The story of Hagia Sophia, mesmerizing with its 1500-year history. A journey through time from its dome to mosaics, from Byzantium to the Ottoman Empire, and visit tips.
For over 1500 years, this unique masterpiece has crowned the silhouette of Istanbul (formerly Constantinople), defying the sky and earthquakes with its massive dome. Discover Hagia Sophia, not just as an architectural structure, but as the greatest living history book of humanity, being both the largest cathedral of Byzantium and the grand mosque of the Ottoman Empire.
Hagia Sophia, meaning "Holy Wisdom" in ancient Greek, offers more than just philosophical wisdom when you step through its massive wooden door (the Imperial Door): an overwhelming sense of vast emptiness, the dance of divine light streaming through the windows, and the weight of two great world empires envelop you simultaneously.
When it was inaugurated in 537 AD by Byzantine Emperor Justinian I, he boasted, referring to the legendary temple in Jerusalem, "Solomon, I have surpassed you!" This unique structure served as the world's largest church and the center of Christianity for 916 years. In 1453, with the conquest of Istanbul by Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror, it was transformed into a mosque, where he performed the first Friday prayer as a symbol of the conquest.
Today, it continues to host tens of thousands of visitors daily, housing both the unique calligraphy panels of Islamic art and the gilded mosaics of Christianity under the same dome, serving as both a place of worship and a universal heritage of humanity.
As of 2024, Hagia Sophia has adopted a new visitor system. Be sure to know these before you go:
Built by two genius physicists and mathematicians, Isidore of Miletus and Anthemius of Tralles (Aydın), Hagia Sophia revolutionized architectural history. How its dome and walls have remained standing despite numerous major Istanbul earthquakes still amazes scientists today.
Standing 56 meters high and approximately 31 meters in diameter, this main dome was far beyond the engineering technology of its time. The beams of light streaming through the 40 windows around the dome create an optical illusion, making it appear as if the dome is suspended from the sky by a golden chain rather than resting on thick columns. This optical illusion is designed to overwhelm and create a sense of a "divine space."
In the 19th century, during the reign of Sultan Abdulmecid, the massive circular calligraphy panels, 7.5 meters in diameter, written by the most famous calligrapher of the time, Kazasker Mustafa Izzet Efendi, are the largest examples of Islamic calligraphy. Interestingly, these massive panels were assembled inside the Hagia Sophia because they couldn't fit through the doors, and the writings were inscribed inside. The presence of these Islamic works just below the Christian mosaics makes the place unique.
One of the main reasons Hagia Sophia still stands today is the chief architect of the Ottoman Empire, Architect Sinan. Realizing that the structure was at risk of collapsing due to the weight of the dome, Sinan built massive buttresses (support walls) around Hagia Sophia to reinforce it and prevent a potential collapse. He also added the elegant minarets to the structure.
Located on the northwest side, to the left of the entrance, this bronze-covered column is believed to be wet with the tears of the Virgin Mary (or touched by Khidr). It remains damp year-round. Visitors insert their thumbs into the carved hole in the column and rotate their hands 360 degrees (a full turn) without lifting them to make a wish. If your thumb gets wet, your wish is believed to be granted.
Located on the gallery floor (upper floor), the "Deisis" (Supplication) mosaic, created in the 13th century, is considered one of the most important examples of Byzantine mosaic art in the world. Depicting Jesus Christ in the center, with the Virgin Mary on one side and John the Baptist on the other, this mosaic portrays the plea for mercy on Judgment Day. The incredibly realistic expressions on the faces are considered the beginning of Renaissance painting art.
On the marble balustrades of the upper gallery, there is a runic (Northern European) inscription that appears at first glance to be just a scratch. This inscription from the 9th century reads "Halvdan was here". This small signature secretly carved by a Viking warrior serving as a mercenary in the Byzantine army (Varangian Guard) is the best evidence of how alive and universal a witness to history Hagia Sophia is.
Built and opened for worship by Emperor Justinian I in a miraculous record time of 5 years and 10 months, with 10,000 workers working day and night.
The Crusader armies occupied Istanbul. Priceless gold, sacred relics, and doors from Hagia Sophia were looted and taken to Europe (especially Venice).
After conquering the city, Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror came directly here. He protected and endowed the dilapidated structure, converting it into the grand mosque of the Ottoman Empire. The mosaics were covered with a thin plaster without being damaged.
With the approval of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of the Republic of Turkey, it was converted into a museum by a decision of the Council of Ministers. The centuries-old Christian mosaics under the plaster were uncovered and restored.
With a decision by the Council of State, it regained mosque status after 86 years and was opened for worship (prayer) under the name "Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque."
After visiting Hagia Sophia, Sultanahmet, Topkapi Palace, and the Basilica Cistern, you might want to head to the cool waters of the Bosphorus, the view from Pierre Loti Hill, or Camlica Hill on the Asian side.
Discover LenaCars' premium car rental service to explore the city without being tied to crowded public transport and wasting time at stops in a massive metropolis like Istanbul.
View Istanbul Rental Cars → 📞 24/7 Uninterrupted Support*We provide instant vehicle delivery from all points, including Istanbul Airport (IST) and Sabiha Gokcen Airport (SAW).
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The story of Hagia Sophia, mesmerizing with its 1500-year history. A journey through time from its dome to mosaics, from Byzantium to the Ottoman Empire, and visit tips.
