Of the many attractions of Turkey, perhaps the most popular and most visited is Hagia Sophia (Istanbul). Locals call it Hagia Sophia. They proudly demonstrate this grand building to all guests visiting the country. And this is no coincidence. Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, a photo of which flaunts in all the brochures of travel agencies, is a magnificent building with a rich history, original architecture and original interior design.
This religious building has witnessed numerous historical events of ancient Constantinople (present-day Istanbul), its history is full of various, often tragic events - earthquakes and destruction, fires and wars. Nevertheless, the Cathedral survived and today pleases with its grandeur not only local residents, but also numerous guests of the city.
Hagia Sophia in Istanbul: creation story
It will seem strange to many that for more than 1000 years this building has been the largest church in the Orthodox world. The first building on the site of the present Cathedral appeared in 360, during the reign of Constantine. A relatively small basilica was covered with a wooden roof and had a corresponding shape.
In 404, during public unrest, the building was burned. Theodosius II ordered it to be reconstructed in 415. The new basilica had five naves and also had a wooden roof. In 532, after the unrest (the uprising of Nick), during the reign of Emperor Justinian, this building was also destroyed.
Reliable data has not been preserved about who built the previous temples. But the names of the creators of the current building are well known. These are Anzemios and Isidoros. Hagia Sophia in Constantinople (Istanbul) was erected thanks to the same Justinian. The architecture of the new structure was significantly different from the previously existing basilicas.
First temple
The cathedral church was laid in 532, and five years later (in 537), the first service was held under its arches. Later, Hagia Sophia became the permanent place of coronation of emperors of the Roman Empire. In July 1054, within the walls of this temple, the representative of Leo IX (Pope) - Cardinal Humbert and Patriarch Mikhail Kirulari excommunicated each other (anathematized). This event caused a church split into Catholics and Orthodox.
Erection of a mosque
Between 1204 and 1261, Crusaders occupied Istanbul. At this time, both the city and the church were seriously damaged. Having conquered Constantinople in 1453 , the Sultan Mehmed began to establish Muslim orders. The building of the Cathedral was well strengthened, additional pillars of supports were installed. Thus, the mosque Hagia Sophia appeared on this earth. During the reign of Sultan Mehmed, a madrasah was built - a Muslim educational institution that existed until the XVII century.
Museum Creation
In the XIX century (1847-1849), another reconstruction was carried out in the Cathedral. The Fossati brothers, who were architects at the time, removed the compartment where the emperors once prayed. It was located in the northern part of the temple in a small niche, and a mihrab was attached to the left. In 1935, Hagia Sophia (Istanbul) was declared the house-museum of Mustafa Ataturk.
Since 2006, after numerous appeals of believers to the government of the country, Muslim rites were allowed in the temple. Church historians claim that it was Hagia Sophia in Istanbul that became the place where the ambassadors of the Russian prince Vladimir got acquainted with the idea of the Orthodox religion. Shocked by the beauty of the service held here, they advised the prince to convert Holy Russia to Christianity.
What does Hagia Sophia in Istanbul look like?
The magnificent temple has the shape of an oblong quadrangle. It forms three naves: one (middle) - wide, two side - narrower. The basilica has a quadrangular middle cross, which is crowned by a dome. The huge domed system of the temple is a masterpiece of the cult architecture of its time.
According to Turkish researchers, the strength of the walls of the Cathedral is achieved by adding dry ash leaves to the solution (building). The center of the wide nave, square at the base, is bounded in corners by four columns that support huge arches and are covered with a flat dome (31 m). Its peak is 51 meters from the surface of the earth. The dome is made up of radial arches. In its lower parts located in the inter-arch spaces, 40 arched windows are cut. This creates the feeling of a huge light belt located at the bottom of the dome.
Even by the standards of modern builders, the building has very impressive dimensions –75x68 meters. Most of the architectural and technical solutions that were first applied when the Hagia Sophia (Istanbul) was built were later used in religious architecture around the world.
Interior decoration
Hagia Sophia (Istanbul), a brief description of which tourists can find in the brochures of travel agencies or in the city guide, is especially impressive for its huge size when entering inside.
