Hagia Sophia

Hagia Sophia (Greek: Ἁγία Σοφία, meaning "Holy Wisdom") is a large structure located in Istanbul, Turkey, on the east side of the Golden Horn. It was built in the sixth century during the Byzantine Empire and is known for its great dome, which stands on support structures called pendentives.

The building has undergone significant changes throughout history: it was the largest church in Eastern Christianity for a long period, then became a mosque when the Ottomans conquered the city, and later served as a museum during the Turkish Republic. In 2020, the Turkish government restored it to use as a mosque for prayer.

Byzantine Construction

The current structure is the third building constructed on the site. It was ordered by Emperor Justinian I and designed by two mathematicians and engineers: Anthemius of Tralles and Isidore of Miletus. The work was completed around 537 CE. The central dome was partially destroyed by earthquakes in the sixth century and was rebuilt stronger and higher.

Ottoman Period

In 1453, after Mehmed II conquered Constantinople, the building was converted into a mosque. Minarets (towers for the call to prayer), a mihrab (indicating the direction of Mecca), and a minbar (pulpit) were added. Some of the mosaic images depicting Christian religious figures were covered, partially obscuring them. Its design influenced many mosques built by the Ottomans, including works by the architect Mimar Sinan.

Museum Period and the 2020 Change

In the 1930s, the leadership of the Turkish Republic decided to open the building as a museum, and work began on uncovering Byzantine mosaics. For about ten years it was one of the most visited heritage sites in Turkey. In July 2020, a Turkish court annulled the museum decision, and the government announced the resumption of prayer. That decision was commented on by international organizations and several countries, with the debate centered on shared cultural rights and national sovereignty.