Hagia Sophia Mosque The Magnificent Meeting of History and Architecture

Hagia Sophia Mosque is a masterpiece located in the heart of Istanbul and has been home to different civilizations for centuries. Bearing the traces of both Byzantine and Ottoman periods, this building is considered one of the most important works in the history of world architecture. Hagia Sophia is not only a place of worship, but also a treasure of art and culture.

History
The history of Hagia Sophia dates back to the 6th century AD. Built by Emperor Justinian I between 532-537, it was known as the “Great Church” at the time. Isidoros of Miletus and Anthemius of Tralles, two of the most famous architects of Antiquity, were involved in its construction. Hagia Sophia served as the center of the Eastern Orthodox Church for nearly 900 years until the Ottoman conquest of Istanbul in 1453.

After the conquest, Sultan Mehmet the Conqueror converted Hagia Sophia into a mosque and it became an important center of worship for the Islamic world for about 500 years. In 1935, Hagia Sophia was converted into a museum by the order of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, and in 2020 it regained the status of a mosque.

Architectural Features
Hagia Sophia is a building far beyond its period with its architecture. It draws attention with its gigantic dome, large interior space and finely crafted details.One of the most striking features of the building is its 55.6 meter high dome.This dome was considered the largest dome in the world at the time and was a revolution in the history of architecture.

The interior of the building is decorated with mosaics, marble coverings and huge columns. The mosaics from the Byzantine period offer the finest examples of Christian iconography.The minarets, mihrab and minbar added during the Ottoman period gave the building an Islamic identity.

Mosaics and Art
The mosaics decorating the interior of Hagia Sophia are among the most important examples of Byzantine art. Especially the “Deisis Mosaic” and the “Emperor's Gate Mosaic” attract attention.These mosaics depict Jesus Christ, the Virgin Mary and other religious figures. 
During the Ottoman period, some of the mosaics were covered with plaster, but they were uncovered again with the restoration works carried out in the 20th century.

Religious and Cultural Importance
Hagia Sophia is of great importance for both Christianity and Islam. It is a pilgrimage point for Christians and a symbol of conquest for the Islamic world. Hagia Sophia, which serves as a mosque today, has a spiritual value for members of both religions.


Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque is one of the most important historical and cultural heritages not only of Istanbul but also of the world. This structure, which fascinates its visitors with both its architecture and history, acts as a bridge connecting the past and the present. This magnificent work, which everyone who comes to Istanbul must see, is one of the greatest achievements of human history.