Hagia Sophia, Istanbul’s historical icon, combines magnificent architecture, religious influences and a long history that make it one of the most attractive tourist destinations.
Hagia Sophia is one of the most historic and impressive sites in the world, located in the heart of Istanbul, Türkiye.
The building has witnessed centuries of changes, from a grand church, to an iconic mosque, to a museum, and back to a mosque again. Its stunning beauty and rich history make it a major attraction for tourists. Here are 10 interesting facts about Hagia Sophia that you should know.
1. Designed by a Famous Architect of its Time
Hagia Sophia was built in a very short time, only six years, from 532 to 537 AD. The architects responsible for the construction of this magnificent building were Anthemius of Tralles and Isidore of Miletus, two great names in the history of architecture.
They were known for their expertise in mathematics and mechanics, which allowed them to design a large dome structure that was very challenging for the time.
The mosaics that adorn the walls of Hagia Sophia reflect the Byzantine artistic tradition and are one of the main sources of knowledge about post-Iconoclastic Controversy mosaic art of the 8th and 9th centuries.
Visiting Hagia Sophia and admiring these masterpieces is a must on the list of Things to do Türkiye, offering a deep insight into the country’s rich historical and artistic heritage.
2. Originally Built As A Church
Originally, Hagia Sophia was built by Byzantine Emperor Justinian I as the main cathedral church for Eastern Orthodox Christians.
Built between 532 and 537 AD, Hagia Sophia served as the largest church in Constantinople (now Istanbul) for nearly a thousand years. Throughout its history, Hagia Sophia became a symbol of the greatness of the Byzantine Empire.
3. Converted into a Mosque After the Conquest of Constantinople
After the conquest of Constantinople by the Ottoman Empire under Mehmed II in 1453, Hagia Sophia was converted into a mosque.
Several important elements were added during the Ottoman period, such as the mihrab (Qibla direction), the tower for the call to prayer, and the pulpit.
Some of the wooden minarets originally built by Mehmed II were replaced with stone minarets by his successor Bayezid II. Two other identical minarets were built by Sultan Selim II in the 16th century, embellishing the exterior of the Hagia Sophia in the style of a typical Ottoman mosque.
4. It was once used as a museum in the era of secularization
In 1935, after the establishment of the Republic of Türkiye under President Kemal Atatürk, Hagia Sophia was turned into a museum as part of the country’s secularization policy.
This decision was intended to separate religion from the state and to preserve historical buildings that contain very important cultural values. Hagia Sophia was later recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in 1985.
However, in 2020, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan made a controversial decision to convert the Hagia Sophia back into a mosque, although it remains open to international visitors of all faiths.
5. Unique and Magnificent Architecture
The Hagia Sophia is an extraordinary architectural work, combining the longitudinal basilica style and the central building in an innovative design.
The main dome with a diameter of 32 meters is supported by two large semi-domes on the sides of the building, creating a magnificent space that is unmatched in its time.
This architectural beauty is widely recognized as one of the greatest achievements in the history of Byzantine architecture. The marble used for the pillars and walls of Hagia Sophia is the finest marble carefully selected to provide visual beauty and structural strength.
6. Mosaic of Christ and the Influence of the Byzantine Church
Although Hagia Sophia has undergone various changes and damage throughout history, several ancient mosaics depicting Christian religious figures, such as the image of Christ, can still be found inside.
These mosaics mostly date from the early period of the church and reflect the rich traditions of Byzantine art.
One of the most famous mosaics is the image of Christ located in the mihrab area, which provides important symbolism for Christians. The mosaics and images of saints that adorn the walls also reflect the rich religious influence and symbolism of the Byzantine period.
7. It was burned and suffered major damage
Hagia Sophia has suffered several serious damages throughout its history. One of them was a major fire that occurred in 404 AD, which nearly destroyed the building.
After that, Emperor Theodosios II ordered the reconstruction of the church which was completed in 415.
In addition to the fire, an earthquake also caused parts of the dome to collapse in 558, which was then restored in 562. Even in 2016, a bomb attack carried out by the terrorist group ISIS caused damage around the Hagia Sophia area.
8. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site
In 1985, Hagia Sophia was officially recognized by UNESCO as part of the World Heritage site. UNESCO praised Hagia Sophia as an architectural masterpiece that combines important elements of two great civilizations: the Byzantine Empire and the Ottoman Empire.
This designation highlights the importance of Hagia Sophia as a cultural symbol that transcends religious and national boundaries, and recognizes its invaluable contribution to world heritage.
9. Major Influence on World Architecture
Hagia Sophia has not only had a profound influence on the history of religion, but also on the world of architecture. The large dome design first applied in Hagia Sophia became a model for many other large mosques and churches, both in the Islamic and Christian worlds.
One example is the Blue Mosque in Istanbul, which was inspired by the dome and design of Hagia Sophia. The famous Ottoman architect, Sinan, also used similar techniques when designing other large mosques.
10. Hagia Sophia as a Cultural Icon of Istanbul
Hagia Sophia is not just a place of worship or a historical building; it is also a cultural icon of Istanbul that has a tremendous appeal to visitors from all over the world.
Every year, millions of tourists come to enjoy its architectural beauty, its rich history, and the symbolic meaning it represents.
With its status as a UNESCO World Heritage site and a place that combines the influences of religion, art and history, Hagia Sophia remains a symbol of peace and harmony between different cultures and religions.
Hagia Sophia is more than just a historical building. It is a silent witness to the long journey of human civilization, having served as a church, a mosque, and a museum. Its magnificent architecture, beautiful mosaics, and rich history make it one of the most interesting tourist destinations in the world.
As one of the most iconic Tourist Attractions in Istanbul, Hagia Sophia symbolizes the fusion of two great cultures—Byzantine and Ottoman—and remains a symbol of peace, understanding, and tolerance for all people. For anyone interested in history, art, and architecture, visiting the Hagia Sophia is an experience not to be missed.
