Istanbul’s Hagia Sophia – A magnificent host to history
In A.D. 532, Justinian the Great of the Eastern Roman Empire (Emperor Justinian I) took a decision to build a church that would make all the other religious monuments look pale before it.
Hence, after a period of nearly five years in 537 A.D., Justinian the Great, at the inaugural ceremony of the Hagia Sophia, announced with pride, saying, “ Oh Solomon, I have surpassed you,” while referring to the Solomon Temple, considered to be the first ever temple of Judaism, built in the 10th century BCE by the Son of David.
The Hagia Sophia is located at the heart of Sultanahmet district in the city of Istanbul. It can be easily recognized even from a far off distance by its unique pink-terracotta color. Both the Hagia Sophia as well as its Muslim counterpart (Sultanahmet) are regarded to be the two greatest historical monuments of the Eminonu district. Sultanahmet is also home to several famous historical masterpiece of historical importance including the famous Topkapi Palace and the Basilica Cistern.
Meaning ‘God’s sacred wisdom,’ Hagia Sophia is part of the three churches made by Justinian the Great who was known as an “emperor who never sleeps.” The Aya Irene, meaning the sacred peace of God, and the Aya Dinamos, meaning the sacred strength of God, look pale when compared to the Hagia Sophia (Ayasofya in Turkish). Although, the Aya Irene can still be found within the complex of the Hagia Sophia, there are no remains to be found of the Aya Dinamos.
In an exclusive interview given to sultanahmet1.com, a professional tour guide since two decades and an architect, Adnan Ozerler, says, “The Ayasofya was actually built on top of an Athenian temple.” Also a member of the Istanbul Tour Guides Union (TUREB), Ozerler goes on to add saying,”Back in the fourth and fifth centuries there were two temples in what later became Constantinople. These were later destroyed by dissidents.”
Ozerler revealed that the Hagia Sophia happens to be the first ever basilica to have a dome and the largest structure of the archaic age. It is believed to be cost nearly 20,000 pounds of gold. Being made of blocks of stone along with the layers of bricks used in-between; the monument has withstood the test of time. According to Ozerler, the wall of the Hagia Sophia happens to be the hardest type of wall, and the same pattern was followed while constructing the walls around Constantinople (now Istanbul) by Constantine the Great. After the construction of the walls around the city of Constantinople, the construction of the Hagia Sophia was a simple task for the architects and laborers.
The rosy terracotta color of the building that we see today was not the original color. The gray bricks were not painted with any color and were left uncovered. Ozerler adds, “We believe that there was fresco and a chemical coat to protect it from damage caused by rain.” The Hagia Sophia which we see today happens to be almost the same after the changes done to it by Faith Sultan Mehmet in 1453.
Meanwhile, some of the major changes made to the Hagia Sophia are as follows---
- The dome originally had a painting of Mary and Jesus. However, as the paintings of people are not allowed in Islam, so, a chapter taken from the Quran has been placed over the paintings. The chapter contains a reference to Mary and Jesus, both of whom are regarded with great respect in Islam.
- A couple of panels providing support to the building- these are nearly 1465 years old and have held the building stable for so much time.
- The four minarets of the building having names of their own. The first minaret, called the Fatih minaret was made by Fatih Sultan using bricks. The second minaret was made by Bayezid II, while the two other were made in the 16th century by Mimar Sinan on the orders of Selim II.
- There were several additions to this church to transform it into a mosque. Hence, although, Eastern Orthodox churches face Jerusalem, the Hagia Sophia was structured with its face towards Mecca. Other additions included the muaddhin mahver, the mihrab and mimbar, all of which face Mecca.
- Another change included a madrasa built in the Hagia Sophia by Fatih Sultan Mehmet during his reign.
