Hagia Sophia, Istanbul: a brief description, photos, history, address, time

Of the many attractions of Turkey, perhaps the most popular and most visited is the Hagia Sophia (Istanbul). The locals call it Aya Sophia. They proudly display this magnificent building, all guests visiting the country. And this is no accident. Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, a photo of which adorns all the brochures of travel agencies – the magnificent building with a rich history, original architecture and distinctive design of the interior.

This religious building has witnessed numerous historical events of ancient Constantinople (now Istanbul), his story is full of various, often tragic events-earthquakes and destructions, fires and wars. However, the building survived and today pleases his Majesty not only local residents but also many visitors to the city.

Cathedral of Saint Sophia in Istanbul: history

Many seem strange that for over 1000 years this building was the largest Church in the Orthodox world. The first building constructed on the site of the present Cathedral was built in the year 360, during the reign of Constantine. A relatively small Basilica was covered with a wooden roof and had the appropriate form.

In the year 404, during civil unrest, the building was burned. Theodosius II ordered it reconstructed in 415 BC. The new Basilica had five naves and it also had a wooden roof. In 532, after the civil unrest (the Nika revolt), during the reign of the Emperor Justinian was destroyed and this building.

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About who built the previous churches, were not kept reliable data. But the names of the creators of the present buildings are well known. This Anthemios and Isidoros. Hagia Sophia in Constantinople (Istanbul) was erected by the same Justinian. The architecture of the new buildings was significantly different from pre-existing basilicas.

First temple

The Cathedral was laid in the year 532, and already five years later (537 g) under its arches held its first worship service. Later, the Hagia Sophia became a regular place of coronation of the emperors of the Roman Empire. In July 1054 in the walls of this temple, a representative of Leo IX (Pope) – cardinal Humbert and Patriarch Michael Cerularius excommunicated each other from the Church (anathema). This event was the cause of the Church split into Catholic and Orthodox.

Construction of the mosque

In the period between 1204 and 1261 years Istanbul was occupied by the crusaders. At this time the city itself, and the Church was seriously damaged. Conquered in 1453 Constantinople, the Sultan Mehmed began to establish Muslim practices. The building of the Cathedral are well bolstered, have installed additional columns supports. Thus, appeared on this earth the mosque of Hagia Sophia. During the reign of Sultan Mehmed was built a madrasah-a Muslim educational institution, which survived until the seventeenth century.

The Museum

In the nineteenth century (1847-1849). in the Cathedral was held the reconstruction. The brothers Fossati, who at the time were by architects, removed the compartment where the emperors prayed. It was located in the Northern part of the temple in a small alcove, and on the left was attached to the mihrab. In 1935, Hagia Sophia (Istanbul) was announced the house-Museum of Ataturk.

In 2006, after numerous appeals of believers to the government, the Church was allowed to conduct religious rituals. Church historians say that the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul was the place where the ambassadors of the Russian Prince Vladimir met with the idea of Orthodox religion. Shocked by the beauty of the ongoing service, they advised the Prince to convert to the Christian faith of Holy Russia.

How does the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul?

The Magnificent temple is in the form of an oblong quadrangle. It forms three naves: one (middle) – wide side – more narrow. The Basilica has a square Central crossing, which is crowned by the dome. Huge dome system of the temple is a masterpiece of religious architecture of its time.

According to Turkish researchers, the strength of the walls of the Cathedral is achieved by adding to the solution (construction) extract of the dried leaves of the ash. The centre of a wide nave, square at the base, capped at the corners by four columns, which propped up the huge arches and covered with a flat dome (31 meters). Its top is 51 feet from the surface of the earth. The dome arches are radial. In its lower parts, located in megarachne intervals, cut with 40 arched Windows. This creates a feeling of light belt, located in the lower part of the dome.

Even by the standards of the modern builders, the building has a very impressive size –75х68 meters. Most of the architectural and technical solutions, which were first applied when it was built the Hagia Sophia (Istanbul), continued to be used in religious architecture around the world.

