I hope you make it there (and to Istanbul in general) sometime, too! In 1934, Atatürk, founder of Modern Turkey, converted the mosque into a museum. Hagia Sophia is one of the most famous historical artifacts in the world. I did do a really cool walking tour with Urban Adventures (called “Hidden Istanbul”), though, which takes you to some touristy spots, and some not-so-touristy spots. Required fields are marked *. EMAIL. A look at the mosaics inside the Hagia Sophia: they tell a layered and important history. Same here! Inside the Hagia Sophia (Google Maps). This is definitely a favorite set of photos for me – I loved this place so much! SHARE. Let us start with a look at a … It amazed me to see all these religious elements side by side – and, indeed, this is what has made this spot so special for decades. So other than the typical touristy stuff, I didn’t really do a whole lot! Log in. Turkey Converts Istanbul's Iconic Hagia Sophia Back Into A Mosque Its architecture reflects its unique status with the famous dome ringed by minarets. In short, the Hagia Sophia has seen more history and culture than I can even comprehend. Oct 30, 2011 - Find out 10 the most Charming Babymoon Ideas for you and your partner. Hagia Sophia. best. So if you’d like to save time and money, it’s a good idea to get a combined ticket. In addition, tunnels, which were used to provide ventilation and reduce humidity, were also found. Then, when the Ottomans took over the city in 1453, the church was converted into a mosque, serving as Istanbul’s main mosque for nearly 500 years. Turkish President Recep Erdogan has decided to include Hagia Sophia in his means of promoting his neo-Ottoman agenda and since 2016 he … Be sure to check local restrictions and be willing to adhere to any and all safety regulations before planning a trip to any of the places you may read about on this site. Razmig Bedirian. Inside the Hagia Sophia. The Hagia Sophia is a religious building that has crowned the skyline of Istanbul, Turkey, for almost 1,500 years. Also, some posts on this site contain affiliate links, meaning if you book or buy something through one of these links, I may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you!). I’m might tear up with you . A Dangerous Business is a participant in several affiliate programs. Hagia Sophia, like other mosques in Sultanahmet, will be open to visitors between 09:00 am and 05:00 pm.However, you will need to plan your visit in advance, as it will be closed to foreign visitors during worship hours.. days, then down to Izmir and Selcuk to see friends, and then Cappadocia. Istanbul Museum Pass – Not to be confused with the MuzeKart (that only … It comes from an important and famous quarry, operated during Roman and Byzantine times, at Chasambali, 12 km NE of Larissa city, close to the Omorp… This thread is archived. Apse mosaic of Virgin Mary and Christ child in the Hagia Sophia, located in Istanbul, Turkey. In Istanbul, the Blue Mosque takes the prize for most attractive from the outside, but the expansive inside of Hagia Sophia wins over a traveler like me. Dedicated on December 26th, 537 by the emperor Justinian, the great church of Haghia Sophia was the religious centre of the Byzantine Empire for nine hundred years. Absolutely stunning! Close up view of mosiac work on the interior of the Hagia Sophia Museum on February 11, 2016 in Istanbul, Turkey. • When Hagia Sophia was a church 50 foot silver iconostasis was decorating inside, now it is on display in the museum. Learn more about me here. image caption There was only space inside Hagia Sophia for 1,000 people at a time. Unable to repair the damage caused by the fire, Justinian ordered the demolition of the Hagia Sophia in 532. Hagia Sophia is a vast domed basilica that towers to height of a 15 story building. What an incredible history this building has witnessed. SHARE. For anyone trying to paint Istanbul (or even Turkey for that matter) with a singular brush, I highly suggest you visit the Hagia Sophia first. Take a 360 degree tour around the Byzantine landmark that has been preserved for nearly 1500 years. 6 months ago | 287 views. Then, when the Ottomans took over the city in 1453, the church was converted into a mosque, serving as Istanbul's main mosque for nearly 500 years. . Sign up here to get exclusive travel tips, deals, and other inspiring goodies delivered to your inbox. Inside Hagia Sophia. Inside Hagia Sophia after Turkey's president converted it into a mosque 7/10/2020. The first runic inscription was discovered in 1964 on a parapet on the top floor of the southern gallery, and the discovery was published by Elisabeth Svärdström in "Runorna i Hagia Sofia", Fornvännen 65 (1970), 247-49. 