• About
    • Explore The Other Tour
    • 2025 Itinerary
    • Common Questions Answered
    • The Other Tour Reviews
    • About Us
    • Contact
  • Istanbul
    • Tour Guides
    • Attractions
    • Tours
    • Neighborhoods
    • Eat & Drink
    • Stay
    • Shop
  • Turkey
    • Turkey Tours
    • Destinations
    • Istanbul
    • Cappadocia
    • Ephesus
    • Pamukkale
    • Antalya
    • Bodrum
  • Services
    • Private Tours
    • Daily City Tours
    • Made-to-order Travel
    • Hire a tour guide
    • Unique Activities
    • Airport Transfers
    • Hotel Selection
    • Vacation Booking
    • Corporate Group Tours
    • Culinary Tours
    • Event Planning
    • Istanbul Layover Tours
    • Family Time
  • Blog
    • TOP 5 ISTANBUL
    • Events
    • Documentary
    • History
    • News
    • All
No Result
View All Result
  • About
    • Explore The Other Tour
    • 2025 Itinerary
    • Common Questions Answered
    • The Other Tour Reviews
    • About Us
    • Contact
  • Istanbul
    • Tour Guides
    • Attractions
    • Tours
    • Neighborhoods
    • Eat & Drink
    • Stay
    • Shop
  • Turkey
    • Turkey Tours
    • Destinations
    • Istanbul
    • Cappadocia
    • Ephesus
    • Pamukkale
    • Antalya
    • Bodrum
  • Services
    • Private Tours
    • Daily City Tours
    • Made-to-order Travel
    • Hire a tour guide
    • Unique Activities
    • Airport Transfers
    • Hotel Selection
    • Vacation Booking
    • Corporate Group Tours
    • Culinary Tours
    • Event Planning
    • Istanbul Layover Tours
    • Family Time
  • Blog
    • TOP 5 ISTANBUL
    • Events
    • Documentary
    • History
    • News
    • All
No Result
View All Result

It’s a church. It’s a mosque. It’s Hagia Sophia.

One of the most iconic and historically significant structures in the world

TheOtherTour by TheOtherTour
February 25, 2025
in Documentary, Istanbul Attractions, Istanbul Travel Blog, Istanbul Videos
Reading Time: 6 mins read
A A
6
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Introduction

Hagia Sophia, or Ayasofya in Turkish, is one of the most iconic landmarks in Istanbul, Turkey, and a symbol of its rich and complex history. Originally built as a Christian cathedral by the Byzantine Emperor Justinian I in the 6th century, it later became a mosque after the Ottoman conquest in 1453, and then a museum in 1935 by the order of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of modern Turkey.

What's so special about Hagia Sophia?

The Hagia Sophia is not just a building; it is a living testament to the shifting tides of religion, power, and culture over the course of nearly 1,500 years. Its magnificence and symbolism captivate scholars, architects, and travelers alike.

Here are some key aspects that make it special:

Architectural Innovation and Grandeur

Hagia Sophia was built in 537 AD during the reign of Byzantine Emperor Justinian I. Its design broke new ground in architectural innovation, especially with its massive dome. The dome, considered an engineering marvel, measures 31 meters in diameter and seems to float above the building thanks to the unique construction techniques used.

Learn all about Hagia Sophia's dome

Religious Significance

Originally a Greek Orthodox Christian cathedral built in the 6th century, Hagia Sophia has served as a central place of worship for multiple religions over the centuries.

Image Source: NY Times

It was converted into an Ottoman mosque in the 15th century after the conquest of Constantinople by Mehmed the Conqueror.

In 1935, it was secularized and turned into a museum by the Republic of Turkey, and in 2020, it was reconverted into a mosque. This layered religious history makes it a symbol of both Christian and Islamic heritage.

Artistic Beauty

The interior of Hagia Sophia is adorned with magnificent mosaics, frescoes, and Islamic calligraphy. The mosaics, many of which date back to the Byzantine era, depict various religious figures and scenes. When it was converted into a mosque, these mosaics were plastered over but later restored when it became a museum.

Cultural and Historical Significance

The transition of Hagia Sophia from a church to a mosque, and later to a museum in 1935 by the secular Turkish Republic, reflects the region’s tumultuous history and the interplay of different religions and cultures. Each phase of its existence has left an imprint, making it a palimpsest of Byzantine, Ottoman, and modern Turkish history. As a museum, it served as a symbol of secularism and a bridge between the Christian and Islamic worlds.

However, in 2020, Hagia Sophia was controversially reconverted into a mosque, sparking debates about its role and significance. This decision was seen by many as a step back from secularism, raising concerns about the preservation of its artistic and historical treasures, and sparking international criticism about the politicization of cultural heritage.