So, we can see that the Hagia Sophia went through a huge transformation. The famous architect Ozerler explained during his interview that he saw a big chip of painting falling from the ceiling just above the mimbar, revealing St. John’s (The Baptist) painting. “Such is the greatness of sultans such as Fatih Sultan Mehmet -- he chose to cover the original paintings instead of scraping them off completely,” stated Ozerler, as he recalled the destruction of numerous other structures by the emperors just to show off their supremacy many centuries ago.
Emperor Justinian the Great purchased marble from Aegean and the Thrace regions for building the church. He also left his mark on the top of each pillar within the building of the Hagia Sophia.
Hagia Sophia- an exquisite monument of motivation---
No doubt, the Hagia Sophia has undergone a huge transformation since the time during which it was built. However, the fact is that it was and will always remain a structure of grandeur for a long time to come. It was envied by Muslim sultans and architects who felt a feeling of awe and inspiration on seeing it.
To cite an example, once Sultan Mehmet I, who was a devoted Muslim, asked Sevekdar Mehmet Aga, an architect, to build a huge mosque that would surpass the Hagia Sophia. “Although the architect balked the criteria specified, saying that it would be a disproportionate and unaesthetic structure, he would eventually comply with the sultan’s request,” quotes Ozerler.
The Sultanahmet Mosque (Blue Mosque) happens to be nearly 40 percent smaller than the Hagia Sophia, however, Sedefkar Mehmet Aga created the illusion to make the mosque appear bigger in comparison to the Hagia Sophia.
In Serbia, there is a replica of the Hagia Sophia. Known as the Sava Von Serbien Church, the construction of this building was completed in Belgrade during 1980s.
The Hagia Sophia happens to be a magnificent structure adorning the Bosphorus that has stood the test of time and will continue to be a source of inspiration for numerous mosques in the times to come.
Underground Cistern (Basilica Cistern or Sunken Palace , Yerebatan Sarayi)
Underground Cistern, also known as the Basilica Cistern during the Roman Era, is believed to have been constructed in 532 A.D. This cistern once used to provide water to the entire city of Istanbul. However, after the city was conquered by the Ottomans, this cistern was a forgotten past. It was only in 1545 when this cistern was re-discovered and used for providing water to the Topkapi Palace gardens.
Basilica Cistern (Sunken Palace)
Originally built by Constantine the Great, this underground water tank was enlarged in the 6th century by Justinian I. The cistern with a depth of 8 m. and dimensions of 70*140 m. is considered to be the last cistern built by Justinian I following the Nika Revolt in 532 A. D. during the Byzantium period. It has 336 columns in 12 rows
While visiting this beautiful place, you cannot miss to see the two heads of Medusa taken from some ancient pagan site and put upside down. While one head is inverted, the other is on its side. The position in which the heads of Medusa are placed affirms the fact that the people who put these heads here were Christians.
Some of the other names of this cistern are Sunken Palace and Yerebatan Sarayi. The cistern was restored again and cleaned during 1985-1988 by the Municipality of Istanbul. A wooden walkway is another addition to this cistern by the Municipality. Wooden planks laid down along the decorative columns in the cistern help the visitors to walk and enjoy the beauty of this place.
Now days, this cistern is a large chamber with a number of pillars to provide support. With addition of numerous artificial lights blinking rhythmically with piped in music and several walkways is one of the major tourist attractions in the city of Istanbul. Due to its magical and soul stirring ambience, the cistern is also being used as a venue for holding a number of Classical Music Concerts.
It is a beautiful and an interesting place to be included in your list of places to be visited in Istanbul. It is a cool and refreshing respite from the hot and humid weather outside during summers in Istanbul. Located just next to the famous Hagia Sofia, this Underground Cistern is best to be visited during the weekdays when there is less rush of visitors so that you can enjoy the magical atmosphere of this place.
You can visit the Yerebatan Cistern on all days from between 9 am to 5 pm except on Tuesdays when it is closed for visitors. You need to pay an entry fee of about $7 to $8 per person which is worth spending on visiting such a magical place.
