Hagia Sophia, originally a cathedral and later converted into a mosque, is a historic landmark located in Istanbul, Turkey. Here are some simple facts about Hagia Sophia:
Historical Background: Hagia Sophia was built as a cathedral by the Byzantine Emperor Justinian I in the 6th century AD. It served as the main church of the Eastern Orthodox Church for nearly 1,000 years.
Architectural Marvel: The building is renowned for its impressive dome and intricate mosaics. It was considered the largest cathedral in the world for nearly a thousand years until the completion of the Seville Cathedral in 1520.
Conversion into a Mosque: After the Ottoman Empire conquered Constantinople (modern-day Istanbul) in 1453, Hagia Sophia was converted into a mosque by Sultan Mehmed II. Minarets were added, and many of the Christian mosaics were covered or removed.
Museum Conversion: In 1935, under the leadership of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of modern Turkey, Hagia Sophia was secularized and turned into a museum. The mosaics were uncovered and restored.
Reconversion into a Mosque: In July 2020, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan signed a decree converting Hagia Sophia back into a mosque. The decision sparked both domestic and international reactions.
UNESCO World Heritage Site: Hagia Sophia was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985. Its historical and cultural significance has made it a symbol of the rich heritage of Istanbul.
These facts highlight Hagia Sophia’s multifaceted history, transitioning from a cathedral to a mosque and, most recently, to a mosque again, reflecting its significance in both Christian and Islamic histories.