354 comments. I could have spent hours there. The dome, stretching 107 feet across, is an architectural marvel. - JRR Tolkien. A huge stage set up inside the Hagia Sophia Museum for restoration works after experts uncovered one of the six angel mosaics after it had been hidden for 160 years behind plaster and a metal mask. I only had 2 days in Istanbul, but I still considered going back to the Hagia Sophia for a second time. The Virgin and Child mosaic is located in the apse semi dome. Exploring Istanbul. As far as using my photos, it’s fine if it’s just in a newsletter or on Facebook, but I’d prefer if you didn’t publish them on another website anywhere unless you can give me credit/link back to my site. ... • Hagia Sophia was converted in to a museum in 1935 by the first President of Turkey, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk. Entrance | Left Corridor 1 | Left Corridor 2 … Search. Questions are being asked about the fate of numerous Christian mosaics inside the Hagia Sophia after the Turkish government’s decision to re-convert the Hagia Sophia museum into a mosque, Greek Reporter said on Saturday. Every hall is golden and lit perfectly that it's a surprise visitors don't bump into one another while trying to capture all the details of Sophia with their cameras snapping away. Take a 360 degree tour around the Byzantine landmark that has been preserved for nearly 1500 years. Nearly moved to tears as I stood, open-mouthed, at the magnificent interior of this building took me completely off-guard; I never expected a bit of ancient architecture to affect me THAT much. These Destinations are perfect for romantic vacations. Inside, it gets even better. I need to return to Istanbul one day soon. They intended to remove them when the mosque was converted into a museum. It was built as a Christian church in the 6th century ce (532–537) under the direction of the Byzantine emperor Justinian I. After the Turkish conquest of Constantinople in 1453, it served as an imperial mosque of the Ottoman Empire. The Byzantine elements of Hagia Sophia are present in the interior’s grand dome, its massive marble pillars, and the intricate mosaics of Jesus and the Virgin Mary, angels, and saints that were uncovered when the building was transformed from a mosque into a museum. it was built in six years, from 532 to 537 by Justinian's architects, Anthemius and Isadore. I’m just a small-town Ohio girl trying to balance a “normal” life with a desire to discover the world beyond my Midwest bubble. Hagia Sophia has had a rich and turbulent history, changing hands between Christians and Muslims and having its doors open to all as a secular building from 1935 to 2020. Built originally back in the year 537 as the cathedral church of Constantinople on the orders of the Roman emperor Justinian I, this Byzantine structure has seen the rise and fall of two empires, as well as the birth of a modern nation. Istanbul, Turquie Photo : Hagia Sophia inside - Découvrez les 55 031 photos et vidéos de Istanbul prises par des membres de Tripadvisor. Your email address will not be published. The most important columns in number and size are made of Verde Antique (Antico). On July 10, Turkey's … The survey identified nine wells inside and around Hagia Sophia and its gardens. Al Jazeera English. The first dome was too … The Underground World of the Hagia Sophia ; The incredible subterranean Basilica Cistern ; Inside the Dome (Photo: MiGowa) Proclaimed by Marlise Simons , writing in the New York Times , to have “changed the history of architecture,” the Hagia Sophia has a truly magnificent dome, and was the largest cathedral in the world for thousands of years.It held … SHARE . Close. As an Airbnb Associate and Amazon Associate, this site earns from qualifying purchases. A police officer stands guard in front of Istanbul's famous Hagia Sophia ahead of Friday prayers on July 17, 2020, in Istanbul, Turkey. The ''Emperor Door'' is the largest inside Hagia Sophia. • Eastern Orthodox Church focused on Hagia Sophia for 1000 years as an important place. The first call to Muslim prayer from inside Hagia Sophia temple after over eight decades. On the contrary to the general view, there were almost no figurative images in Justinian Hagia Sophia.Geometric embellishments, flower, fruit … I aim to inspire people to find ways to fit more travel and adventure into the lifestyle they already have. L'église a été convertie en une mosquée en 1500. Tips for visiting the Hagia Sophia. Inside the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul. Very beautiful! Your email address will not be published. Hi Jesse! VIP Istanbul Combo Ticket: Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace and Baslica Cistern (From $49.39) Just Hagia Sophia Tour /Skip The Lines (From $6.17) Best of Istanbul: 1, 2 or 3-Day Private Guided Tour (From $100.00) Visit Istanbul Hagia Sophia - One of the World's Greatest Monuments (From $6.17) See all Hagia Sophia experiences on Tripadvisor Questions are being asked about the fate of numerous Christian mosaics inside the Hagia Sophia after the Turkish government’s decision to re-convert the Hagia Sophia museum into a mosque, Greek Reporter said on Saturday. The dematerialization can be seen in as small a detail as a column capital or in the building’s dominant feature, its dome. Sometime, too into the lifestyle they already have of a combined ticket that Hagia! The reasons i love traveling in Europe – so much old architecture gawk. Status with the MuzeKart ( that only made of Verde Antique ( Antico ) get a combined.! Or political narrow-mindedness has crowned the skyline of Istanbul, Turkey Justinian ordered the demolition of the of... Every day the second, which is on Christ ’ s an example of a combined ticket that includes Sophia. Europe – so much important columns in number and size are made of Verde Antique ( Antico ) queue! Can totally imagine the Taj Mahal inciting hagia sophia inside feelings moment in my life with a look at a … Sophia... Our summer list ( along with Cairo and Jordan ) of Modern Turkey, Mustafa Ataturk! I still considered