Istanbul’s Aya Sofia Museum has had a chequered history but it remains the one sight in Istanbul that should not be missed.
The Church of the Holy Wisdom, known also as Hagia Sophia in Greek and Aya Sofia or Ayasofya in Turkish, is a former Byzantine church that became a mosque in Ottoman times and is now a museum.
The sun sets on the Aya Sofia Museum
The original church was built by Constantine the Great in the 4th Century AD but this was burnt down as was a later church built on the same site by Emperor Theodosius 11. The third reincarnation of Aya Sofia was consecrated on Dec 26, 537
In 1454, Constantinople was conquered by the Ottoman Turks who ordered the building to be converted to a mosque. All the beautiful greek icons, bells and alters were removed and the mosaics plastered over. Islamic features such as the mihrab and minarets were added.
Aya Sofia then closed in 1931 until the Republic of Turkey opened it as a museum in 1935.
The exterior does not give any clues as to the magnificence of the building inside.
Once you are inside, don’t rush to walk through the large bronze doors which offer glimpses of the interior, but linger in the passage way .
A glimpse of the beautiful interior.
This entrance is known as the Imperial Gate as it was the entrance only used by the emperors. Above it, is the Imperial Gate Mosaics dating from the 9th or 10th century. The emperor of the time is shown kneeling at the feet of Christ Pantocrator.
One of the first things Atatürk did when he took over the mosque in 1931 was to take down the boards covering the mosaics and restore them to their original condition.
The Imperial Gate mosaics
Following in the the footsteps of the emperors, step inside and you will be overwhelmed by the size of the interior.
The magnificent dome for which Aya Sofia is so famous is 55 metres above the floor and 33 metres wide . To give you an idea of the size, the mosaic of the Virgin Mary with Jesus in the smaller dome of the apse above, is five metres high.
Christian and Muslim religious art coincide here with four large medallions printed with the names of Allah and Mohammed and two early caliphs, hang nearby. These had been originally removed but were rehung as a gesture to Muslim fundamentalists.
The dome, the Islamic medallions and the mosaic of the Virgin Mary with Jesus
Most of the Muslim additions are on the ground level.
The marble purification jars on the left were bought from Pergamon in the 16th century. They are made from one piece of marble.
Because Muslim women were separated from the men at prayer time, the upstairs gallery surrounding the nave was used by them.
The southern part of the upstairs gallery was originally used as a council meeting area. The areas were separated by a large marble door which was given the title of the Gates of Heaven and Hell.
Details of the beautiful marble door separating the north and south galleries
Wander through these doors and you will find some of Aya Sofia’s most famous mosaics, the best known being the Deësis Mosaic which depicts a triumphant Christ flanked by the Virgin Mary and John the Baptist.
The upstairs gallery showing the well known Deësis Mosaic
Closeup of the mosaic
Further along in the south gallery are the 11th century Empress Zoe mosaics.
Details in the Comnenus Mosaics dating from 1122, which shows the Virgin Mary holding Jesus on her lap on the left
From the high windows of the gallery level, the view is spectacular. In one direction, you have the view over the Sea of Marmara and in the other is the Blue Mosque.
View over the Sea of Marmara
The minarets of the Blue Mosque.
As you leave you pass through the Vestibule of the Warriors. Don’t forget to look back to see a one last wonderful mosaic depicting Constantine the Great presenting a model of Constantinople to the Virgin Mary and on the left, the Emperor Justinian presenting the church of Haghia Sophia, which he rebuilt.
Information
Aya Sofia is open everyday except Monday from 9-7pm .
Ticket cost: 25 TL
Address: Ayasofya Square in Sultanahmet
What is your favourite place to visit in Istanbul?
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I love to travel! I love exploring the markets, trying new tastes and finding fabulous restaurants so this blog is also about food!
I'd love to think that by sharing my stories, you will be able to add new experiences to your dream trip or simply enjoy the escape with us
Happy travelling.
I loved the Aya Sofia at sunset, just the mellow peach colour I love, and that marble purification jar is exquisite.
Thanks Jan. Won’t be long till you are there!
