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Hagia Sophia – The Essence of Istanbul

Aya Sofya, Hagia Sophia or, in English, the Church of the Divine Wisdom, is a mighty structure defining the heart and soul of Istanbul, melding the characteristics of a city that crosses time, continent and culture. If you only have time to visit one sight in Istanbul this is it.

Hagia Sofia, Istanbul

Church, Mosque and Museum

Originally built by Byzantine Emperor Constantius I as a Greek Orthodox Church, Hagia Sophia had a hard life and survived an earthquake, fire and revolt over a period of 916 years before being converted to Aya Sofia Mosque in 1453. Four minarets were added and the vast, domed building remained a mosque until 1935.  At this time Ataturk proclaimed that it should become a museum where symbols of both religions would be housed side by side to pacify both faiths.

Hagia Sophia Dome

 

Hagia Sofia Dome

Head upstairs, or rather up wooden ramps, for a spectacular view of the main atrium and nave from the balcony above the main entrance.  Bathed in diffused golden light the people gathered below gauge the scale of the building.  The central dome, reaches 55.6 m above the museum floor and is supported by four pendentives adorned with winged cherubs.

 

Hagia Sophia, Istanbul

 

Hagia Sofia Mosaics

Ancient frescos and gilded mosaics of the Virgin Mary and Christ, restored after the mosque became a museum, are displayed under the magnificent dome alongside 19th century leather medallions gilded with the names of God (Allah) and Mohammed in Arabic lettering. More mosaics, uncovered after the Hagia Sophia became a museum, line the upstairs gallery and give an idea of the grandeur of the original decoration inside the Church.

 

Deesis Mosaic, Hagia Sofia

 

This is a majestic, beautiful building that inspires a sense of awe and one where I felt compelled to stay awhile, even after having seen all there was to see, just to soak up a sense of time and place and the essence of Istanbul.

 

The Blue Mosque and Basilica Cistern are close by but save the Hagia Sophia for last.

Today any form of worship (mosque or church) is strictly prohibited – as such there is no strict dress code.

Where: Aya Sofya Meydanı 1 Sultanahmet

When: 9am-6pm Tue-Sun mid-Apr–Sep, to 4pm Oct–mid-Apr.

Cost:  Adults 30 TL – under 12s free

 

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Views from a Cruise | The Travelbunny

Sunday 26th of July 2015

[…] of the city.   We could clearly see the six minarets of the Blue Mosque and had the best view of Hagia Sofia that I’ve ever seen.  The gilded minarets and domes of Topkapi Palace came into view and the […]

Sonia

Wednesday 25th of June 2014

Such great pictures. When we went to Hagia Sofia, half the place was under restoration. I have scaffolding in half my pictures! Istanbul is such a lovely city - i just loved watching the city go by.

Suzanne Jones

Thursday 26th of June 2014

Shame about the scaffolding - you'll have to go back! You're right it's such a lovely, vibrant city.

Going Underground in Istanbul - The Basilica Cistern » The Travelbunny

Saturday 19th of April 2014

[…] Hagia Sofia – the Essence of Istanbul […]

Lauren @ Peaks and Passports

Friday 13th of September 2013

Gorgeous! I had similar impressions upon my visit to Hagia Sophia last fall. It really does encapsulate the characteristics and feelings of Istanbul perfectly.

Suzanne Courtney

Saturday 14th of September 2013

It's one of those place where you just want to stay for hours. Glad you feel te same way :)

munchow

Thursday 12th of September 2013

Hagia Sophia is a stunning building which you have captured wonderfully in these images. I have always wanted to go to Istanbul, but so far haven't made it. This post is an encouragement to make it happen. Thanks!

Suzanne Courtney

Thursday 12th of September 2013

Thank you! I hope you get to visit soon - there's so much to see and photograph and I'd go back in heartbeat.

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