Hagia Sophia

The Hagia Sophia is one of Istanbul's most significant historical landmarks, blending Byzantine, Ottoman, Christian, and Islamic architectural elements. It was the first church built with domes in Christian history. In 1453, it was converted into a mosque following the conquest of Constantinople. It remained a mosque until it was transformed into a museum after the establishment of the Turkish Republic, where it served as a museum for 85 years before being reconverted into a mosque in 2020.

Origin of the Name Hagia Sophia

The name "Hagia Sophia" is derived from ancient Greek, meaning "Holy Wisdom." This mosque is situated at the entrance of the Bosphorus Strait in the European part of Istanbul, Turkey. The conquest of Istanbul and the conversion of Hagia Sophia into a mosque are considered pivotal events in Turkish Islamic history, leaving a significant mark on the country’s historical trajectory.

History of the Mosque

After a prolonged siege of Constantinople, Sultan Mehmed II entered the city on May 29, 1453, carrying the banner of conquest. He went directly to Hagia Sophia, planting his flag as a symbol of victory and shooting an arrow at its dome to mark the conquest. He then performed a prostration of thanks and prayed two rak'ahs, which symbolized the transformation of the place from a temple to a mosque.

Construction of Hagia Sophia

Built in the 6th century AD by skilled Byzantine architects, Hagia Sophia is an exemplary model of Byzantine architecture and engineering prowess. The mosque features a massive dome, intricate mosaics, and expansive interior spaces, showcasing the architectural brilliance of its time. The design combines Byzantine and Ottoman elements, reflecting the diverse cultural influences that shaped Istanbul's history.

Hagia Sophia as a Church

Originally constructed during the Eastern Roman Empire (395 - 1453) in Byzantium (now Istanbul), Hagia Sophia was later destroyed by the Roman Emperor Septimius Severus.

Hagia Sophia as a Museum

In 1934, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the first president of modern Turkey, converted Hagia Sophia into an art museum to showcase the blend of Islamic and Christian decorations. It became a major tourist attraction, transforming from a significant Islamic center symbolizing the "Conquest of Constantinople" into a museum that embodied the artistic fusion of two cultures.

Hagia Sophia as a Mosque

The transformation of Hagia Sophia from a church into a mosque after the conquest of Constantinople by Sultan Mehmed II is a notable event in Turkish Islamic history. On May 29, 1453, following a prolonged siege, Sultan Mehmed II entered the city and went directly to Hagia Sophia, planting his flag as a symbol of conquest and shooting an arrow at its dome to commemorate the victory. He then performed a prostration of thanks and prayed two rak'ahs, formally converting the church into a mosque.

Four Ottoman-style minarets were added to Hagia Sophia, and large inscriptions featuring the names of Allah, Prophet Muhammad, and the rightly-guided caliphs were placed in Arabic script. After the conquest of Istanbul, Mehmed II also received the title of Roman Emperor and became the owner of properties registered under the Byzantine family’s name, including Hagia Sophia, which was registered in his name and the waqf he established.

During the Republic era, an official property deed was issued in the new Turkish script to legally document Hagia Sophia's status.

Symbolism of Hagia Sophia for Ottoman Sultans

Hagia Sophia, once the highest-ranking mosque in Istanbul, had the largest waqf from the city's customs revenues and was considered the main marketplace and site for building homes outside the city's walls. Laws prohibited any construction within 35 yards of Hagia Sophia in all directions.

Each Ottoman Sultan sought to preserve and enhance this historic building through various additions and modifications. These changes helped Hagia Sophia evolve into the grand city mosque and a key element in multi-purpose architectural complexes over time.

Sultan Bayezid II built a stone minaret on the building’s left side and added a second floor to the school established by his father, Sultan Mehmed II. During Sultan Selim II’s reign, the renowned Ottoman architect Mimar Sinan added the final two minarets, integrated them into the main dome's supports, demolished the old wooden minaret, added an outer courtyard, and created the mihrab, minbar, and the "Hünkâr Mahfili" (Sultan's balcony), which had a rear entrance for the Sultan to access from the mosque.

Location of Hagia Sophia

Located in the heart of Istanbul, Turkey, Hagia Sophia is one of the world's architectural masterpieces. It is not only a place of worship but also a living testament to the city's rich cultural heritage. This exploration delves into Hagia Sophia's captivating architectural secrets, historical significance, and enduring cultural legacy, drawing visitors from around the globe.

Architectural Design of Hagia Sophia

Hagia Sophia in Istanbul is a unique architectural gem that exemplifies human creativity through the ages. Built of stone with brick and tile inlays, its walls are adorned with colorful marble panels, and its ceilings are decorated with stunning mosaics.

The main building measures 269 feet in length and 243 feet in width, topped by a massive dome with a circumference of 31 meters and a height of 56 meters. The dome is surrounded by forty windows and seven smaller domes and is covered internally with a layer of lead to protect it from the elements.

Over time, some structural weaknesses emerged, particularly due to its location on a peninsula facing east. The pressure from the dome on the walls created significant stress on the building.

To address this issue, the renowned Ottoman architect Sinan Agha built six external stone supports for the dome and added solid minarets in the western wing to reduce pressure and strengthen the structure. Sinan's restorations in the 16th century are believed to have helped the dome endure to this day.

The mosque's mihrab features an ivory and green tangerine-like decoration that complements its background walls, supported by marble columns on either side. The minbar is adorned with the standard of Sultan Mehmed II, symbolizing the conquest of Istanbul.

The mosque's doors are made of engraved brass, and it houses 170 columns made of marble and granite. The main entrance is on the west side, leading not directly into the mosque's interior but through a rectangular courtyard that leads to a spiral staircase. This architectural style was adopted by the Ottomans in most mosques built after the conquest of Istanbul.