Top 10 Tourist Sites of Istanbul
Istanbul Sight -Blue Mosque - Hagia Sophia
If you are on a short visit to Istanbul and want to experience the richness of the place in your visit, then you might feel confused as to which places to visit and which to keep for the next time. This is because Istanbul is a any tourist’s delight as it has not just one or two riches but a plethora of beautiful and famous historical places to be explored. However, the following list of places will help you get the best of Istanbul in the shortest possible time----
Hagia Sophia Sultanahmet Istanbul Turkey
Hagia Sophia —Also known as Aya Sofya , this ancient monument was built in 532-537 A.D. during the rule of Justinian. Being one of the masterpieces of architectural design, it has Byzantine mosaics that date back from sixth century to the 10th century. It was converted to an Ottoman mosque following the fall of Byzantium. Now days, this church works as a museum open for public from Tuesday to Sunday.
Blue Mosque —Popularly known as Sultanahmet Mosque , this magnificent ancient building was made in 1609-1616 by Mehmet Aga. This functioning mosque has nearly 250 windows that allow natural light to flow in making the place appear larger in size. Tourists can enter the mosque once the prayers are over.
Topkapi Palace--- Topkapi Palace was built by Mehmet II after the conquest of Constantinople to be used as his main residence. Built in 1465, the buildings comprise a number of pavilions inside the huge courtyards. This palace used to be the Sultan’s residence and the official government seat. In 1924, Topkapi Palace was converted to a museum and since then, it has on display some of the most exquisite and finest collection of manuscripts, miniatures, jewelry, costumes and some items of religious significance.
Grand Bazaar--- Grand Bazaar is not just any ordinary place to shop. In fact, it has numerous shops, eating joints, banks and a mosque in its periphery. A visit to Istanbul is incomplete without visiting this famous place that is packed to capacity whenever you go there. This covered bazaar was built in 1453 by Mehmet II following his win over the city. It is open from Monday till Saturday.
Basilica Cistern---Meant to provide water to the Great imperial palace, this cistern was made in 532 A.D. by Justinian and is located near the Hippodrome. The cistern has 336 columns of being nearly 26 feet high providing support to the roof. The visitors can enjoy walking along the side ways of the cistern and listen to the mesmerizing sound of water.
Galata Tower--- Built in 1348, this huge tower seemingly touching the skyline used to serve the purpose of a watch tower during the Ottoman period. One can have views of Princes’ Islands from the top of this tower on clear days. The top floors of this tower have been converted to a night club and a restaurant.
Chora Church---This church of St. Savior was constructed in the 11th century at the site where an earlier church used to exist. The remodeling of Chora Church was done during 1315-1321 with the help of funds provided by an elite Byzantine theologian, Theodore Metochites. The walls and the roofs of this church have some of the most exquisite mosaics of the Byzantine period that depict religious scenes of Christ and Virgin Mary among others. The church now serves as a museum after its conversion into a mosque during the 16th century.
Spice Bazaar---As the structure was built from the funds collected through tax imposed on goods imported from Egypt, this bazaar got to be known as Egyptian Bazaar or Misir Carsisi. From spices, caviar, nuts to herbs, the bazaar is a good place to shop for spices of almost all types. This is a perfect place to shop for herbs to get relief from a number of ailments.
Dolmabahce Palace---Designed by the famous Armenian family of architects, this palace was made by Sultan Abdulmecit I in 1856. One can go inside the palace only by guided tour. The palace is still very luxuriant although it was built when the Ottoman Empire was on its last legs.
Eyup Sultan---Eyup is regarded as one of the main Muslim pilgrimage ranking only after Mecca, Medina and Jerusalem. It is the resting place of Eyup Ensari, the “alamdar” or the standard bearer of the Prophet Muhammad. Eyup Ensari was buried outside the city walls following his death during the siege of Constantinople by Arabs in 678 A.D. Meanwhile, a mosque was built around the tomb of Eyup Ensari by Sultan Mehmet II after he conquered Istanbul. Being a sacred place, it is often visited by Muslims for performing prayers and seeking blessings.
