Istanbul, Turkey, is home to some amazing architecture, history, and cuisine, but if there were one place that particularly stuck out to me during my stay, it would have to be the Hagia Sophia museum.
When you travel to this region of the world, you should visit this enormous Byzantine church or cathedral that has been converted into a mosque. It dates back to the 15th century.
Throughout its more than 1,500-year history, this majestic monument has served an essential role for three separate religious communities: the Greek Orthodox, Roman Catholics, and Muslims. In modern times, the Hagia Sophia, also known as Ayasofya in Turkish, has been transformed into a museum that welcomes guests from around the globe.
The mosque in Istanbul’s historic neighborhood is easily accessible from everywhere in the city. Furthermore, if you love James Bond movies, you might find it interesting to know that “From Russia with Love” had a scene at Hagia Sophia.
History of Hagia Sophia – What is the Hagia Sophia Mosque?
The Hagia Sophia was constructed in 537 AD when Istanbul (formerly named Constantinople) served as the seat of the Byzantine Empire throughout the Middle Ages.
Hagia Sophia, which was once the biggest structure in the world, was an engineering masterpiece. For over a thousand years, it held the record for the biggest mosque in the world.
When Constantinople was conquered by the Ottoman Empire in 1453, the Hagia Sophia was converted into a mosque (which is when the four Islamic minarets were also added). The majority of the structure was saved, and Atatürk, the nation of Turkey’s creator, converted the mosque into a secular museum in 1935.
The Hagia Sophia must be visited as part of any journey to Istanbul, as I’ve already stated and will do so again.
What makes Hagia Sophia so special to me?
After visiting several churches and temples throughout the globe, the Hagia Sophia shines out as the best. Both inside and out, it is simply wonderful.
Over 3 million people visit the Hagia Sophia mosque each year, which is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Visiting The Hagia Sophia Mosque
It’s a good idea to stroll around the exterior of Hagia Sophia before entering to get a better view of the massive dome, buttresses, and minarets.
These are massive in size, and Sultanahmet Square’s fountain offers one of the greatest vantage locations for photographing pictures.
You may also visit the Sultans’ Tombs on the Hagia Sophia grounds, a collection of three smaller dome-shaped structures decorated with elaborate Islamic themes and inscriptions.
Do not be discouraged from visiting Hagia Sophia by the lengthy lineups. The wait is well worth it to view this magnificent building. To enter the Hagia Sophia, there are two lines: one for purchasing tickets and another for entering the museum.
Inside The Hagia Sophia Mosque
Its Byzantine architecture and history utterly fascinate me as I go over inside. Everywhere you turn, there is so much detail that it takes hours to properly comprehend the structure. The Hagia Sophia is a work of art, with mosaic embellishments, marble pillars, and paintings.
The first time you reach this enormous structure and proceed through the same hallways as Emperors and Sultans from earlier eras, it is an amazing sensation.
Being surrounded by old history gives you the impression that you have traveled back in time.
Remember to climb the stairs to the second level after visiting the first floor’s hallways so you can view beautiful golden mosaics of Biblical scenes and people that are still mostly undamaged from medieval times.
Additionally, from here, you can see the elaborate domed ceilings more clearly.
Interesting Facts about the Hagia Sophia
- The landmark is known as Ayasofya in Turkey.
- By definition, Hagia Sophia is the Church of Holy Wisdom.
- Islamic calligraphy plaques from the 19th century were constructed of wood.
- For 916 years, Hagia Sophia housed a Christian church.
- It was formerly the biggest dome on the entire planet.
Things to Know Before Visit
In all of Turkey, the Hagia Sophia is one of the most treasured sites. In light of this, it is crucial to bear a few things in mind before traveling. The following advice will help:
- Before you go into the museum, make sure to take your shoes off.
- Every day, excluding Mondays, the attraction is accessible to guests.
- For the sake of avoiding lineups, always purchase your entrance ticket in advance.
- Tripods are not allowed at Hagia Sophia. To avoid carrying one, be careful too.
- Don’t wear anything skimpy, not even shorts, and dress modestly!
- Always have your identification with you, along with a bottle of water.
Read More: Visit HAGIA SOPHIA MOSQUE – Complete Guide
Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon Flight
Due to the outbreak of COVID-19 (coronavirus), the 14th International Air Transport Association (IATA) World Air Cargo Symposium has been stalled.
The event was to be held in Istanbul, Turkey from March 10-12, 2020.
As per an update from IATA, the event has been postponed to 2021.