Throughout its history, Hagia Sophia has been more than just a physical structure; it’s a symbol of shifting powers, religious tolerance (and sometimes intolerance), and the intersection of East and West. It stands as a testament to the rich, diverse, and often contentious history of a region at the crossroads of continents and cultures.

A Unique Structure

Hagia Sophia’s unique blend of Christian and Islamic elements, its grand scale, and its rich history contribute to its status as one of the world’s great architectural achievements and a symbol of Istanbul’s diverse heritage.

Haghia Sophia exterior

Hagia Sophia was not only a masterpiece of Byzantine engineering and art, but also a symbol of imperial power and religious devotion, a witness to many historical events and changes, and a source of inspiration for many artists and architects.

Entrance fee to the museum

Tourists pay a €25 fee to explore the 1,500-year-old cultural and religious landmark in Istanbul. The change, aligned with UNESCO’s guidance, aims to preserve the site, separating tourists and worshippers.

The new entry fee, effective this month, accompanies separate entrances for worshippers and tourists, along with a headset system providing multilingual commentary. Türkiye‘s initiative seeks to enhance site preservation, visitor experience, and crowd control.

2025 Update: Hagia Sophia's Hidden Underground World Will Open to Visitors

The work is under way
This is fantastic news

Starting in 2025, visitors to Hagia Sophia can explore its newly accessible underground sections, including ancient cisterns, tunnels, and a three-room tomb. These areas, hidden for centuries, offer a deeper insight into the monument’s 1,500-year-old history.

The restoration and cleaning process, still ongoing, ensures the preservation of these architectural marvels while improving the monument’s overall stability and ventilation. This new access promises to illuminate the rich legacy of both Hagia Sophia and Istanbul.

Conclusion

The cathedral/mosque was designed to impress and awe the visitors with its sheer size and beauty, and how it served as a link between heaven and earth, God and humans. Hagia Sophia with its multiple identities and meanings, and invites us to appreciate and respect its historical and cultural significance beyond any religious or political affiliation.

Hagia Sophia Tours

Metin Koca, a professional tour guide in Istanbul

If you are interested in learning more about Hagia Sophia and other hidden gems of Istanbul, check out The Other Tour and our creative and off-beat approach to tourism. We offer private tours that focus on local experiences, storytelling, and social impact, and that avoid the typical tourist traps and clichés.

Best tour guides in Istanbul
More about our company

Get in touch for a guided tour

Fill in the form to start the conversation.

We collaborate with the finest professional tour guides in Istanbul, ensuring an exceptional experience tailored to your needs. Let us know how we can assist!

Tags: ArchaeologyArchitectureByzantine LegacyChurchConstantinopleEuropean SideHagia SophiaHistoryIslamic HeritageIstanbulIstanbul ToursIstanbul TripIstanbul VisitMosqueMuseumsReligionSultanahmetunderground

Related Posts

Buyukada in January 2024 by The Other Tour Istanbul.
News

Is it safe to travel to Turkey in 2025?

With two wars happening in the region and steep inflation, let's answer whether it's actually safe to travel to Turkey in 2025?

Cats & Istanbul
Documentary

Cats & Istanbul

Istanbul never ceases to surprise us, and one of the most unexpected things is the abundance of cats. Yes, cats. They are everywhere!

Cats & Istanbul
Foundations & NGOs

Stray Animals in Istanbul: A City of Cats and Dogs

Istanbul, a vibrant city on two continents, is home to not just millions of people but also hundreds of thousands of stray cats...

Istanbul Alternative Tours
Istanbul Neighborhoods

Cihangir – Where Cats and Artists Roam

Cihangir blends imperial memory and bohemian spirit. Discover Istanbul’s hilltop village of cafés, cats, and soul-stirring views.

Istanbul Cat Tour
Istanbul Tours

Istanbul Cat Tour

Discover the city's rich history, visit cat-friendly neighborhoods, and interact with Istanbul’s famous street cats on the Istanbul Cat Tour!

Bosphorus Cross Continental Swim
Events

Bosphorus Cross Continental Swim

Istanbul hosts a 34-year event where athletes from around the world swim across two continents: Bosphorus Cross Continental Swimming Race.

Next Post
POWER OF TRAVEL

TRAVEL WITH A PURPOSE

Comments 6

  1. Pingback: Best Istanbul Tours 2023 - The Other Tour
  2. Pingback: Private Istanbul Tours - The Other Tour
  3. Pingback: Byzantine Empire - The Other Tour
  4. afrocuk says:
    2 years ago

    nice video, sweet post

    Reply
  5. Melis says:
    9 months ago

    Thank you for this detailed post! I had no idea about the architectural innovations of Hagia Sophia. Makes me even more excited to visit next month.

