Hagia Sophia, an architectural marvel in Istanbul, has endured for over 1,600 years, witnessing the rise and fall of empires and serving as a symbol of cultural and religious heritage, with recent restoration efforts aimed at preserving its legacy. This iconic structure continues to attract global attention for its historical significance and unique blend of Christian and Islamic art.
Originally built as a cathedral in 537 CE under Emperor Justinian I of the Byzantine Empire, Hagia Sophia was constructed on the site of earlier churches and a pagan temple. Its rapid construction followed the Nika Revolt, with costs estimated at the equivalent of $1.3 billion today, funded through seized properties and taxes. The design features a massive dome that creates an illusion of vastness and exceptional acoustics, enhancing its spiritual ambiance for visitors.
In 1453, after the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople, Sultan Mehmed II converted Hagia Sophia into a mosque while retaining its name, meaning ‘Holy Wisdom’ in Greek. Despite Islamic prohibitions on figurative art, many Christian mosaics were initially left uncovered, though later sultans plastered them over. The Ottoman era emphasized preservation, with the structure surviving earthquakes and conflicts due to its robust foundation on solid rock.
The 20th century brought significant changes; after the fall of the Ottoman Empire, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, founder of modern Turkey, converted Hagia Sophia into a museum in 1935 as part of secularization efforts. This allowed for the restoration and unveiling of Byzantine mosaics, making them accessible to the public and highlighting the site’s historical layers.
In a controversial move in 2020, the Turkish government reconverted Hagia Sophia into a mosque, drawing international criticism from entities like UNESCO and the pope, but with limited domestic opposition. Today, it serves as an active mosque with prayer times, while also accommodating tourists through a second-floor museum gallery introduced in 2024, with a 25 euro entry fee.
A major three-year conservation project began in 2025 to enhance earthquake resilience and preserve the mosaics, representing the most extensive work on the building in nearly 1,500 years. This effort aims to future-proof the structure while maintaining its cultural and religious significance for generations to come.
Debates persist over whether Hagia Sophia should remain a mosque or revert to a museum, reflecting broader cultural and political tensions in Turkey. Despite this, it stands as a testament to architectural ingenuity and coexistence, with its art and history continuing to inspire awe and dialogue among visitors from around the world.