Hagia Sophia
Hagia Sophia, which translates from Greek as “Holy Wisdom,” is a magnificent and imposing Byzantine architectural masterpiece located in the European part of Istanbul, specifically in the Sultanahmet area. Notably, the famous traveler Ibn Battuta visited this remarkable structure and described it as “one of the greatest churches of the Romans, surrounded by walls resembling a city, with thirteen gates, and a sanctuary about a mile in circumference, featuring a grand entrance that is open to all. The sanctuary is adorned with smooth marble and has a stream flowing from the church, flanked by two walls of intricately designed marble that rise nearly a yard high, with trees lining both sides of the stream.”
Architecture of Hagia Sophia
Hagia Sophia epitomizes Byzantine architectural artistry, constructed with the collaboration of approximately 10,000 workers under the guidance of two Asian architects, Isidore and Anthemius. Its horizontal layout takes the form of a rectangle, measuring about 70 meters in width and nearly 80 meters in length. The center of the building features a square section, each side measuring around 33 meters. Dominating this area is the colossal dome, which rises to 54 meters and is surrounded by 40 windows at its base. Additionally, there are two smaller domes that support large side arches, and two other transverse domes enhance the structure. It is noteworthy that both the building and its dome are adorned with various types of multicolored marble, while the flooring is covered with ornate mosaic tiles that showcase attractive geometric designs.
History of Hagia Sophia
The construction of Hagia Sophia was commissioned in 537 AD by Byzantine Emperor Justinian I to serve as the principal church of the Byzantine Christian state and a remarkable landmark of Constantinople. At that time, it symbolized an unparalleled religious architectural achievement, representing the strength of the Eastern Roman Empire. Importantly, this edifice remained in use as a church until 1453, when it was transformed into a mosque by the renowned Ottoman conqueror Mehmed the Conqueror following his entry into the city. As a mosque, Hagia Sophia became a symbol of Ottoman dominance and power, hosting Islamic worship practices such as prayer. This status continued until 1923, when the Ottoman Empire collapsed, and Mustafa Kemal Atatürk assumed power, establishing a secular republic. In 1935, he converted Hagia Sophia into a museum that showcased numerous Islamic and Christian artifacts.