30 Facts You Should Know About Hagia Sophia

1- What does Hagia Sophia mean?

When Hagia Sophia was first built, it was called the Great Church (Megale Ekklesia). However, the Church began to be called Sophia from the 5th century. Despite this, it continued to be popularly referred to as the Great Church. After the conquest in 1453, the name of the church was changed to "Hagia Sophia" as it is still used today.

From the views on where the name of the building came from; The idea that it was dedicated to a saint named Sophia is false. The church was dedicated to Theia Sophia, the second element of the Christian trinity, Holy Wisdom. The word Hagia Sophia, which was later named after, is composed of the words Aya (holy, saint) and Sophos (wisdom), meaning holy/divine wisdom.

2- Built Three Times

After Christianity was accepted as a legitimate faith by Constantine I (324-337), the construction of large churches began in different areas of the empire. The first building of Hagia Sophia was built on the first hill (Istanbul Sarayburnu), in the form of a wooden basilica in the 4th century. Although this first structure is usually attributed to Konstantinos I (324-337), the church was completed during the time of his son Konstantios (337-361), and the opening ceremony of the first structure of Hagia Sophia was held on February 15, 360.

Following the acceptance of Christianity as a legitimate faith, the construction of major churches across the empire gained momentum. One of the most significant milestones in this process was the First Ecumenical Council of Nicaea in 325, held in İznik. This historic council established the core doctrines of Christianity and laid the theological foundation for monumental churches such as Hagia Sophia. For this reason, İznik is not only a city but the birthplace of Christian institutional history. To explore the sacred sites where the council convened and to experience this profound heritage firsthand, you may visit our private Iznik tour - cultural journey and religious heritage tour (click for tour details).

This first building did not last long. On June 20, 404, the church was burned in the fire that broke out in the exile of the patriarch Ioannes Chrysostomos and the uprising that followed. II. Theodosius (408-450) had the building rebuilt with five naves and the church was reopened on 10 October 415.

The second church was burned again in the Nika uprising, which broke out on the night of 13-14 January in 532, against Justinian (527-565) and his wife. Thereupon, the emperor commissioned Anthemios of Tralles and Isidoros of Miletos to build a larger church from the groundbreaking and old buildings instead of restoring the church in accordance with its previous state. Prokopios (500-562) wrote that the rebuilding of the church began on February 23. The Hagia Sophia, which has survived to the present day, was also the structure that was rebuilt on this date. The construction of the structure lasted until 537. It is known that Justinian was directly interested in the building. Hagia Sophia was opened on 27 December 537 with a great ceremony.

3- Columns and marbles were brought from ancient cities

Justinian requested materials from all over the empire for the rebuilding of the church, and he also collected the processed materials of the old buildings. Thereupon, eight large red porphyry columns were brought from Heliopolis in Egypt, from the Temple of Artemis in Western Anatolia Ephesos, from Kyzikos and from Ba'lebek in Syria. In addition, marbles of different types and colors from different regions were moved here.

4- The Dome

The most important innovation in the architecture of Hagia Sophia was its unusual size for a church, the size and height of the dome dominating the middle space. The height of the dome covering the main space is 55.60 meters from the ground, and its diameter is 31.87 in the north-south direction. meters, and 30.86 meters in the east-west direction. While the Hagia Sophia was being built, marble, stone and brick were used by the architects in the construction of the building, and light and strong bricks specially produced from Rhodes soil were used to prevent the dome from collapsing easily in earthquakes.

5- Emperors Gate

The door, which is called the Emperor's Gate because it was used only by the Emperor and his nature, provides the transition from the inner narthex to the main space in Hagia Sophia. This is the largest door of Hagia Sophia and is made of oak wood, 7 meters high, with a bronze frame. The wings of the gate, which date back to the 6th century, are covered with bronze plates. In Eastern Roman sources, it is claimed that it was made from the woods of Noah's Ark. The mosaic on it is the first unearthed mosaic of Hagia Sophia.

6- Apse Mosaic

It is thought that all the figured mosaics in the building were removed with the iconoclasm period. After the end of this period in 843, the first figured mosaic, the Apse Mosaic, was made in Hagia Sophia. In mosaic; In the middle, the Virgin Mary is depicted sitting on a cushioned throne decorated with precious stones. She is holding the child Jesus in her arms.

7- Two Angels in the Apse

On the right of the apse is the depiction of Gabriel, and on the left is the depiction of Michael. Although the depiction of Gabriel has survived to a large extent, the tip of the sacred wing and part of the foot in the depiction of Michael have survived to the present day. The depiction of these two angels is thought to have been added to the apse in the second half of the 9th century.

