Hagia sophia istanbul

Hagia Sophia in Istanbul blends Byzantine and Ottoman history in its iconic architecture and massive dome.

About this subject

Built between 532 and 537 AD under Byzantine Emperor Justinian I, Hagia Sophia was designed by mathematicians Anthemius of Tralles and Isidore of Miletus. Its 31-meter diameter dome was an unprecedented engineering achievement, described by Procopius as "suspended from heaven by a golden chain."

For nearly a thousand years, it served as an Orthodox cathedral and the center of Eastern Christianity. After the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople in 1453, it was converted into a mosque, with minarets added and Christian mosaics plastered over. In 1935, Turkey's secular government turned it into a museum, but a 2020 presidential decree reconverted it into an active mosque.

A masterpiece of Byzantine architecture, Hagia Sophia influenced religious buildings for centuries, including Istanbul's Blue Mosque and St. Peter's Basilica in Rome. It contains elements from both traditions: golden mosaics of the Virgin Mary and Islamic calligraphy in medallions. A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1985, it remains one of Turkey's most visited monuments.

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Hagia Sophia built and who designed it?

Hagia Sophia was built between 532 and 537 AD under Byzantine Emperor Justinian I. The designers were the mathematicians Anthemius of Tralles and Isidore of Miletus.

Why is Hagia Sophia's dome so famous?

The dome spans 31 meters in diameter and was the largest ever constructed at the time. Its innovative design distributes weight through pendentives and buttresses, creating the illusion of being suspended in air.

Is Hagia Sophia currently a mosque or a museum?

Since July 2020, Hagia Sophia functions as an active mosque, open for prayers and visitors. Before that, it was a museum from 1935 to 2020.