The Hagia Sophia Church, known as the Church of Divine Wisdom, is a historical and architectural masterpiece that dates to the 4st century. It is one of the most famous and visited landmarks on the Historic Peninsula, and it never fails to fascinate its visitors with its impressive architecture. The church is located in Sultanahmet Square, just a few steps away from Topkapi Palace, Hippodrome, and Basilica Cistern. The church stands majestically, and its grandeur is complemented by its sparkling mosaics and the awe-inspiring dome that is still astonishing to modern people.
Emperor Justinian ordered the construction of the Hagia Sophia Church, which is considered one of the most important architectural structures in the world. The church was designed by two of the most prominent architects of the period, the mathematician and physicist Anthemius of Tralles and the architect Isidore of Miletus. The construction of this magnificent church was completed between 532 and 537 by 10,000 workers. For almost a thousand years, the church was considered the largest in the world and served as the center of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate until Mehmet the Conqueror conquered Istanbul in 1453.
Mehmet the Conqueror turned the church into a mosque, one of the first things he did after taking the city. It remained a mosque until Atatürk's order in 1935, which converted the building into a museum. In July 2020, the Turkish Council of State made a historic decision to reverse the Cabinet decree that had turned the Hagia Sophia Mosque into a museum. This decision allowed for the Hagia Sophia to be used once again as a mosque, marking a significant moment in Turkey's history and religious culture. The Hagia Sophia, originally built as a cathedral in the 6th century, has been the subject of much debate and controversy over the years due to its status as a symbol of both Christian and Islamic heritage. Nevertheless, this decision by the Turkish top court has been met with both celebration and criticism and has sparked discussion and reflection on the role of religion and culture in modern society. Despite the different functions the building has served throughout history, its beauty and grandeur have remained intact.