8- Viking Writing

In the middle of the south gallery, on the marble balustrades, there is a Viking inscription, apparently from the 9th century. In this article, "Halvdan was here." he is writing. It is thought to have been written by a Viking soldier working as a mercenary in the army in Eastern Rome.

9- VI. Leon Mosaic

The mosaic, dated to the 10th century, is located on the Emperor's Gate. The depiction of Jesus in the middle of the scene holds an open Bible in his left hand. With his right hand, Emperor VI, who is depicted prostrating to him at his feet. He blesses Leon (816-912). On the right of the mosaic, there is a depiction of Gabriel in a medallion, and on the left, a depiction of Mary in a medallion.

10- Presentation Mosaic

It is located above the Beautiful Gate to the south of the inner narthex. The mosaic found on the ceremonial gate used by the empire and its family was unearthed by Fossati in 1849 during the restoration of Hagia Sophia. In the middle of the panel made of gold mosaics, the Virgin Mary and the child Jesus on her lap are depicted. On the left side of the Virgin Mary, Konstantinos is depicted with a figure symbolizing Constantinople, and on the right side, Justinian is depicted with a figure symbolizing Hagia Sophia. It is told here that the emperors presented the city and the church to Mary to protect the city and the church.

11- Angel Depictions in the Dome

In each corner of the pendants, Seraphim angels, who are believed to protect the throne of God in heaven, are depicted. The angel depictions in the eastern part are made of mosaics. The ones in the west were renovated as frescoes because they were damaged during the Eastern Roman Period. Angel depictions were closed during the Ottoman Period.

12- Patriarch Mosaics in Tympanon

Although the exact dates of their construction are unknown, these mosaics, which are thought to have been made in the 9th to 10th centuries, are located in half-arched niches on the tympanon walls in the north of the building. Only three of the patriarch figures depicted in the mosaics have survived to the present day in a well-preserved condition. The Patriarch of Constantinople Young Ignatios is in the first niche, the Patriarch of Constantinople St. Ioannes Chrysostomos is in the fourth niche, and the Patriarch of Antiocheia St. Ignatios Theophoros is in the sixth niche. The figure depicted in the seventh niche is thought to be Athanasius.

13- Emperor Alexandros Mosaic

In the mosaic located in the southwest part of the north gallery, VI. The brother Emperor Alexandros (912-913), whom Leon shared in his reign, is depicted. The mosaic dating back to the 10th century is one of the most intact mosaics among the Hagia Sophia mosaics.

14- Zoe and Komnenos Mosaics

Zoe Mosaic, one of these mosaics, located on the wall at the eastern end of the south gallery of Hagia Sophia, is dated to the first half of the 11th century. In its current form, Jesus sitting in the center and Empress Zoe placed on both sides of him and his wife Emperor IX. Constantine (1042-1055) is depicted. The present state of the mosaic IX. Although a depiction of Kontantinos has been found, the mosaic was first probably dated to Zoe's first wife, III. It was built in the time of Romanos (1028-1034).

In the Komnenos Mosaic, the Virgin Mary holding the child Jesus in front of her standing in the center and the Emperor II on both sides. Ioannes Komnenos (1118-1143) and his wife Empress Eirene are depicted. On the right side of the mosaic, there is the couple's son Alexios. It is generally accepted that the subject of these two mosaics is the donations made by the emperors to Hagia Sophia. The money bags in the hands of the emperors in the mosaics prove this situation.

15- Tombstone of Commander Henricus Dandolo

The tombstone opposite the Deisis Mosaic, IV. It belongs to Commander Henricus Dandolu, who led the Crusade and died in Constantinople in 1205.

16- Deisis Composition

The Deisis Mosaic, located on the pediment of the door opening to the gallery in the parsonage room, is one of the most famous mosaics of Hagia Sophia. Although there are different opinions about its dating, the mosaic, which is accepted to be made in the 13th century, is considered an important beginning in Eastern Roman Painting Art. In mosaic; In the middle of the scene, Ioannes Prodromos is depicted on the right of Jesus and Mary on the left. Mary and Ioannes Prodromos are depicted as pleading to Jesus for the forgiveness of humanity on the Day of Judgment. These three figures reflect the Hellenistic Period depiction art.

17- Omphalion

The omphalion, the room where the emperors were crowned with ceremonies in Eastern Rome, is an area where circles of different colors and sizes around the large marble circle and opus sectile decoration can be seen at their junctions.

