Hagia Sophia

A former cathedral and mosque in Istanbul, a masterpiece of Byzantine architecture and one of the world’s great monuments.

History of the building

The present Hagia Sophia was built in 532–537 under Emperor Justinian. Its architects were Anthemios of Tralles and Isidoros of Miletus. It became a mosque after the conquest of Istanbul in 1453.

Its predecessor opened in 415 and burned during the Nika revolt of 532. Excavations in 1936 uncovered steps, columns and capitals belonging to that earlier building.

Dome and structure

Hagia Sophia combines a basilica layout with a central dome. Semi-domes to the east and west support the main dome; arches, vaults and piers complete the lateral supporting structure.

The Historic Areas of Istanbul include monuments from different periods, such as the Hippodrome and Süleymaniye. Hagia Sophia forms part of this UNESCO World Heritage property.

Mosaics and Ottoman additions

Early mosaics in the inner narthex and side aisles feature golden geometric and plant motifs. Figurative mosaics at the Imperial Door, apse and upper gallery belong to different periods.

Mahmud I’s library of 1739 comprises a reading room, book repository and connecting corridor. During the Fossati brothers’ restoration of 1847–1849, Kazasker Mustafa İzzet Efendi created the dome’s calligraphic inscription.

UNESCO: https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/356/ Kültür ve Turizm Bakanlığı: https://www.kulturportali.gov.tr/turkiye/istanbul/gezilecekyer/ayasofya-muzesi