The Hagia Sophia and its brief history

The stunningly old Hagia Sophia could soon become a mosque. The 6th-century Byzantine cathedral, a part of Turkey’s long history, has been one of the significant structures of the world. Also known as the Church of the Holy Wisdom, Hagia Sophia was constructed back in 360 AD. Today, it seems like this UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is a museum, might become a mosque soon. But this is not the first time that this is happening. The history of the Hagia Sophia is an interesting one.

A short history of the Hagia Sophia
The history of the Hagia Sophia cannot be possibly covered in a few words. This incredible landmark went through numerous phases in the history of Turkey. It began as a Christian church until it was taken over by Mehmeg II, a Sultan who converted it into his imperial mosque. Much of the structure went through some changes in tune with Islam, but it continued to resonate its grace and beauty. In fact, during that time, beautiful Arabic calligraphy adorned it. A mihrab was installed on the walls that showed the direction of the holy city of Mecca.

The Hagia Sophia was originally built as a basilica for the Greek Orthodox Christian Church. During a time when Istanbul was known as Constantinople, the first structure used to have a wooden roof.

However, this first structure was burnt down in 404 AD, and it was rebuilt in 415 AD. But as fate would have it, this too was demolished in 532 by Emperor Justinian I, who ordered that a new basilica was to be built. Hence, the third basilica was built by renowned architects Isidoros and Anthonios.

Eventually, during the Ottoman Empire, the Hagia Sophia was converted into a mosque.
The Hagia Sophia today

The building serves as a mosque today, it has been so since 1953, after the Republic of Turkey was established.

All this can change, as Muslim religious leaders of Turkey have been pushing for it to become a mosque once again. This year already, verses of the Quran were read out inside the Hagia Sophia, commemorating the fall of the Ottoman Empire. This has happened for the first time in 85 years.