18- Wish Column

The column in the northwest direction with a carved center is called the sweating column or the wishing column. There are several myths about the column. According to one of them; Emperor Justinian, while walking around the building in a severe headache, realizes that his head hurts when he leans on this column, and when this event is heard among the people, it is believed that this column heals. According to another legend; After the building was turned into a mosque, in the first Friday prayer to be held here, the prayer could not be started because the direction of the building was not facing the Kaaba, but at that time "Hýzýr Aleyhisselam" came and tried to turn the direction of the structure to the Kaaba by taking strength from this column. However, when this event was noticed by one of the people, it is said that the mosque disappeared without being able to turn its direction.

The habit that has survived from the myths is that people make a wish by turning their thumbs in this hole in the column one full turn clockwise.

19- Minarets

After the conquest of Istanbul, after the Hagia Sophia church was converted into a mosque, a wooden minaret was built by Fatih on one of the half-domes, but this minaret has not survived.

The minaret in the southeast is the name of Fatih Sultan Mehmet or II. It belongs to the Bayezid period. Due to the similarity of the minaret on the side of Bab-ý Hümayun with the minarets of Edirne Selimiye Mosque, II. It is thought to have been built by Mimar Sinan during the Selim period. The co-minarets in the southwest and northwest directions were built by Mimar Sinan to Sultan III. It was built during the reign of Murad. In the repairs made in the 15th, 16th and 19th centuries, decorations according to the style of the period were added to the minarets.

20- Struts

Although the walls of Hagia Sophia were subjected to certain reinforcement interventions due to the external openings experienced in the Eastern Roman Empire and Ottoman Periods due to the weight of its dome, these were not sufficient. For this reason, both the Eastern Romans and the Ottomans tried to prevent the pressure of the dome by building buttresses from the outside of the structure.

Architect Sinan found a solution to this problem by supporting the structure with arch additions and heavy abutment walls, the gaps between the piers and side walls supporting the dome. The supporting walls built in the Eastern Roman period were rebuilt and taken into stone enclosures. A total of 24 buttresses, 7 in the East, 4 in the South, 4 in the North, 5 in the West, and 4 in the weight towers, were built in the Eastern Roman Period and some in the Ottoman Period.

21- Marble Cubes

Two cubes from the Hellenistic Period, found in the ancient city of Pergamon and made of monolithic marble, belong to Sultan III. It was brought to Hagia Sophia during the reign of Murad. There are taps at the bottom of the cubes. Sherbet was distributed on religious days like Eid prayers from these jars, which could hold 1250 liters of liquid.

22- Pulpit

Sultan III. The pulpit built during the reign of Murad is located to the right of the mihrab. Dating to the 16th century, the pulpit is one of the most beautiful examples of marble workmanship of this period.

23- Sultan's Assembly

Sultan III. During the period when Ahmed Khan had Hagia Sophia completely overhauled, he had the Hünkar Mahfili built in 1728, which he ordered with his own pleasure. This mahfil was replaced with a new one in 1847 during the maintenance and repair done by Sultan Abdülmecid. The Hünkar Mahfili consists of a hexagonal section on five pillars and a corridor that rests on columns. The lower part consists of a marble openwork balustrade plate. It has a gilded wooden cage on top.

24- Altar

The mihrab, located in the southeast of the main space, was repaired and added by the Ottoman sultans from time to time. Renovated in the 19th century, the mihrab has a polygonal niche with sunburst and star motifs and a semi-domed hood. A lot of gold stars are used in the altar and it has an ostentatious crest. On both sides of the mihrab, there are candlesticks brought from the palace church of the Hungarian King Matyas I during the Hungarian campaign during the reign of Suleiman the Magnificent (1520-1566).

25- Tiles Around the Mihrab

There are tile panels in the corridors on the right and left of the mihrab. On the left, there is a plant motif tile panel from the Old Sultan's Mahfili, consisting of 16th century Iznik tiles. On the right panel, the Kaaba depiction consisting of eight parts and a picture showing the tomb of Muhammad.

26- Calligraphy Plates in the Mihrab

On the right side of the mihrab, there are calligraphy plates belonging to the Ottoman sultans. From top to bottom; 1st line plate, Sultan II. Mahmud (1808-1839), 2nd line plate, Sultan II. Mahmud (1808-1839), 3rd line plate, Sultan III. Ahmed (1703-1730), 4th line plate, Sultan II. Mustafa (1695-1703), 5th line plate, Sultan II. It was written by Mustafa (1695-1703). On the left, there are works by Mehmed Yesari and Þeyhülislam Veliyüddin Efendi.

