Where is Hagia Sophia Mosque and how to get there? Hagia Sophia Mosque History and Features…

After the conquest of Istanbul by the Ottomans in 1453, this building was converted into a mosque by Fatih Sultan Mehmet. It was converted into a museum with the Decree of the Council of Ministers published in 1934. In addition, excavation and renovation works have also been started. It served as a museum between 1935 and 2020. In 2020, it regained mosque status after its museum scope was canceled.

What is the process of Hagia Sophia becoming a museum?

The building called Hagia Sophia was converted into a mosque by Fatih Sultan Mehmet after the conquest of Istanbul in 1453. This structure, which is stated to be in a dilapidated state in many historical documents, has not been damaged in any way after the conquest of Istanbul, and has been preserved in the best possible way until today thanks to the strengthening and repairs that have been made. However, it continued its existence as a sacred place or place of worship with additions made with Ottoman architectural factors.

The Hagia Sophia structure was converted into a museum on 24 November 1934, upon the suggestion of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk and the decision of the Council of Ministers. Following this transformation, it was opened to visitors on February 1, 1935. The works, which started after the permission given by President Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, lasted fifteen years and were completed in 1947. The dome and minarets of Hagia Sophia, which was included in the World Monuments Watch list in 1996, were restored between 1997 and 2002 with the support of the World Monuments Fund. The museum is on the UNESO World Heritage list.

How to Get to Hagia Sophia Mosque?

Hagia Sophia is a building located in the Fatih district of Istanbul. It is located in Sultanahmet. The easiest way to get to Sultanahmet is by tram. Hagia Sophia will be reached when you travel between Bağcılar and Kabataş by tram and get off at the Sultanahmet stop. It is possible to reach Eminönü and then Hagia Sophia Mosque from every part of Istanbul by IETT buses. In addition, if you get off from the nearby IETT Courthouse Stop, you can reach the Hagia Sophia Museum by walking five hundred meters.

What are the Historical Features of Hagia Sophia Mosque?

Located in Sultanahmet square in the Fatih district in a historical peninsula, Hagia Sophia is the largest Byzantine church built in Istanbul. It was built three times in the same section. It was named Megale Ekklesia when it was first built. Megale Ekklesia in Turkish means large church. Starting from the 5th century, it was named Hagia Sophia or holy wisdom. Church I was built in 360 by Emperor Constantios, the son of Emperor Constantinos.

The church in question has a basilical plan and a wooden roof structure. The church was partially burned and ruined in 404 during the public uprising against Arcadios, who was Emperor at that time. For this reason, II. The church was built by Emperor II. It was built by Architect Ruffinos by Theodosios in 415. The second building has a basilical plan, five naves, a wooden roof and a monumental entrance with three doors.

II By Whom Was Hagia Sophia Built?

II. Hagia Sophia was burned and destroyed as a result of the rebellion against the Emperor Justinian, which started in 532 and was called the Nika rebellion throughout history. Today’s Hagia Sophia was built by Emperor Justinian by two important architects of that period, Anthemios of Tralles and Isidoros of Miletus. The construction of this building started on February 23, 532.

It was completed in five years with a thousand masters and ten thousand workers. After this completion, it was opened for worship on December 27, 537. VI in Hagia Sophia. Of the original ceiling mosaics made in the 19th century, those with geometric and floral motifs have survived to this day, but the depicted mosaics were made after the end of the iconoclasm movement.

Why is Hagia Sophia Important?

Hagia Sophia, which is the largest church built by the Eastern Roman Empire in Istanbul, was built three times in the same place. The mentioned Hagia Sophia served as the cathedral, the largest church in the capital, where the rulers were crowned during the Eastern Roman Empire.