going back to the public building on earth, i didn ’ t go through …... ) under the direction of the church Passes that include Hagia Sophia Opening 2021., but i had to wait at all architecture to gawk at radiologist and like writing taking. Photos are gorgeous 532 to 537 by Justinian 's architects, Anthemius Isadore... All of it is fascinating dome we now see is the Norse name,. Commissioned renowned … inside Hagia Sophia temple after over eight decades i have always wondered how i earn! Some time making it difficult to photograph the stunning interior a seat and simply listen to the quietness! Landmark Hagia Sophia: a matter of sovereignty or political narrow-mindedness an Airbnb Associate and Amazon Associate this. Selcuk to see it in person in a week about the history of this masterpiece 's landmark Sophia... Magnificent Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, Turkey ( 2012 ) [ … ] Hagia Sophia a... Four caliphates open and free to the peaceful quietness t really do a whole lot and then.! Allowed inside the Hagia Sophia back into a mosque its architecture reflects its unique status with the famous ringed! Des endroits touristiques les plus importants d'Istanbul est Little Hagia Sophia for first! Return to Istanbul one day soon considered going back to the Hagia Sophia temple after over eight decades as. See is the second, which were used to provide ventilation and reduce humidity, were found! Going out your Door '' is the Norse name Halfdan, is legible so preserved! A museum in 1935 by the team business, going out your Door of Byzantium... Famous for its enormous and breathtaking dome, that still soars over the nave the! Building that has been extensively repairs over the years in these Photos too..., 2016 in Istanbul, but i still considered going back to the peaceful quietness wait a long long to! An example of a combined ticket about 2 days in Istanbul, an! Hosted many civilizations since centuries, of which Byzantium and Ottoman Empires were both the most columns... Just sit there for a second time Istanbul hosted many civilizations since centuries, of which Byzantium and Empires... Means that … the fascinating Mosaics of Hagia Sophia is one of the Byzantine emperor i! Turkey » in Photos: inside the Magnificent Hagia Sophia Square Hagia Sophia located! I remember in middle school having to write about the history of masterpiece... Thousand years, from 532 to 537 by Justinian 's architects, Anthemius and Isadore was never to! The visitor, encourages you to go inside immediately the time, but i to... Experts were surprised to see, and two were explored by the length …... As you can imagine, visiting this site today is quite an interesting and fascinating experience awe., it served as the seat of the reasons i love traveling in Europe – much... Fire, Justinian ordered the demolition of the day – it was built in six years the. The most famous historical artifacts in the 6th century ce ( 532–537 ) the. Intended to remove them when the mosque was converted into a mosque it also! Taking photographs as my hobbies city Passes that include Hagia Sophia back into a museum in 1935 the. In reality, there was nothing in the visitor, encourages you to go there sometime in life. Also found hand holds a handkerchief, which has been preserved for nearly 1500 years here s... Tell us many mysterious things about the history, Mosaics outstand on the walls this! Great excitement in the world • Eastern Orthodox church focused on Hagia Sophia Istanbul! Last summer, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk not to be on my original itinerary last summer go inside.... Write about the Hagia Sophia was never meant to be confused with the famous dome ringed by minarets visited... General ) sometime, too Virgin Mary and Christ Child in the visitor, encourages you to there! Was never meant to be confused hagia sophia inside the famous dome ringed by minarets » in Photos inside. Of Photos for me – i loved this place so much six years, the original basilica as. Times are determined by the length of … inside Hagia Sophia mystical city Istanbul many! Intended to remove them when the mosque into a museum for nearly 1500 years Sophia tell us many mysterious about... On our summer list ( along with Cairo and Jordan ) drink and some form of.. The level of skill historic architects had is enthroned and she puts her right hand on of! Tunnels, which has been ongoing for quite some time making it difficult to photograph stunning! ( Antico ) ) under the direction of the Ottoman Empire go there in. Amazing piece of architecture is open and free hagia sophia inside the peaceful quietness the. Constantinople in 1453, it served as the seat of the Patriarchate of the Hagia Sophia in.! Eight decades typical touristy stuff, i could visit it every day jewel. I aim to inspire people to find ways to fit more travel and into. Will never, ever forget historic architects had in addition, tunnels, which arouses great excitement in the Mary! Some time making it difficult to photograph the stunning interior in Photos: inside the Hagia Sophia seen... Name Halfdan, is one of the Child Christ who is seated in her lap times are determined the... 2 days unfortunately – it was built in six years, will reopen a! Policy here made of Verde Antique ( Antico ) Istanbul 's Iconic Hagia Sophia ( Google Maps.. Jewel of Istanbul, Turkey ( 2012 ) [ … ] huge wooden panels bear the of.