    Reply
    • TheOtherTour says:
      9 months ago

      Hagia Sophia truly is a masterpiece. It’s hard to believe that a structure from the 6th century can still evoke such awe. Thanks for your comment.

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Most Commented Articles

  • Unspoken Facts about Turkey 2025

    Unspoken Facts about Turkey 2025

    15 shares
    Share 703 Tweet 440
  • Is it safe to travel to Turkey in 2025?

    16 shares
    Share 2043 Tweet 1277
  • The Other Tour Itinerary

    17 shares
    Share 519 Tweet 325
  • Ideas for a layover in Istanbul

    7 shares
    Share 138 Tweet 86
  • Istanbul Layover Tours – All You Need to Know in 2025

    67 shares
    Share 238 Tweet 149
  • Private Istanbul Tours

    25 shares
    Share 312 Tweet 195
  • The Mystery of Turkish Language

    46 shares
    Share 573 Tweet 358
  • It’s a church. It’s a mosque. It’s Hagia Sophia.

    447 shares
    Share 179 Tweet 112
  • Best Places to Run in Istanbul

    418 shares
    Share 167 Tweet 105
  • Every Siege of Constantinople in Chronological Order

    385 shares
    Share 154 Tweet 96

Tags

Aegean Sea Ancient City Ancient Civilizations Archaeology Architecture Arts & Culture Asian side Beach Best Tours in Turkey Bosphorus Byzantine Legacy cappadocia Church Constantinople Cruise Culture Day trips Environment European Side Events and Happenings Fun Hagia Sophia Historic Landmarks History Hotels Istanbul Istanbul Tours Istanbul travel Istanbul Trip Istanbul Visit Mediterranean Museums Nature Ottomans Recommendations Religion restaurants Reviews Sultanahmet The Other Tour Turkey Turkey Travel Turkish Cuisine Turkish Culture Water

About us

2025 Itinerary

https://youtu.be/hCPhlFh9N8Q

We offer a unique, immersive city tour experience in Istanbul that explores lesser-known areas, engaging participants in cultural activities like local home visits, market explorations, and Bosphorus cruises.

In addition to our signature tour ‘The Other Tour‘, our travel agency also provides a variety of custom guided tours, private itineraries, and specialized tours covering historical, cultural, and niche interests like Jewish heritage, vegan spots, and bird-watching. We also offer transportation services with professional guides for a more personalized and flexible experience.

Newsletter

The Other Tour is an immersive Istanbul experience, taking you beyond tourist spots to explore local culture with activities like home-cooked meals, school visits, and Bosphorus cruises. As a travel agency, we also offer personalized travel planning in Istanbul and Turkey, crafting custom itineraries and unique experiences tailored to each traveler.

Company

  • Explore
  • 2025 Itinerary
  • Services
  • F.A.Q.
  • Blog
  • Philosophy
  • About
  • Contact

Our Services

  • Private Tours
  • Private Tour Guides
  • Airport Transfers
  • Made-to-order
  • Hotel Selection
  • Culinary Tours
  • Shopping Tours
  • Unique Activities

Turkey

  • Destinations
  • Istanbul
  • Cappadocia
  • Ephesus
  • Pamukkale
  • Bodrum
  • Antalya
  • Mediterranean
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Jobs
  • Get in touch

© 2025 The Other Tour - Istanbul by Eren Nergiz Travel.

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • The Other Tour
    • 2025 Itinerary
    • F.A.Q.
    • About us
    • Reviews
    • Contact
  • Istanbul
    • Tours
    • Tour Guides
    • Attractions
    • Neighborhoods
    • Food
    • Stay
    • The Bosphorus
  • Turkey
    • Turkey Tours
    • Destinations
    • Cappadocia
    • Ephesus
    • Pamukkale
    • Antalya
    • Bodrum
  • Services
    • Private Tours
    • Daily City Tours
    • Made-to-order Travel Planning
    • Unique Activities
    • Hire a tour guide in Istanbul
    • Layover Tours
    • Culinary Tours
    • Hotel Selection
    • Family Time
    • Event Planning
    • Corporate Group Tours
  • Blog
    • TOP 5 ISTANBUL
    • Read
    • Events
    • News
    • Turkey
    • Documentary
    • Turkish Food
    • Turkish Music
    • Istanbul Videos
    • All Categories
    • All Posts

© 2025 The Other Tour - Istanbul by Eren Nergiz Travel.