The interior decoration of the temple continued for several centuries. She was always distinguished by luxury. The walls of the Cathedral were completely covered with mosaics (both ornaments and plot compositions). The various colors of marble used in the construction make the first two floors dark gray, almost black. Closer to the dome (in the upper tiers) the walls seem to be cast in gold.
The main feature of this amazing building is the harmonious combination of Muslim and Orthodox religions. Four large medallions in Arabic script bear the names of the prophet Muhammad, Allah and the first caliphs. Between the medallions is an Orthodox fresco with the face of the Virgin.
A huge impression on all tourists makes a visit to the second floor of the temple. From here, Hagia Sophia (Istanbul) looks even more magnificent. Here you can admire the beauty of this ancient building. On the second floor you can see the famous marble gate. At one time, it was they who separated the main premises of the Cathedral from the imperial rooms.
Mosaics
The most valuable element of the interior design of the temple are ancient mosaics. Experts conditionally divide them into three historical periods:
- IX century (beginning);
- IX-X centuries;
- end of the 10th century.
In 1935, restoration work began on the restoration of ancient Orthodox frescoes and mosaics. Historians especially value the image of the Mother of God (mosaic), which is located on the apse. It is made on a gold background. The clothes of the Mother of God are dark blue. This magnificent combination of gold with dark blue emphasizes the spirit of Byzantine greatness.
The apse and altar are surprisingly well preserved, next to which you can see the box of the Sultan. During services, the ruler was present here, along with his close associates and sons. Opposite was a bed for women from the Sultan's family. An important element of the interior decoration should be called huge wall panels, which are executed in classical traditions for Ottoman calligraphy.
Unfortunately, today there are not very many mosaics. One of them depicts the Virgin Mary with Emperor John II. At one time, this ruler allocated huge funds for the construction of this temple.
What to look for?
The place of the traditional coronation of the emperors of Byzantium is the omphalion. It is a marble circle located on the floor of the cathedral.
The crying column is covered with copper. There is a small hole in it at a small height (at the level of human growth). According to an ancient legend, if you put your finger in the hole and make a wish at that moment, it will come true without fail.
The Cold Window is another attraction of the ancient temple. It is curious that on the hottest day a cool, refreshing breeze blows from this window.
Among the Islamic monuments of the Hagia Sophia mosque, it is worth noting the well-preserved mihrab and the altar in one of the apse of the temple. In addition, they include a carved marble minbar, which was created in the XVI century during the reign of Sultan Murad III.
Tourists will certainly be interested in a separate box for the muezzin. She is facing Mecca - the tomb of the Ottoman sultans. Of great interest is the inspection of the elementary school building, library, fountain and center for the poor, which was built by Sultan Mahmoud I in the 17th century.
Working hours
If you are going to go to Turkey, we recommend that you definitely visit the Hagia Sophia (Istanbul). The address of this amazing monument of history and architecture is: Aya Sofya Sq., Sultanahmet, Istanbul, Turkey. We are sure that you will be satisfied with a visit to this magnificent building.
It should be noted that Hagia Sophia (Istanbul) is waiting for its visitors daily. Opening hours vary slightly depending on the season. In summer (from 15.04 to 01.10) the museum is open from 9.00 to 19.00, and in winter - from 9.00 to 17.00. Ticket sales end in the summer at 18.00, in the winter at 16.00.
The cost of visiting the museum is thirty Turkish liras, and for young visitors (under twelve years of age) admission is completely free. You can check the lyre course at a travel agency just before the trip. Everyone who wants to visit the Sofia Cathedral in Istanbul should know that during the holy month of Ramadan for all Muslims, the temple does not work.
How to get there
If you intend to visit the museum yourself (not as part of an excursion group), then you should know how to get to it. To do this is quite simple using public transport. You will need a bus (route T4) or a light rail (TR1). The stop you need is called Sultanahmet.
Those who wish can use the metro (Havalimani-Aksaray) from Ataturk Airport to Zeytinburnu Station. Then you need to transfer to the tram TR1, which will take you to the place. If you live in the Sisli area, you can take the metro to Taksim Station.