27- Fountain

It was built by Sultan Mahmut I during the repair and construction of additional buildings in Hagia Sophia (1740-1741). It was built in large dimensions in the area between the Sýbyan School and the gate, which was built in the area where the western entrance of the building was not used for a long time. The fountain has an eight pointed arched portico with wide openings based on eight columns with muqarnas capitals. There is a 16-section marble water pool in the middle of the building. There is a marble fountain center in the middle of the pool. A small dome rises in the middle of the wooden eaves. The interior of the dome is divided into sections with gilded laths on a blue background. The general architecture of the building adheres to the classical Turkish style traditions. In addition to the motifs suitable for the Turkish art style, there are also motifs made in accordance with the Baroque style.

28- Sultan Mahmud I Library

Sultan Mahmud I Library, also known as Hagia Sophia Library, was founded by Sultan Mahmud I and was opened on April 21, 1740. According to historian Subhi Mehmet, when the library was founded, it had a collection of 4000 works. One part of this collection consisted of the books that came from the Treasury, the other part consisted of the books that the grand vizier, sheikh al-Islam, Darüssaade aghas and other statesmen gave to Mahmud I. The catalog of the books here includes an entry on Mahmud I's founding of the library, the seals of approval of the Haremeyn inspector and the Anatolian and Rumelian kazaskers.

29- Mosaic Tugra of Sultan Abdulmecid

The tugra, embroidered with mosaic on a round plate on the wall on the right side of the big door, belongs to Sultan Abdülmecid (1839-1861). The fact that the 19th century Ottoman sultan's tughra is made of mosaics is important as it is the only sultan's monogram made with mosaic grains in Turkish Art. Architect Fossati, who was assigned to repair Hagia Sophia for the construction of Sultan Abdülmecid's tughra, who wanted this important building to be seriously repaired and overhauled, decided to use the mosaic grains that were poured and collected during the repair of Hagia Sophia for the sultan's signature. Thus, he commissioned the Italian mosaic artist Lanzoni. Lanzoni embroidered Abdulmecid's tughra with colorful mosaic grains on a floor covered with gold grains on a round record. At the time it was done, this work could not be placed anywhere and was forgotten. After many years, this work was found in the warehouse of the Topkapý Palace Museum. Later, the tugra was placed on the side wall of the main entrance, known as the Emperor's Gate, which opened to the main space in Hagia Sophia.

30- Eight Large Line Sheets

These plates were written by calligrapher Kazasker Mustafa Ýzzet Efendi with gilding on a green ground made of hemp, during the repairs made between 1847-1849 during the reign of Sultan Abdülmecid (1839-1861). "God, St. Mohammed, The Four Caliphs; Hz. Abu Bakr, Mr. Omar, Mr. Osman, Mr. Ali and Hz. Descendants of Muhammad Hasan and Hz. It is known that eight plates on which the names "Hussein" are written are among the largest calligraphy plates of the Islamic World. It is known that the course of the plates in Hagia Sophia, which changed after the conquest, changed in line with the wishes of the sultans who came to the reign. The diameter of the giant plates is 7.5 meters and the thickness of the letters is 35 cm.

Other Extra Interesting Facts: Facts About the Historical and Architectural Wonder Hagia Sophia

Facts about Hagia Sophia reveal its significance as one of the most iconic landmarks in the world, blending architectural genius and historical depth. Located in Istanbul, Turkey, Hagia Sophia stands as a testament to the rich cultural and religious heritage of the city. Originally constructed as a cathedral, it has undergone several transformations, including a mosque and now a museum.

A Historical Overview: Hagia Sophia, or "Holy Wisdom," was commissioned by the Byzantine Emperor Justinian I and completed in 537 AD. This architectural masterpiece was the world's largest cathedral for nearly a thousand years. The grandeur of its massive dome, which spans 31 meters in diameter, was a pioneering achievement in architecture, symbolizing the heavens' vault.

Architectural Brilliance: One of the most astonishing facts about Hagia Sophia is its innovative design. The architects, Anthemius of Tralles and Isidore of Miletus, employed a unique combination of a central dome supported by pendentives—curved triangles that transition the weight of the dome to the building's four piers. This allowed the creation of an open, expansive interior space unparalleled at the time.