For over 1500 years, this unique masterpiece has crowned the silhouette of Istanbul (formerly Constantinople), defying the sky and earthquakes with its massive dome. Discover Hagia Sophia, not just as an architectural structure, but as the greatest living history book of humanity, being both the largest cathedral of Byzantium and the grand mosque of the Ottoman Empire.
Hagia Sophia, meaning "Holy Wisdom" in ancient Greek, offers more than just philosophical wisdom when you step through its massive wooden door (the Imperial Door): an overwhelming sense of vast emptiness, the dance of divine light streaming through the windows, and the weight of two great world empires envelop you simultaneously.
When it was inaugurated in 537 AD by Byzantine Emperor Justinian I, he boasted, referring to the legendary temple in Jerusalem, "Solomon, I have surpassed you!" This unique structure served as the world's largest church and the center of Christianity for 916 years. In 1453, with the conquest of Istanbul by Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror, it was transformed into a mosque, where he performed the first Friday prayer as a symbol of the conquest.
Today, it continues to host tens of thousands of visitors daily, housing both the unique calligraphy panels of Islamic art and the gilded mosaics of Christianity under the same dome, serving as both a place of worship and a universal heritage of humanity.
As of 2024, Hagia Sophia has adopted a new visitor system. Be sure to know these before you go:
Built by two genius physicists and mathematicians, Isidore of Miletus and Anthemius of Tralles (Aydın), Hagia Sophia revolutionized architectural history. How its dome and walls have remained standing despite numerous major Istanbul earthquakes still amazes scientists today.
Standing 56 meters high and approximately 31 meters in diameter, this main dome was far beyond the engineering technology of its time. The beams of light streaming through the 40 windows around the dome create an optical illusion, making it appear as if the dome is suspended from the sky by a golden chain rather than resting on thick columns. This optical illusion is designed to overwhelm and create a sense of a "divine space."
In the 19th century, during the reign of Sultan Abdulmecid, the massive circular calligraphy panels, 7.5 meters in diameter, written by the most famous calligrapher of the time, Kazasker Mustafa Izzet Efendi, are the largest examples of Islamic calligraphy. Interestingly, these massive panels were assembled inside the Hagia Sophia because they couldn't fit through the doors, and the writings were inscribed inside. The presence of these Islamic works just below the Christian mosaics makes the place unique.
One of the main reasons Hagia Sophia still stands today is the chief architect of the Ottoman Empire, Architect Sinan. Realizing that the structure was at risk of collapsing due to the weight of the dome, Sinan built massive buttresses (support walls) around Hagia Sophia to reinforce it and prevent a potential collapse. He also added the elegant minarets to the structure.
Located on the northwest side, to the left of the entrance, this bronze-covered column is believed to be wet with the tears of the Virgin Mary (or touched by Khidr). It remains damp year-round. Visitors insert their thumbs into the carved hole in the column and rotate their hands 360 degrees (a full turn) without lifting them to make a wish. If your thumb gets wet, your wish is believed to be granted.
Located on the gallery floor (upper floor), the "Deisis" (Supplication) mosaic, created in the 13th century, is considered one of the most important examples of Byzantine mosaic art in the world. Depicting Jesus Christ in the center, with the Virgin Mary on one side and John the Baptist on the other, this mosaic portrays the plea for mercy on Judgment Day. The incredibly realistic expressions on the faces are considered the beginning of Renaissance painting art.
On the marble balustrades of the upper gallery, there is a runic (Northern European) inscription that appears at first glance to be just a scratch. This inscription from the 9th century reads "Halvdan was here". This small signature secretly carved by a Viking warrior serving as a mercenary in the Byzantine army (Varangian Guard) is the best evidence of how alive and universal a witness to history Hagia Sophia is.
Built and opened for worship by Emperor Justinian I in a miraculous record time of 5 years and 10 months, with 10,000 workers working day and night.
The Crusader armies occupied Istanbul. Priceless gold, sacred relics, and doors from Hagia Sophia were looted and taken to Europe (especially Venice).
After conquering the city, Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror came directly here. He protected and endowed the dilapidated structure, converting it into the grand mosque of the Ottoman Empire. The mosaics were covered with a thin plaster without being damaged.
With the approval of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of the Republic of Turkey, it was converted into a museum by a decision of the Council of Ministers. The centuries-old Christian mosaics under the plaster were uncovered and restored.
With a decision by the Council of State, it regained mosque status after 86 years and was opened for worship (prayer) under the name "Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque."
After visiting Hagia Sophia, Sultanahmet, Topkapi Palace, and the Basilica Cistern, you might want to head to the cool waters of the Bosphorus, the view from Pierre Loti Hill, or Camlica Hill on the Asian side.
Discover LenaCars' premium car rental service to explore the city without being tied to crowded public transport and wasting time at stops in a massive metropolis like Istanbul.
View Istanbul Rental Cars → 📞 24/7 Uninterrupted Support*We provide instant vehicle delivery from all points, including Istanbul Airport (IST) and Sabiha Gokcen Airport (SAW).
10 dk
7 dk
12 dk
Ücretsiz filo analizi ile tasarruf fırsatlarını keşfedin.
Türkiye'nin en geniş araç filosu ile güvenli ve konforlu yolculuklar.
Ücretsiz filo analizi ile tasarruf fırsatlarını keşfedin.
Türkiye'nin en geniş araç filosu ile güvenli ve konforlu yolculuklar.