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Contents
Hagia Sophia's history | Consecration, early years, & transformations through the ages
Hagia SophiaHistory
Dating back to the year 537 AD, the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul is a true masterpiece of Byzantine architecture, that has survived the test of time. It is known for its Grand Central Dome, intricate mosaics, and delicate stonework. Hagia Sophia's history spans 1500 years. Once a church, then a museum, and now a mosque, the monument has witnessed the rise and fall of several dynasties. It is a symbol of the diverse blending of Eastern and Western cultures in Istanbul.
Hagia Sophia history explained
Hagia Sophia Church established
537 AD
The first Hagia Eirene Church, built during the reign of Constantius II, was much smaller. A majority of the current structure of Hagia Sophia was built under Emperor Justinian I after the former church was destroyed in 532 CE.
Hagia Sophia as a church
537 AD to 1453
During the 13th Century, in Constantinople, the Hagia Sophia Church became a Roman Catholic Cathedral. The church was caught in the middle of conflicts between the Western Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Churches.
Hagia Sophia as a mosque
1453 to 1922
In May 1453, the Ottoman forces led to the fall of Constantinople. The church was converted into the Hagia Sophia Mosque. Several architectural elements like a mimbar, mihrab, a preacher's platform, and wooden balustrades were added over the next 480 years of Ottoman rule.
Hagia Sophia declared to be a museum
1934
In 1935, Ataturk, as the founder and President of Turkey, declared that the Hagia Sophia would be converted into a museum. Large-scale renovation efforts were undertaken, where floor carpets were replaced, new design elements were added and mosaics were restored.
Hagia Sophia as a museum
1934 to 2020
Conservationists and historians have always drawn insights from its mosaics to delve deeper into its rich history. The Hagia Sophia was declared a part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site called the Historic Areas of Istanbul in 1985.
Hagia Sophia as a mosque
2020
In 2020, the Hagia Sophia Museum was once again declared to be a Mosque. In the present day, the Hagia Sophia has maintained its elegance and stands as a symbol of peaceful coexistence between two religions at the heart of Sultanahmet Square.
Construction of the Hagia Sophia
Commissioned by Emperor Justinian I of the Byzantine Empire, the construction of the Hagia Sophia began in 532 AD and was completed in 537 AD. The structure was designed by two architects, Anthemius of Tralles and Isidore of Miletus.
The architects employed innovative techniques to create an open interior space with a large central dome that appeared to float above the structure. To support such a large dome, the builders developed a system of buttresses and piers, as well as a series of smaller domes and half-domes, to distribute the weight evenly and provide structural stability.
The exterior of the Hagia Sophia was adorned with intricate mosaics and marble columns, while the interior was embellished with marble panels, gold leaf, and colorful mosaics depicting religious scenes and figures. When it was consecrated in 537 AD, it was the largest cathedral in the world and remained so for nearly a thousand years.
More about Hagia Sophia's exteriorArchitecture of Hagia Sophia
Hagia Sophia's architecture is a unique blend of Eastern and Western styles, given its expansive history of 1500 years. The original cathedral was built by Emperor Justinian I in the 6th century and designed by Anthemius of Tralles and Isidorus of Miletus, two prominent architects of the time.
The most distinctive feature of Hagia Sophia's architecture is its massive dome, which spans 102 feet in diameter and rises to a height of over 180 feet. The dome was a technological marvel of its time, and its design allowed it to support the weight of the massive structure without the need for support columns.
The interior of the Hagia Sophia is equally majestic, with its intricate mosaics and impressive decorations. Hagia Sophia's innovative design elements have stood the test of time and continue to captivate visitors to this day.
Inside Hagia SophiaHagia Sophia today
Today, the Hagia Sophia continues to draw attention as the symbol of two dominant religions as well as an architectural marvel of the Byzantine era. From a religious perspective, the shifting power heads in Turkey and the Eastern-Western cultural exchanges have made Hagia Sophia to be a powerful reminder of the peaceful coexistence of different religions throughout history.
The Grand Central Dome, impressive interiors, and shimmering mosaics have established Hagia Sophia as an engineering marvel and have been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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Frequently asked questions about Hagia Sophia's history
How old is Hagia Sophia?
The Hagia Sophia spans over 1500 years. It was established as an Eastern Orthodox Church during the Byzantine era.
Why is Hagia Sophia famous?
The Hagia Sophia attracts attention from all over the world due to its impressive Grand Central Dome and intricate mosaics. It is an enduring symbol of Turkey's changing powers and Eastern-Western cultural heritage.
Where is Hagia Sophia?
Hagia Sophia is situated in Sultanahmet Square, near the Blue Mosque. The address is Sultan Ahmet, Ayasofya Meydanı No:1, 34122 Fatih İstanbul, Turkey.
What is the architectural style of the Hagia Sophia?
Hagia Sophia's architecture dates to the Byzantine era. Given its past as an Orthodox Church to a Mosque to a Museum, and now a Mosque again, the structure retains its previous influences. The most distinct feature of Hagia Sophia is its Grand Dome, which rises to a height of above 180 feet.
How much does it cost to visit the Hagia Sophia?
Depending on the kind of Hagia Sophia ticket you choose, it can cost between €31 to €36. Depending on the ticket you choose, you can skip ahead of long lines and enjoy historian-guided tours with skip-the-line entry access. The combo tickets will help you save money, as they range from around €59 and cover many more attractions.
Are there guided tours explaining the history of the Hagia Sophia?
Yes, you can book Hagia Sophia guided tours, where an experienced tour guide will take you through the minarets, mosaics, and artifacts inside the Mosque. You can also skip ahead of long lines at the venue if you choose historian-guided tours with skip-the-line entry.
Is it worth visiting the Hagia Sophia?
Yes, there are many reasons why you should add Hagia Sophia to your bucket list. It is a perfect example of the beauty and grandeur of Byzantine architecture. The Hagia Sophia is also a symbol of the city of Istanbul and a reminder of the blending of Eastern and Western cultures.
