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Explore the incredible journey of the Hagia Sophia, often referred to as the great mosque of the Ayasofya and the church of Hagia Sophia, situated in Istanbul. This iconic architectural place of worship has a long history, having been demolished and reconstructed many times since its initial construction in 360 AD.

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Discover the complex construction history, starting with its commission by Emperor Constantine of the Byzantine empire. Initially built as a basilica for the Greek church, we trace its first destruction in 404 due to riots following political conflict. It was rebuilt by Emperor Theodosius II and completed in 415, featuring five naves and a monumental entrance.
The structure was again burnt to ashes during the Nika revolt. The present-day Hagia Sophia was commissioned by Emperor Justinian II and built by renowned architects Isidoros (Milet) and Anthemios (Tralles), being completed in 537 after just six years. Learn about its unique design, which combined the orthodox basilica style with a large domed roof and semi-domed altar. The current structure utilised marble imported from Turkey (Anatolia) and Syria, along with bricks from distant places such as North Africa. We explain the initial structural challenges due to the rapid construction and weight disbalance, and how the architects ultimately stabilised the building, allowing it to last for over 1500 years.
The interior design included mosaics of the six-winged angels, known as Hexapterygon, though the initial design was simple before murals were added by various emperors. Uncover the societal structure reflected in its architecture, as the seating plan was divided into two levels to segregate people by gender and class, ensuring the rich and powerful sat on the top level.
The religious function changed dramatically in 1453 when the Ottoman Empire, led by Sultan Mehmed II, took over Istanbul. The Hagia Sophia transitioned from a place where Byzantine kings were crowned to a Muslim worship ground. We examine the changes made by the sultans, including the addition of four minarets and new caliphs mosaics, which covered the pre-existing ones. Finally, we cover its modern status: declared a museum in 1935 upon the formation of the Republic of Turkey, and its reported reopening as a Muslim place of worship in 2020.
Watch now to understand why Hagia Sophia is so important!



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