I never visited the Aya Sofia Museum when I was in Istanbul – don’t ask me how I missed it. I loved the Grand Bazaar and taking the boat up the Bosporus. And of course taking a cup of tea in those cute little cups everywhere we went. And the Blue Mosque…and the baths.
I love Istanbul.
Oh no…You’ll have to go back Leigh. Each time I vist Istanbul, I find another layer of the city that I want to explore. This trip was too quick but I’m already planning!!
I loved this place when I was in Istanbul…I think I need to go back.
Istanbul has really got under my skin Debra. This was a quick visit which made me realise I need an even longer time there!!
I loved this place when we visited on a cruise stop a few years ago. Your photos are excellent as I know how difficult it can be to get shots around the crowds that fill it and the areas from where you must stand to get them. Very nice job with this one!!!
Thanks Jackie. The photos aren’t easy here especially for an amateur! I even took a tripod this time but wasn’t allowed to take it inside! It’s a beautiful place and I was excited to be back.
I stepped inside the Aya Sofia for just a few minutes, almost 20 years ago; beautiful and awe-inspiring.
It’s hard to forget the Aya Sofia isn’t it…even after 20 years. Time to go back Sophie?
Beautiful photos
Thanks Muza-chan. it’s an amazing museum.
Christian and Muslim together. Very impressive!
Turkey’s still on my list, came close to visiting two years ago. Will make sure the Aya Sofia is on my list. Thanks for sharing.
I find it fascinating too that both religions have used the church.Istanbul is certainly a city that should be seen..hope you visit soon Marcia
Your post and your photos bring world history to life. For years, I home schooled my kids and would have loved to show them your photos. Perhaps, one day, we’ll travel there and see it in person.
Thanks for stopping by and for your kind comments Karen. I hope you do get to see it one day. Istanbul is so full of history and fabulous sights to see.
This ranks as one of the top places that I want to visit someday. Your pictures have only increased my desire to start planning a trip (though it probably isn’t in the budget for a few years!).
It’s an amazing city Jen, certainly worthy of keeping it on top of the list!I do hope you get there one day.
When I make it to Istanbul, Aya Sofia will be one of the first places I stop! I have always admired the photos I’ve seen of this magnificent church. Those chandeliers are truly amazing.
It’s a pretty amazing building Debbie with an even more incredible history.
This is one of the reasons I want to go to Istanbul so badly. You’ve captured it beautifully. Thanks for taking us on a virtual tour. Absolutely gorgeous and I can’t imagine how grand it must look in person.
Thanks Mary. I hope you do get to visit soon and see Aya Sofia for yourself.
I was back in Aya Sofia a couple of years ago, and it was just as magnificent as your photos indicate.
Thanks Mette. I had been a few years ago as well and it was great to be able to pop back and quickly reaquaint myself with it again.
Before I read the description, I thought for myself that this museum looks like a mosque. Architecture is really unique and very interesting. Beautiful photos, Jenny!
HI Salika. Sorry for the delay in replying but I have just rescued your comment from the spam list! Thanks for stopping by and commenting.I found the history of Aya Sofia quite fascinating and the changes each religion made to the architecture. It’s certainly one of the sights not to be misSed in Istanbul
Visiting Aya Sofia has been a dream of mine since I learned about it in college. It is just so amazing, as your post shows.
Thanks Jenna. You would love the history of this amazing place.Dreams do come true!
How stunning! Between the architecture and the views, I wouldn’t know which way to turn!
I must admit, it’s hard to take it all in Nancie. This is the third time I have been here and every time I see something new.
Just love all your photos, Jenny. Mine never turn out like this.
Aya Sofya should be on everyone’s list every single time they go to Istanbul I think. I’m always amazed by it’s size every time we go in there. Just an amazing building.
Julia
Thank Julia.It’s definitely a sight that should not be missed. I’m drawn back each time I visit Istanbul too.
Jenny, Istanbul had never really figured on my bucket list, until last year when I heard about Aya Sofia. I only saw one picture then and was mesmerized. Thank you for ALL the pictures, along with the history. I now know why it’s a must-see! I love all the mosaics!
Istanbul is an amazing city Karene and Aya Sofia is certainly one of the highlights with its incredible history. It’s a pleasure to show it to you. Thanks heavens the mosaics were covered..it would be awful if they had been destroyed!