Hagia Sophia is a former Orthodox patriarchal basilica, later a mosque, and now a museum in Istanbul, Turkey. Built in 537, it is one of the most famous monuments of the Byzantine Empire and the world. It was the largest cathedral in the world for nearly a thousand years, until the completion of the Seville Cathedral in 1520.
History
The original Hagia Sophia was built in the 4th century as a Christian church, and was twice destroyed by rioters in the 5th century. The current building was constructed by the Byzantine Emperor Justinian I between 532 and 537. The architects, Anthemius of Tralles and Isidore of Miletus, designed the building in the shape of a Greek cross with a large central dome and four smaller domes. It was the largest and most important church in the Eastern Roman Empire and served as a symbol of its power and wealth.
Architecture
The architecture of Hagia Sophia is a combination of Byzantine, Greek and Ottoman styles. The building is 55 meters (180 feet) wide and 73 meters (240 feet) long, and is covered by a large central dome that is 55 meters (180 feet) high. The dome is supported by four large piers, which are connected by four semi-domes. The interior of the building is decorated with a mixture of Byzantine mosaics, Ottoman tiles, and frescoes.
Conversion to a Mosque
In 1453, Hagia Sophia was captured by the Ottoman Turks and converted into a mosque. The interior was decorated with Islamic calligraphy and ornate tile work, and four minarets were added to the exterior. The building remained a mosque until 1931, when it was secularized and opened as a museum.
Modern Day Hagia Sophia
Today, Hagia Sophia is a museum and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Istanbul and is visited by millions of people every year. The building is also an important symbol of the Byzantine Empire and its legacy.
Features of Hagia Sophia
- Byzantine mosaics and frescoes
- Ottoman tiles and calligraphy
- Large central dome and four smaller domes
- Four minarets
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