Updated Date : 21.02.2024
Amazing Historical facts about Hagia Sophia
Most probably, the most famous building in Istanbul is the Hagia Sophia Mosque. It was the center of Orthodox Christianity in Roman times and became the most important Islam mosque in the Ottoman Era. You can still see the marks of both religions inside with harmony. Standing in the same place for more than 1500 years, it still attracts millions of travelers every year. There is a lot to talk about Hagia Sophia, but what are the most amazing facts about this magnificent building? Here are some of the most important things to know about the Hagia Sophia Mosque;
Oldest church from Roman times
There are hundreds of Roman constructions in the city of Istanbul from different ages. However, going back to the 6th century, Hagia Sophia is the oldest building built in Istanbul. Some other church buildings are earlier than the Hagia Sophia, but Hagia Sophia is the one that is in the best condition today.
Hagia Sophia was built in only five years.
With modern technology in hand today, building a mega construction takes several years; Hagia Sophia took only five years some 1500 years ago. But, of course, there were some base advantages back then. For example, in the building process, they mainly used recycled stones. One of the primary difficulties for construction back in the Roman Era was carving stones hard to deal with. The solution for this matter was using stones that are already built for a different construction that is not functioning then. Of course, human resources was another advantage. Some records are saying more than 10.000 people worked daily for building Hagia Sophia.
There are 3 Hagia Sophia in the same place.
The Hagia Sophia that is standing today is the third construction with the same purpose. The very first Hagia Sophia goes back to the 4th century to the time of Constantine the Great. Being the first imperial church, the first Hagia Sophia was destroyed in a big fire. Today there is nothing left from the first building. The second Hagia Sophia was constructed in the 5th century during the time of Theodosius the 2nd. That church was destroyed during the Nika Riots. Then, the Hagia Sophia that we see today was constructed in the 6th century. Out of the first two constructions, you can see the ground level of the second church and the columns decorating the church once in the garden of the Hagia Sophia Mosque today.
The dome is the fourth largest dome in the world.
The dome of Hagia Sophia was the biggest in the 6th century. However, it was not just the biggest dome, but also the shape was unique. This was the first dome covering the entire praying area altogether. Earlier than Hagia Sophia, the churches or temples would have roofs, but Hagia Sophia was using a central dome plan for the first time worldwide. Today, Hagia Sophia's dome is the fourth largest after St. Peter in the Vatican, St. Paul in London, and Duomo in Florence.
First imperial church and the first mosque in the old city of Istanbul.
After accepting Christianity as an officially recognized religion, Constantine the Great gave the order for the first church in his new capital. Before that, the Christians were praying in hidden places or secret churches. For the first time in the land of the Roman Empire, the Christians started praying in an official church in the Hagia Sophia. That makes Hagia Sophia the oldest church accepted by the Roman Empire. When the Turks conquered Istanbul, Sultan Mehmed the two wanted to pray the first Friday prayer in the Hagia Sophia. According to Islam, the most important prayer of the week is the Friday noon prayer. The Sultan's choice of Hagia Sophia for the first Friday prayer makes the Hagia Sophia the oldest mosque in the old city of Istanbul.
Istanbul E-pass has Hagia Sophia guided tour (outer visit) every day. Take advantage of getting information from a beforehand licensed professional guide with the Istanbul E-pass. Foreign visitors can visit the 2nd floor only and the entrance fee is 25 euros per person.
How to get Hagia Sophia
Hagia Sophia is located in the Sultanahmet area. In the same area, you can find the Blue Mosque, Archeological Museum, Topkapi Palace, Grand Bazaar, Arasta Bazaar, Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum, Museum Of The History Of Science and Technology in Islam, and Great Palace Mosaics Museum.
From Taksim to Hagia Sophia: Take the funicular (F1) from Taksim Square to Kabatas station. Then transit to Kabatas Tram line to Sultanahmet station.
Opening Hours: Hagia Sophia is open every day from 09:00 to 19:30
The Final Word
If we say, Hagia Sophia is arguably one of the most visited attractions in Turkey, that wouldn't be wrong. It has fascinating facts about history and design. Enjoy a free guided tour of Hagia Sophia mosque (outer visit) with an Istanbul E-pass.