Hagia Sophia is not only a mosque but also a tourist destination in Istanbul. Initially built as a Christian cathedral in 532 AD, it was completed in just five years under Emperor Justinian I of the Byzantine Empire. Before its construction, two churches had stood on the site but were destroyed during uprisings.
Upon its completion, Hagia Sophia was celebrated as a basilica and served as the central church of the Eastern Orthodox Church for nearly a millennium. In 1453, Constantinople (modern-day Istanbul), the capital of the Byzantine Empire, fell to the Ottomans.
Captivated by Hagia Sophia’s beauty, the ruling Sultan converted it into a mosque.
During the Ottoman era, additional architectural elements in Islamic style were added, including the four minarets at each corner, built between the 15th and 16th centuries, giving Hagia Sophia its present-day structure.
Covering an area of over 5,500 square meters, the building features a square layout with a dome approximately 50 meters high and windows that allow natural light to pour in.
Inside, the space is adorned with interlocking domes supported by marble columns. The floor is paved with slabs of marble, and construction materials were sourced from Eastern Turkey and North Africa.
Hagia Sophia exemplifies Byzantine architecture, notably with its marble columns supporting the dome, intricate ornamentation, and rows of small windows.
One mosaic in the hall depicts the Virgin Mary holding baby Jesus, flanked by Emperor Justinian the Great and Emperor Constantine I.
At the center of the nave is the Mihrab, which was once the sanctuary area during the building's time as a Christian church. The Mihrab is a niche in the main wall of the nave, often referred to as the prayer wall (Qibla). It is oriented westward, toward the direction of the holy city of Mecca. Over time, the Mihrab has evolved into an example of Islamic art.
In 1934, the Turkish government converted Hagia Sophia into a museum. However, in 2020, it returned to its function as a mosque. In 1985, UNESCO recognized Hagia Sophia as a World Heritage Site.
Today, Hagia Sophia is open daily from 9 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., except during Friday noon prayers. Admission costs approximately 30 euros (US$31).
Given its religious significance, visitors must adhere to dress codes. Both men and women are required to cover their shoulders, chest, and knees, while women should also cover their hair with a scarf.