Religious Significance: Initially, Hagia Sophia served as the central church of the Eastern Orthodox Church and the seat of the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople. Its mosaics, depicting Christ, the Virgin Mary, and various saints, are considered masterpieces of Byzantine art. In 1453, following the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople, Sultan Mehmed II converted Hagia Sophia into a mosque, adding minarets and Islamic calligraphy.

Transformation and Preservation: In 1935, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of modern Turkey, transformed Hagia Sophia into a museum, recognizing its universal cultural and historical importance. This decision aimed to preserve its diverse heritage and make it accessible to people of all backgrounds. In 2020, it was reconverted into a mosque, though it remains open to visitors, attracting millions annually.

Cultural Impact: Hagia Sophia's influence extends beyond architecture and religion. It has inspired countless buildings worldwide and remains a symbol of harmony between different cultures and religions. Its rich history and stunning beauty continue to captivate scholars, architects, and tourists alike.

Understanding the facts about Hagia Sophia enriches one's appreciation of this architectural wonder. Its remarkable history, architectural innovation, and cultural significance make it a must-visit landmark. Whether admired for its aesthetic beauty or its historical importance, Hagia Sophia stands as a bridge between the past and the present, embodying the spirit of Istanbul itself.

Discover the Historical Significance of Hagia Sophia with Our Istanbul Tours

Experience the transformation of Hagia Sophia from a cathedral to a mosque and now a museum, reflecting the diverse cultural and religious heritage of Istanbul. Our tours offer a unique opportunity to explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site, providing insights into its architectural innovations and historical events that shaped its legacy.

All Our Hagia Sophia and Private Istanbul City Tour Organizations

Join us Velena Travel on a captivating journey through time with our exclusive Istanbul tours, where we delve into the rich historical significance of Hagia Sophia. This architectural marvel, originally constructed in 537 AD, has witnessed the grandeur of the Byzantine Empire and the rise of the Ottoman Empire. Our expert guides will take you through the majestic halls and sacred spaces, revealing the stories behind its stunning mosaics, massive dome, and intricate designs.

Book your spot now and immerse yourself in the fascinating history of Hagia Sophia, making your visit to Istanbul truly unforgettable. Don't miss out on this chance to connect with the past and discover the beauty of one of the world's most iconic landmarks.

ALL IN ONE DAY ISTANBUL - Historical Tour of Istanbul With Bosphorus Cruise (Istanbul Tours Daily)

Duration: 10 hrs. Departure: 09:00 am

Having limited time in Istanbul and you want to make the most of it, we have planned a perfect day on which you can explore the most important sights such as the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Grand Bazaar, Ancient Hippodrome, Suleymaniye Mosque in the old town and finish your day with a relaxing Bosphorus sunset cruise on a luxurious yacht.

Special Price On Request Details

Istanbul Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque Tour Istanbul Old City Tour, (Half Day Morning)

Hours: 09:00 am to 13:00

Half Day Morning Tour with Entrance Fee Included. Istanbul Morning City Tour is a half day guided tour. See the sights of Istanbul on a half-day tour that takes in the city's famous historical landmarks and cultural sites.

Special Price On Request Details

Topkapi Palace and Grand Bazaar, Ottoman Heritage Tour, (Half Day Afternoom)

Hours: 13:30 to 17:30

Take a half-day tour of Istanbul to visit Topkapi Palace and Little Hagia Sophia. Starting at the palace, learn about this former royal residence of the Ottoman Empire and see its display of jewelr.

Special Price On Request Details

Istanbul Shore Excursion, Private Istanbul Express Sightseeing Tour

Hours: Flexible

Istanbul Shore Excursion maximises your time in port and escape the crush of the tour groups, with a full-day private sightseeing tour of Istanbul, including visits to the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace.

Special Price On Request Details Unique Istanbul Tour with Istanbul Tour Guide

Istanbul Tour

Hours: 09:00 am to 17:00

Full Day Guided Tour to Old City Highlights Cultural Walking Tour of Istanbul; From Byzantine Empire to Modern Turkey: Essential History and Fun Facts Full Day Istanbul Walking Tour to Ancient Hippodrome, Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace and Grand Bazaar.

Special Price On Request Details Explore Secrets with a Private Istanbul City Tour

Private Istanbul Old City Tour Classics & Highlights

Duration: 1 Days Departure: 09:00 am

Enjoy a royal welcome to Istanbul with a full-day private guided tour. Get whisked to the front of the queue at the city's most popular attractions with your guide's priority entrance pass. This is the perfect activity for first-time visitors.

Special Price On Request Details