interior of Hagia Sophia is adorned with breathtaking mosaics, frescoes, and Islamic calligraphy.
Highlights include:
The Great Dome: Measuring 31 meters in diameter and standing 55 meters above the ground, the dome is an architectural marvel.
Mosaics: Stunning Byzantine mosaics, some of which depict Christian iconography such as the Virgin Mary, Jesus Christ, and various saints, still adorn the walls. Despite the mosque designation, these mosaics are preserved and visible.
Minarets and Islamic Elements: Following its conversion into a mosque in 1453 by Sultan Mehmed II, Hagia Sophia was adorned with minarets, a mihrab (indicating the direction of Mecca), and other Islamic features. Ottoman calligraphy panels bearing the names of Allah, the Prophet Muhammad, and the first four caliphs were added and are visible today.
Dress Code and Visitor Etiquette
Since Hagia Sophia functions as a mosque, modest dress is required for all visitors. Women are advised to cover their heads and wear clothing that covers their arms and legs, while men should wear pants and avoid sleeveless shirts. Scarves for covering the head are typically available at the entrance for those who do not have one.
Additionally, visitors must remove their shoes upon entering the mosque area and are expected to remain quiet and respectful, especially during prayer times. Photography is allowed, but flash should be avoided to preserve the mosaics and artwork.
Key Nearby Attractions
Hagia Sophia is surrounded by other historical sites, making Sultanahmet Square an ideal area for a full day of sightseeing. Notable nearby attractions include:
The Blue Mosque: Located just opposite Hagia Sophia, this iconic mosque is famous for its six minarets and blue-tiled interior.
Topkapi Palace: The former residence of Ottoman sultans, this expansive palace complex offers a fascinating glimpse into Ottoman history and includes lush courtyards, harem quarters, and a treasury.
Basilica Cistern: One of Istanbul’s ancient underground water reservoirs, known for its eerie, atmospheric lighting and the famous Medusa head carvings on the column bases.
Insider Tips
Best Time to Visit: Arriving early in the morning allows you to experience Hagia Sophia before it gets too crowded. Early visits also provide ample time to explore nearby attractions.
Guided Tours: Though entry is free, it’s highly recommended to take a guided tour to gain deeper insights into Hagia Sophia’s historical and architectural context. Licensed guides are available outside, and many speak multiple languages.
Photography: While taking photos, be mindful of the worshippers and avoid capturing people during prayer. The lighting can vary inside, so adjusting camera settings to lower exposure might help capture better shots of the intricate mosaics and interior.
Hagia Sophia continues to captivate visitors with its blend of spiritual, artistic, and historical allure. A visit here is more than just sightseeing; it’s an immersion into a site that has stood at the crossroads of civilizations and religions for nearly 1,500 years.
The chronicler Procopius, telling the destruction of Hagia Sophia in the Nika Revolt, observed that “God allowed the mob to commit this sacrilege, knowing how great the beauty of this church would be restored.” Procopius tells us that Justinian immediately set out to rebuild the church on an even grander scale than before. The Emperor built regardless of expense, gathering together skilled workers from all over the empire. Justinian hired the architect Anthemius of Tralles, one of the most distinguished mathematicians and physicists of the age. His assistant was named Isidorus of Miletus, the greatest geometer of late antiquity. Hagia Sophia was completed in 537 and was formally dedicated by Justinian on 26 December of that year, Saint Stephen’s Day. When earthquakes caused the dome’s collapse, crushing beneath the debris the altar with its ciborium and the ambo. Justinian set out to rebuild the dome and hired Isidorus the Younger, the nephew of Isidorus of Miletus. Isidorus’s principal change was to make the dome somewhat higher than before, thereby lessening its outward thrust. Isidorus’s solution for the dome has, on the whole, been a great success, for it has survived, despite two later partial collapses, until our own day.
Although Hagia Sophia has been restored several times during the Byzantine and Ottoman periods, the present edifice is essentially that of Justinian’s reign. The only major structural additions are the huge and unsightly buttresses that support the building to North and South. Originally erected by Emperor Andronicus II Palaeologus in 1317, when the Hagia Sophia seemed in imminent danger of collapse, they were restored and strengthened by the Ottomans. The four minarets at the corners of the building were built in different times by the Ottomans, during Mehmet II, Beyazid II, Murat III. The last extensive renovations were commissioned by Sultan Abdul Mecit and carried out by the Swiss architects, brothers Fossati in 19C.
Hagia Sophia, which means The Holy Wisdom. When the construction was completed, it became the largest and the biggest cathedral on earth. The dome is 57 meters and 32 diameters. There are 107 columns with different marbles, mosaics of Jesus Crist, the Virgin Mary, John the Baptist, and many Roman emperors, empresses. When the Ottomans conquered Constantinapolis, Hagia Sophia was converted into an Ottoman Imperial Mosque by Sultan Mehmed in 1453.
The mosaics were plastered but never damaged. Hagia Sophia was converted into a museum by Kemal Atatürk in 1935. In 2020, with the cabinet’s decision, the statue of Hagia Sophia had been changed and had become a mosque once again. Like the other mosques in Turkey, everyone is allowed to visit Hagia Sophia.
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