What Is The Hagia Sophia?

The Hagia Sophia is currently a museum in Istanbul, Turkey. The building originally functioned as an Orthodox church and after the Otthoman conquest of Constantinope in 1453, it served as a mosque. The Hagia Sophia changed functions and became a museum in 1935.

A church has stood on the grounds of the Hagia Sophia since the 4th century, although nothing is left of the original structure. The current building was constructed in A.D. 537 and the church became known as the Holy Wisdom Temple in Byzantium. The main dome has a diameter of 31 meters and it remains one of the best examples of Byzantine architecture. The church was of great significance for both Byzantine emperors, as well as Orthodox patriarchs. After the Ottoman conquest of 1453, four minarets were built around the church in an effort to transform it into a mosque.

Today, the Ayasofya Museum displays a stunning combination of restored Christian and Muslim artwork, such as icons and frescos, which are presented side-by-side in this former place of worship.

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