Hagia Sophia, Istanbul: short description, photo, history, address, time of work

Of the many tourist attractions in Turkey, perhaps the most popular and most visited is the Hagia Sophia (Istanbul). The locals call it Aya Sofia. They proudly demonstrate this grandiose construction to all guests visiting the country. And this is not accidental. The Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, whose photo flaunts in all the travel brochures of the travel agencies, is a magnificent building with a rich history, original architecture and original interior decoration.

This cult building has witnessed numerous historical events of the oldest Constantinople (present-day Istanbul), its history is full of various, often tragic events - earthquakes and destruction, fires and wars. Nevertheless, the Council has survived and today it pleases with its greatness not only local residents, but also numerous guests of the city.

Hagia Sophia in Istanbul: the history of creation

Many will find it strange that for more than 1000 years this building was the largest temple in the Orthodox world. The first building on the site of the present Council appeared in 360, during the reign of Constantine. A comparatively small basilica was covered with a wooden roof and had a corresponding shape.

In 404, during the public riots the building was burnt. Theodosius II ordered it to be reconstructed in 415 AD. The new basilica had five naves and also had a wooden roof. In 532, after the popular unrest (the uprising of Nick), during the reign of Emperor Justinian, this building was also destroyed.

About who built the previous temples, there is no reliable data. But the names of the creators of the current building are well known. This Anzemios and Isidoros. The Cathedral of St. Sophia in Constantinople (Istanbul) was built thanks to the same Justinian. The architecture of the new structure was significantly different from the pre-existing basilicas.

The First Temple

The cathedral church was laid in 532, and after five years (in 537) the first divine service was held under his arches. Later Aya Sophia became a permanent place of the coronation of the emperors of the Roman Empire. In July 1054, within the walls of this church, the representative of Leo IX (pope) - Cardinal Humbert and Patriarch Michael Kirularia - excommunicated each other from the church (anathematized). This event caused the church split into Catholics and Orthodox.

The construction of the mosque

Between 1204 and 1261 years, Istanbul was occupied by the Crusaders. At this time, the city itself and the church were seriously damaged. Having conquered Constantinople in 1453, Sultan Mehmed began to establish Muslim orders. The building of the Cathedral was well fortified, additional poles of pillars were installed. Thus, the mosque Aya Sophia appeared on this land. During the reign of Sultan Mehmed, a madrasah was built - a Muslim educational institution, which existed until the 17th century.

Creating a museum

In the XIX century (1847-1849 gg.) In the Cathedral the next reconstruction was carried out. The Fossati brothers, who at that time were architects, removed the compartment where the emperors had once prayed. He was located in the northern part of the temple in a small niche, and to the left a mihrab was attached. In 1935 the Cathedral of Hagia Sophia (Istanbul) was declared the house museum of Mustafa Ataturk.

Since 2006, after numerous appeals of believers to the government of the country, Muslim ceremonies were allowed in the church. Church historians claim that it was the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul that became the place where the ambassadors of Russian prince Vladimir met with the idea of the Orthodox religion. Shocked by the beauty of the service conducted here, they advised the prince to convert Holy Russia into the Christian faith.

What does the Hagia Sophia look like in Istanbul?

The magnificent temple has the form of an oblong quadrangle. It forms three naves: one (medium) - wide, two lateral - more narrow. The basilica has a quadrangular cross, which crowns the dome. The huge dome system of the temple is a masterpiece of the iconic architecture of its time.

According to Turkish researchers, the strength of the walls of the Cathedral is achieved by adding to the solution (building) extract of dry ash leaves. The center of the wide nave, square at the base, is bounded at the corners by four columns that prop up huge arches and are covered with a flat dome (31 m). Its top is 51 meters from the surface of the earth. The dome is made up of radial arches. In its lower parts, located in the interstices, 40 arched windows are cut. This creates a feeling of a huge light belt located in the lower part of the dome.

Even by the standards of modern builders the building has very impressive dimensions -75x68 meters. Most of the architectural and technical solutions that were first applied when the Hagia Sophia (Istanbul) was built, were further used in the cult architecture around the world.

