Hagia Sophia’s Journey Through Time

• Built as a Christian cathedral in 537 AD during the reign of Byzantine Emperor Justinian I
• Designed by Anthemius of Tralles and Isidorus of Miletus
• Largest cathedral in the world at the time of its construction
• Served as the primary church of the Eastern Orthodox Church and the Byzantine Empire for over 900 years
• Converted into a mosque after the Ottoman Empire conquered Constantinople in 1453
• Ottoman Empire added minarets, a mihrab, and a pulpit to the building
• Served as a mosque for over 400 years and became a symbol of Ottoman power and influence
• Converted into a museum by the Turkish government in 1935
• Museum restoration removed plaster covering the Christian mosaics
• Converted back into a mosque by the Turkish government in 2020, sparking controversy and debate
• Symbolizes Istanbul's rich and diverse Hagia Sophia history and cultural significance

• The first Hagia Sophia was built in Constantinople, now Istanbul, Turkey, in 537 AD. The construction of the cathedral was commissioned by Byzantine Emperor Justinian I and designed by two renowned Greek architects, Anthemius of Tralles and Isidorus of Miletus.
• Anthemius was a mathematician and Isidorus was a physicist, and together they utilized innovative architectural and engineering techniques to construct the cathedral. One of their most notable achievements was the use of pendentives to support the massive dome, which allowed for a more open and spacious interior.
• The building process took five years and involved the use of various luxurious materials, such as marble and gold, and intricate mosaics and decorations. The result was a stunning architectural masterpiece that was the largest cathedral in the world at the time of its construction. The first Hagia Sophia remained a symbol of Christian power and influence for nearly a thousand years, until it was converted into a mosque during the Ottoman Empire.

Also Explore: Hagia Sophia Dome

• The second Hagia Sophia was built after the first one was destroyed by riots during the Nika Revolt in 532 AD. It was commissioned by Emperor Justinian I to replace the first cathedral and was constructed on the same site as its predecessor.
• The second Hagia Sophia was designed by the same architects, Anthemius of Tralles and Isidorus of Miletus, who had also designed the first cathedral. The building process took just five years, from 532 AD to 537 AD, and it was completed just in time for the emperor's coronation ceremony.
• The second Hagia Sophia was similar in design to the first, with a massive dome supported by pendentives, although some changes were made to the layout of the interior. The building was also decorated with intricate mosaics and other ornate features that reflected the grandeur and beauty of the Byzantine Empire.
• The second Hagia Sophia served as the primary church of the Eastern Orthodox Church and the Byzantine Empire for over 900 years, until it was converted into a mosque during the Ottoman Empire. It remains a testament to the skill and ingenuity of its architects and builders, and a symbol of the cultural and historical significance of Constantinople and Istanbul.

Do Read: Hagia Sophia Church

• Mimar Sinan was born in Anatolia in 1489 and rose to become the chief architect of the Ottoman Empire under three sultans.
• He is known for his mastery of Ottoman architecture, especially his use of domes, arches, and decorative tiles.
• Mimar Sinan was tasked with converting the Hagia Sophia into a mosque after the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople in 1453.
• He carefully studied the existing structure and made extensive repairs and renovations to ensure the building's stability and functionality as a mosque.
• Mimar Sinan added several new features to the building, including a large mihrab (prayer niche), a minbar (pulpit), and four minarets.
• He also added intricate calligraphy and tilework to the interior, creating a unique blend of Islamic and Byzantine styles.
• Mimar Sinan's work on the Hagia Sophia is considered a masterpiece of Ottoman architecture and has influenced many other mosques and buildings throughout the region.

Checkout and Book: Hagia Sophia & Topkapi Palace Combo Tour