Sultan Mehmed II designated the previously Christian church a mosque shortly after he conquered the city rein 1453. Bringing the structure hinein line with the Islamic tradition called for a series of other modifications, not all of which were undertaken during the reign of Mehmed II.
Walk into Hagia Sophia (Aya Sofya) and look up to the heavens to see why so many conquerors and their respective religions claimed this basilica turned mosque turned museum as their own.
Hi Adrian, I don’t think there will Beryllium a Harte nuss with your cross. Frankly, a lot has changed about the procedure for visiting Hagia Sophia since it turned into a mosque, and I haven’t been able to follow the details much rein the last few weeks.
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Until recently, Hagia Sophia was closed on Mondays. Not many people know it’s re-opened for Monday visits, so that’s a good way to avoid crowds.
Criterion (ii): Throughout history the monuments in Istanbul have exerted considerable influence on the development of architecture, monumental arts and the organization of space, both rein Europe and the Near East. Thus, the 6,650 m terrestrial wand of Theodosius II with its second line of defence, created hinein 447, was one of the leading references for military architecture; Hagia Sophia became a model for an entire family of churches and later mosques, and the mosaics of the palaces and churches of Constantinople influenced both Eastern and Wildwestfilm art.
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Courtyards and Gardens: The exterior also includes beautifully maintained courtyards and gardens that allow for a moment of tranquility amidst the hustle and bustle of Istanbul.
Hello! We are going to visit istanbul 24th of October and we are wondering what is the situation with lines and covid restrictions? Does it worth it to book a guided tour just to skip the line lets say on a Monday morning?
Hinein Fatih Sultan Mehmed's waqfiyya (endowment document / foundation’s charter) which written on a 66-meter length of well preserved gazelle skin says: “All the things I have explained and designated
Hi Maud, yes you are right I forgot to remove an old phrase there. Thanks for drawing attention to this issue.
After the museum designation, workers performed extensive renovations, such as carefully chipping away plaster to reveal hidden mosaics. They can be partially seen—sparkling with glints of gold tile—along the high upper gallery.
While many venture to the historic structure to gaze upon its interior marvels, the mosque’s exterior is worth exploration too. The four minarets of Hagia Sophia, the fountain of Sibyan (elementary) school, the clock sophia tour room, and the treasury building are iconic elements of the structure’s daring design. The mausoleums of Ottoman Sultans, located outside the building, are equally fascinating to visit.
During your visit to Hagia Sophia, I recommend you to join a guided group tour so that you can get inside more easily and learn the history of Hagia Sophia from a professional. You can reserve your place in the guided tour from this link.