Hagia Sophia Museum and Mosque

When visiting Turkey for tourism, the Hagia Sophia Museum and Mosque in Istanbul are must-see attractions. 

Capturing a photo next to this impressive architectural wonder will create a memorable souvenir. 

This place is significant for the blend of different civilizations' arts and its role as a meeting point for religions. 

Exploring it will be a beautiful experience that you will always remember.

Location of the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul

The Hagia Sophia Museum and Mosque in Istanbul is located in the Fatih district on the European side of the city.

Overview of the Hagia Sophia Museum and Mosque in Istanbul

The Hagia Sophia Museum and Mosque in Istanbul was constructed under the rule of Byzantine Emperor Justinian I in 532. 

It served as the most significant church in Constantinople for 10 centuries until it was conquered in 1453 by Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror, who ordered the conversion, making it the main mosque of the capital.

The Hagia Sophia Museum and Mosque in Istanbul remained the city's most important mosque for 460 years until the end of the Ottoman sultanate. 

When the Turkish state was established by the first president, Kemal Ataturk, he ordered the conversion into a museum. 

This decision was made because the Hagia Sophia is a witness to various historical periods and is a landmark for all religions.

In 2020, the Supreme Administrative Court decided to reclassify the Hagia Sophia Museum and Mosque in Istanbul as a mosque, while maintaining its status as one of the city's most significant tourist, archaeological, and historical attractions. 

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This decision was made despite the recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

The Hagia Sophia Museum and Mosque in Istanbul has a main dome that is 56 meters wide and is surrounded by seven smaller domes with 40 windows. 

These smaller domes are supported by four columns, one of which is 24 meters long, and are known for their green marble color. 

The mosque has nine entrances and features a unique shape with a spacious courtyard at the front, resembling a Roman-style building.

The Hagia Sophia Museum and Mosque in Istanbul combines paintings from both the Byzantine and Ottoman periods that have merged over time. 

It features 170 porphyries (a form of rock) marble columns and 6 stone supports added by the famous architect Sinan Pasha during restoration.

Activities Available at the Hagia Sophia Museum and Mosque in Istanbul

When you visit the Hagia Sophia Museum and Mosque in Istanbul, you will see the unique architecture that mixes Byzantine and Ottoman styles. 

Check out the lovely mosaic decorations, brightened by light coming through the holes.

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During your visit to the Hagia Sophia Museum and Mosque in Istanbul, you will find countless fascinating details that will make for memorable photos. Don't miss the Mosque cemetery, which holds the mausoleums of 5 Ottoman sultans. 

After your tour, take a break in Gulhane Park across the street, shop for souvenirs at nearby markets like the Grand Bazaar, and explore other landmarks like the Sultan Ahmed Mosque and Topkapi Palace.

Visiting times and entrance fees to the Hagia Sophia Museum and Mosque in Istanbul

If you want to visit the Hagia Sophia Mosque in Istanbul, you must follow the visiting times according to the following:

• The museum opens its doors to visitors in the summer, from April 15 to October 31, from nine in the morning until seven in the evening.
• The museum is open in the winter, from November 1 to April 14, from nine in the morning until five in the evening.
• The last time to enter the venue is one hour before closing time.
• The museum closes its doors in the first days of Ramadan and is open to visitors half the time during the holidays.
• The cost of an entrance ticket to the museum is 60 Turkish liras, and tickets are sold daily until four in the afternoon.

Ways to get to Hagia Sophia Museum and Mosque in Istanbul

You can reach the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul through several ways, the most prominent are:

• Tramway: By getting off at Sultanahmet station on the train going to Kabatas or Eminonu
• Buses: By riding on buses going to Eminonu, and getting off at Sultanahmet station
• Metro: By taking the train from the metro station in Taksim Square, heading to the Kabatas area, then taking the tram to Sultanahmet

Services are provided to you by Reyana Tourism

Reyana Tourism Company (Istanbul Private Tour) provides hotel and resort reservation services in Istanbul and also helps you choose packages suitable for your beloved activities and tours throughout the year in the most gorgeous destinations, various natural landmarks, and famous sites. ‏

Take advantage of the special offers offered by early reservations for you and your family, to enjoy a comfortable, enjoyable, and unforgettable travel experience.