From Church to Mosque to Museum – The Ever-Shifting Tapestry of Hagia Sophia

The Hagia Sophia Museum, once a church and mosque, is a majestic landmark in Istanbul, Turkey. Its history is as rich as its architecture. Built under Byzantine emperor Justinian I in the 6th century, it was designed to be the grandest church in Christendom. For centuries, it held the title of the world’s largest church.

The Ottoman conquest of Constantinople in 1453 marked a shift in the Hagia Sophia’s story. Converted into a mosque, minarets were added, and some Christian mosaics were covered. It remained a mosque until the 20th century when the Turkish Republic transformed it into a museum. A 2020 decision by the Turkish Council of State converted it back into a mosque, sparking controversy. Despite this, the Hagia Sophia retains its status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a major tourist attraction.

The Hagia Sophia Museum boasts a remarkable architectural tapestry woven from Byzantine and Ottoman influences. At its heart lies a revolutionary achievement – a massive central dome, 32 meters in diameter, that seems to hover weightlessly above the vast interior space. This innovation, achieved through the use of pendentives (triangular curved sections of masonry), was unlike anything seen before in the world.

The building’s rectangular base and eastern apse (a semi-circular recess) reveal its original design as a longitudinal basilica, a common form in early Christian churches. The Ottomans, after conquering Constantinople, transformed the Hagia Sophia into a mosque. Their additions included four slender minarets, from which the call to prayer rings out. They also adorned the walls with Islamic calligraphy featuring verses from the Quran. Furthermore, they installed a mihrab, a niche indicating the direction of Mecca, and a minbar, a raised pulpit used by the imam.

Decorative elements add another layer of richness to the Hagia Sophia. Stunning mosaics, though some have been lost or damaged over time, depict religious figures, geometric patterns, and floral motifs. The Ottomans plastered over many mosaics after the conversion, but some have been painstakingly restored in recent years. The interior is further embellished with marble columns sourced from various corners of the ancient world, hinting at the vast reach of the Byzantine Empire.

Hagia Sophia charges an admission fee of 25€ (Euros) and accepts purchases only at the on-site ticket booth. There are no online ticketing options or museum passes accepted.

The mosque is open every day throughout the year, though with brief closures during daily prayer times. Opening hours are consistent year-round, running from 9:00 AM to 7:30 PM, with the last entry allowed at 7:00 PM.

Important to note is that on Fridays, Hagia Sophia closes its doors to visitors for a longer stretch, from 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM to accommodate Friday prayers. To ensure a smooth visit, plan your trip around these prayer times.

Getting to Hagia Sophia depends on where you’re coming from in Istanbul. Here are a few options:

By Tram – the tram is a convenient and affordable way to get to Hagia Sophia. The closest tram stop is Sultanahmet station, which is located just a few minutes walk from the Hagia Sophia. You can take the T1 tram line (also known as the Kabataş-Zeytinburnu line) to Sultanahmet station.

By Bus – several buses also stop near Hagia Sophia. Some of the closest bus stops include Sultanahmet, Hagia Sophia, and Cemberlitas. You can check with your hotel or hostel for the best bus route to take from your location.

By Taxi – taxis are readily available in Istanbul, and can be a convenient way to get to Hagia Sophia if you have luggage or are traveling with a group. However, taxis can be more expensive than public transportation. Make sure to agree on a fare before getting in the taxi.

By Ferry – if you’re coming from the Asian side of Istanbul, you can take a ferry to Eminonu or Karakoy and then walk or take a tram to Hagia Sophia. Ferries offer a scenic way to travel across the Bosphorus Strait.

Walking – if you’re staying in the Sultanahmet area, you can easily walk to Hagia Sophia. It’s a pleasant walk through the historic center of Istanbul, and you’ll see many other interesting sights along the way.

Standing as a bridge between cultures and eras, the Hagia Sophia beckons visitors to explore its architectural wonders and rich history. Whether marveling at the engineering marvel of the dome or deciphering the whispers of the past in its mosaics, a visit to Hagia Sophia is a journey through time, offering a glimpse into the grandeur of Byzantine and Ottoman civilizations.