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THE ST.SOPHIA-HAGIA SOPHIA

Hagia Sophia, which is assumed as the first and the only unique application in connection with its architecture, magnificence, size and functionality; is a product of east - west synthesis which inspired the Ottoman mosques on the basis of thoughts. This piece of art is one of the most important monuments, remained till today of the world architectural history. For this reason, Hagia Sophia had drawn attention of all humans with its architecture, mosaics and Turkish era structures besides its historical background during centuries. Hagia Sophia was church for 916 years, and mosque for 481 years, and now functions as a museum since 1935.

The initial Hagia Sophia, which is assumed to be constructed by Emperor Ist Konstantinos (324 - 337) by Byzantium historians had burned as a result of a revolt, and no ruins had reached today. Emperor IInd Theodosius, had constructed Hagia Sophia for the second time and opened for worship on 415. Similarly basilica planned this structure had burned on 532 during Nika revolution. During the excavations performed on 1936, some ruins related with this have been revealed. Stages, columns, heads showing the entrance to this temple are various architectural parts.

Emperor Iustinianus (527 - 565) had wished to constructed a bigger church than first two Hagia Sophia, and appointed one of that period's architects, Isidoros from Miletos and Anthemios from Tralles to construct the Hagia Sophia, which reached today. Columns, heads, marbles and colorful stones from antic cities of Anatolia are import to Istanbul for usage in hagia Sophia.

Construction of Hagia Sophia is started on 23rd December, 532, and completed on 27th December, 537. When one investigates it in connection with architecture, it is composed of big middle place, two side places, apses, internal and external nartexes. Internal place has a size of 100 x 70 m., and covered with a 55 m. high dome with 30.31 m. diameter, which is supported by four big feet.

Mosaics besides architecture of Hagia Sophia are also very important. Oldest mosaics are the mosaics with geometric and plant motifs which have golden silvering at internal nartexes and side places. Figured mosaics are constructed between IXth and XIIth centuries. These can be seen on Emperor's gate, apses, exit gate and upper floor gallery.

Hagia Sophia, during the Turkish period beginning with the conquer of Istanbul, is repaired for several times. Balcony surrounding includes the best samples of Turkish tile art and Turkish calligraphy. A section of the Koran of Turkish Calligraphist Kazasker Mustafa Ýzzet Efendi on the dome and 7.50 m. diameter round plates are the most interesting ones among these. On these plates, Allah, Muhammed, Ömer, Osman, Ali, Hasan, Ebu Bekir, Hüseyin's names are written. On the side walls of the balcony, there are plates on which Ottoman rulers are written, and present here as a gift.

Sultan II. Selim, Sultan III. Mehmet, Sultan III. Murat and princes' mausoleums, Sultan I. Mahmut's (fountain) þadýrvan, children school, charitable establishment, library, Sultan Abdülmecid's sovereign court, clock room are the Turkish period examples of Hagia Sophia, and composes the most beautiful examples of classical Ottoman mausoleum tradition with its mausoleums, internal decoration, tiles and architecture.

Open hours to visit: 09.30 - 16.30

Open days to visit: Everyday except Monday.