Hagia Sophia, a grand monument built by the Eastern Roman Empire, was constructed during the reign of Constantius, son of Constantine the Great, the founder of Constantinople, in the late 4th century.
The awe-inspiring Hagia Sophia, originally a grand basilica, was constructed during the reign of Emperor Constantius, son of Constantine the Great, founder of Constantinople, in the 4th century. After being rebuilt multiple times due to destruction, notably after the Nika Revolt in 532, Emperor Justinian undertook its construction anew, aiming for an unmatched monument. The reimagined Hagia Sophia, completed in 537, reflected a synthesis of Roman architecture with Middle Eastern and Asian influences. Architects Anthemius of Tralles and Isidore of Miletus crafted a massive dome supported by innovative engineering techniques of the time.
The name "Hagia Sophia" means “Holy Wisdom,” dedicated not to a saint but to divine wisdom itself. Despite its beauty, structural issues led to repeated restorations of the dome across centuries. Following the Ottoman conquest in 1453, Hagia Sophia was converted into a mosque, saved from disrepair, and enhanced by architect Mimar Sinan’s additions, including minarets that bolstered its structure. It served as a mosque for nearly 500 years, later becoming a museum in 1935, and reopened as a mosque in 2020.
Hagia Sophia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, remains a testament to Byzantine and Ottoman architectural ingenuity, preserving mosaics, minarets, and colossal imperial doors. Visitors are captivated by its vast interior and impressive dome, which spans over 30 meters and rises to 55.6 meters, embodying Istanbul's rich history and religious significance across millennia.
Source: İstanbul Gezi Rehberi
