Hagia Sophia is a symbol of Byzantine and Ottoman architectural brilliance and has served as a cathedral, mosque, and museum over the centuries. It represents the rich and diverse history of Istanbul, reflecting both Christian and Islamic heritage.
Name
Hagia Sophia
Location
Istanbul, Turkey
Year Established
532 - 537 AD
Type
Museum
Architectural Style
Byzantine architecture
Materials Used
Stone, brick, marble, and mosaics
Size
7,570 square meters
Condition
Well-preserved with ongoing restoration efforts
Design Features
Central dome with a height of about 55.6 meters (182 feet)
Lavish mosaics depicting Christian iconography
Large nave and galleries
Minarets added during the Ottoman period
Intricate calligraphy and Islamic decorations alongside Christian mosaics
Founders
Byzantine Emperor Justinian I
Original Purpose
Constructed as a cathedral for the Eastern Orthodox Church.
Current Use
Has functioned as a museum, and its status can vary between a museum and a mosque based on contemporary political decisions
UNESCO Status
Yes
