Hagia Sophia

Visiting Hagia Sophia: Etiquette and Practical Information

The Hagia Sophia upper gallery is 25 Euros for tourists in 2025. There are long lines waiting to get in during busy summer months. If you can visit Istanbul during winter months, best to visit Hagia Sophia during the slow tourism season between October and April.

The Hagia Sophia is an active place of worship, so it's important for visitors to follow proper etiquette:

• Visiting Hours:

  Tourists are not allowed during prayer times, especially the five daily prayers and Friday noon prayers. It's best to check prayer times in advance.

• Dress Code:

  Women should cover their heads, shoulders, and legs. Men should avoid shorts. Scarves and wrap skirts are often provided at the entrance for those who need them. Do not wear clothes or accessories with flags, religious symbols or big emblems.

Hagia Sophia Throughout The History

Hagia Sophia as a Byzantine Church (537-1453)

The original Hagia Sophia was commissioned by Emperor Justinian I of the Byzantine Empire and completed in 537 AD. Designed by the architects Anthemius of Tralles and Isidore of Miletus, the structure was an architectural marvel of its time, especially known for its massive dome, which seemed to float above the nave thanks to its innovative pendentive construction.

For nearly a thousand years, Hagia Sophia served as the cathedral of Constantinople and the spiritual heart of Eastern Orthodox Christianity. It was the seat of the Ecumenical Patriarch and witnessed many important religious and imperial ceremonies.

Conversion into a Mosque by the Ottomans (1453-1931)

After the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople in 1453, Sultan Mehmed II converted Hagia Sophia into a mosque. It was renamed Ayasofya Camii, and minarets were added to its structure to signify its new Islamic function.

Importantly, the Christian mosaics and frescoes were not destroyed but instead covered with plaster in accordance with Islamic prohibitions on figural imagery in sacred spaces. Islamic architectural elements were added: the mihrab (prayer niche), minbar (pulpit), and calligraphic roundels bearing the names of Allah, Muhammad, and the first four caliphs.

Transformation into a Museum (1935-2020)

Following the founding of the Republic of Turkey, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk and the secular Turkish government decided to convert Hagia Sophia into a museum in 1935. This decision was meant to symbolize the new secular identity of the state and to preserve the historical and cultural legacy of the structure.

During this time, many of the Christian mosaics were uncovered and restored, allowing both Christian and Islamic elements to coexist in one monumental space. Hagia Sophia became a global tourist attraction, drawing millions of visitors annually.

Transformation into a Museum (1935-2020)

In 2020, Turkey's Council of State annulled the 1934 decree that had turned Hagia Sophia into a museum. The president signed a decree reconverting it into a mosque. However, the decision also preserved its accessibility to the public. The upper gallery, home to many of the Christian mosaics, remains open to visitors, ensuring continued cultural and historical tourism.

Christian Mosaics of the Hagia Sophia

Many Byzantine mosaics that were covered with a plaster when the Ottomans converted the church into a mosque have survived. These mosaics showcase the incredible artistry of Byzantine mosaicists and are key to understanding early Christian iconography. Some of them are:

The Deesis Mosaic (13th century):

One of the most famous, it features Christ Pantocrator flanked by the Virgin Mary and John the Baptist, asking for mercy for humanity on Judgment Day. It is located in the upper gallery.

The Virgin and Child Mosaic:

Depicts Mary holding the infant Jesus, symbolizing her role as Theotokos (Mother of God). It is one of the oldest surviving mosaics, dating from the 9th century.

The Emperor Alexander Mosaic, Zoe Mosaic, and John II Komnenos Mosaic:

These mosaics show imperial donors offering gifts to Christ or the Virgin Mary, combining religious iconography with imperial propaganda.

Islamic Architectural Elements

The Ottoman era introduced several distinct features to Hagia Sophia's interior:

Four minarets (the tall towers):

Added at different times, they gave the structure a new skyline silhouette.

Mihrab:

The prayer niche, located in the apse, slightly off-center to align with Mecca, was decorated with Iznik tiles.

Minbar:

The ornate wooden pulpit used for Friday sermons stands prominently near the mihrab.

Calligraphic Roundels:

Massive wooden medallions suspended from the columns bear the names of Allah, Muhammad, Abu Bakr, Umar, Uthman, Ali, and the Prophet's grandsons, Hasan and Husayn.

Superstitious Beliefs and the “Weeping Column”

Among the more curious features is the “Wishing Column” (or “Sweating Column”), located in the northwest of the building. This marble pillar is said to have healing properties. Legend has it that inserting one's finger into a small hole in the column and turning it clockwise while making a wish can result in healing or the wish being granted. The column often appears moist, adding to its mystical reputation.

Hagia Sophia In Popular Culture

Hagia Sophia has captivated not only historians and travelers but also writers and filmmakers. Most notably, it was featured in Dan Brown's novel Inferno, where it plays a role in the storyline's Istanbul-based climax. The building's unique fusion of Christian and Islamic heritage makes it a fitting backdrop for stories steeped in mystery and symbolism.