Interior decoration

The Cathedral of Hagia Sophia (Istanbul), a short description of which tourists can find in advertising brochures of travel agencies or in a guide to the city, is particularly impressive with its huge size at the entrance to the interior.

The interior decoration of the temple lasted for several centuries. She was always a luxury. The walls of the Cathedral were completely covered with mosaics (both ornaments and plot compositions). Used in the construction of various colors of marble, make the first two floors dark gray, almost black. Closer to the dome (in the upper tiers) the walls seem to be cast in gold.

The main feature of this amazing structure is the harmonious combination of Muslim and Orthodox religions. On four large medallions the Arabic script shows the names of the prophet Muhammad, Allah and the first caliphs. Between the medallions there is an Orthodox fresco with the face of the Virgin.

A huge impression on all tourists is made by visiting the second floor of the temple. Hence the Cathedral of Hagia Sophia (Istanbul) looks even more majestic. Here you can admire the beauty of this ancient structure. On the second floor you can see the famous marble gate. At one time they separated the main room of the Cathedral from the imperial rooms.

Mosaics

The most valuable element of the interior decoration of the temple are the ancient mosaics. Experts conventionally divide them into three historical periods:

• IX century (the beginning);
• IX-X centuries;
• End of X century.

In 1935, restoration work began to restore the ancient Orthodox frescoes and mosaics. Historians especially appreciate the image of the Mother of God (mosaic), which is located on the apse. It is executed on a gold background. The clothes of the Mother of God are dark blue. This magnificent combination of gold with dark blue emphasizes the spirit of Byzantine greatness.

Surprisingly well preserved apse and altar, next to which you can see the sultan's box. During the services, the ruler was present here, along with his relatives and sons. Opposite was the bed for women from the Sultan family. An important element of interior decoration should be called the huge wall panels, which are executed in the traditional for Ottoman calligraphy traditions.

Unfortunately, today there are not many mosaics left. One of them depicts the Virgin Mary with Emperor John II. In due time this ruler allocated huge funds for the construction of this temple.

What should I look for?

The place of the traditional coronation of the Byzantine emperors is an omphalion. It is a marble circle located on the floor of the cathedral.

The crying column is covered with copper. In it at a small height (at the level of human growth) is a small hole. As the ancient legend says, if you insert a finger into the hole and make a wish at that moment, it will come true without fail.

The "cold window" is another attraction of the ancient temple. It is curious that on the hottest day a cool, refreshing breeze blows from this window.

Among the Islamic monuments of the Aya-Sofia mosque, it is worth noting the well-preserved mihrab and altar in one of the apses of the temple. In addition, they include a carved marble minbar, which was created in the 16th century during the reign of Sultan Murad III.

Tourists, certainly interested in a separate box for the muezzin. It is facing Mecca - the tomb of Ottoman sultans. Of great interest is the inspection of the building of the elementary school, library, fountain and center for the poor, which was built by Sultan Mahmud I in the 17th century.

Working hours

If you are going to go to Turkey, we recommend that you visit the Hagia Sophia (Istanbul). The address of this amazing historical and architectural monument: Aya Sofya Sq., Sultanahmet, Istanbul, Turkey. We are sure that you will be satisfied with the visit of this magnificent structure.

It should be noted that the Cathedral of Hagia Sophia (Istanbul) is waiting daily for its visitors. The time of work varies slightly depending on the season. In the summer (from 15.04 to 01.10) the museum works from 9.00 to 19.00, and in the winter - from 9.00 to 17.00. Sale of tickets ends in the summer at 18.00, in the winter - at 16.00.

The cost of visiting the museum is thirty Turkish liras, and for young visitors (under the age of twelve) the entrance is completely free. You can check the lira rate at the travel agency just before the trip. Everyone who wants to visit the Sofia Cathedral in Istanbul, should know that during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, the temple does not work.

How to get there?

If you are going to visit the museum yourself (not in the tour group), then you should know how to get to it. This is quite simple, using the city transport. You will need a bus (route T4) or a high-speed tram (TR1). The stop that you need is called "Sultanahmet".

Those interested can use the metro (Havalimani-Aksaray) from Ataturk Airport to Zeytinburnu Station. Then you need to change tram TR1, which will take you to the place. If you live in the Sisli area, then you can take the metro to Taksim station.