The importance and history of Hagia Sophia Mosque
Hagia Sophia was built between 532 and 537 by the Byzantine Emperor Justinian I as a basilica-planned patriarchal cathedral in the old city center of Istanbul's historical peninsula.
After the Ottoman conquest of Istanbul in 1453, it was converted into a mosque by Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror. From 1935 to 2020, it served as a museum. In 2020, it was converted back into a mosque by presidential decree.
THE HISTORY OF HAGIA SOPHIA
Located in Sultanahmet Square in the Fatih district of the historical peninsula, Hagia Sophia is the largest Byzantine church ever built in Istanbul and was constructed three times in the same location.
Hagia Sophia was converted into a mosque by Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror after the conquest of Istanbul in 1453. Although various historical documents indicate that the structure was in a dilapidated state, it has not suffered any damage since the conquest of Istanbul and has been preserved in excellent condition to this day through reinforcements and repairs.
Hagia Sophia was converted into a museum on November 24, 1934, upon the suggestion of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk and by a decision of the Council of Ministers, and opened to visitors on February 1, 1935.