Interior

Hagia Sophia (Ayasofya), a short description of which tourists can find in brochures of travel agencies or the travel guide for the city, particularly impressiveits huge size at the entrance.

The Interior of the temple lasted for several centuries. She's always been luxury. The walls are completely covered with tile (as ornaments and scene composition). Used in construction of various-colored marbles, make the first two floors of dark grey, almost black. Closer to the dome (the upper levels) ... it does seem to be Golden.

The Main feature of this amazing building lies in a harmonious combination of Muslim and Orthodox religions. Four large medallions in Arabic script bears the name of the prophet Muhammad, Allah and the first caliphs. Between the medallions there is an Orthodox fresco with the virgin's face.

A Huge impression on all tourists makes visiting the second floor of the temple. Hence the 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. In due time they separated the main room of the Cathedral from the Imperial rooms.

Mosaics

The most Valuable element of the interior of the temple are ancient mosaics. Experts are conventionally divided into three historical periods:

• IX century (beginning);
• IX-X century;
• The end of the tenth century.

In 1935, began restoration work on the restoration of the old Orthodox frescoes and mosaics. Historians especially like the image of the Mother of God (mosaic), which is located in the apse. It is made on a gold background. Clothing the virgin in dark blue. This is a gorgeous combination of gold dark blue emphasizes the spirit of Byzantine greatness.

The Remarkably well-preserved apse and the altar, next to which you can see the Lodge of the Sultan. During worship, there were present the Governor, along with approximate and sons. Opposite the bed was equipped for women from the family of the Sultan. An important element of the interior should be called huge wall mural that is executed in classical Ottoman calligraphy tradition.

Unfortunately, to date the mosaics preserved are not very many. One of them depicts the virgin Mary with Emperor John II. At the time, the Governor has allocated huge funds for the construction of this temple.

What to look for?

The traditional Place of coronation of the emperors of Byzantium – omphalion. It is a marble circle, located on the floor of the Cathedral.

Weeping column covered with copper. It at low altitude (at the level of human growth) is a small hole. As an ancient legend goes, if the hole to put your finger and make this moment a wish, it will certainly come true.

“side window” – one more sight of the ancient temple. Interestingly, in the hottest day of the window, blowing a cool, refreshing breeze.

Among the Islamic monuments mosque Hagia Sophia should note the well-preserved mihrab and an altar in one of the apses of the temple. In addition, it refers to carved marble Minbar, which was created in the XVI century during the reign of Sultan Murad III.

Tourists will be interested in and separate bed for the muezzin. She turned to Mecca-the tomb of the Ottoman sultans. Of great interest is the examination of the primary school building, the library, the fountain and the centre for the poor, which was built by Sultan Mahmud I in the XVII century.

Hours

If you want to go to Turkey, make sure to visit Hagia Sophia (Istanbul). The address of this wonderful monument of history and architecture: Aya Sofya Sq., Sultanahmet, Istanbul, Turkey. Are sure that you will enjoy exploring this magnificent structure.

It Should be noted that their visitors every day waiting Hagia Sophia (Istanbul). Working time varies a little depending on the season. Summer (15.04 on 01.10) the Museum is open from 9.00 to 19.00 and in the winter-from 9.00 to 17.00. Ticket sales end at 18.00 in the summer, winter – at 16.00.

The Cost of visiting the Museum is thirty Turkish liras, and for younger visitors (under twelve years) absolutely for free. The Lira exchange rate you can check with the travel agent directly before you travel. Anyone who wants to visit the Cathedral of Sophia in Istanbul should be aware that during the Holy for all Muslims month of Ramadan, the temple is not running.

Travel?

If you are going to visit the Museum independently (not as part of a tour group), you should know how to reach it. Make it pretty easy using public transport. You will need a bus (route T4) or light rail (TR1). The stop you need is called “Sultanahmet”.

Guests can take the metro (Havalimani-Aksaray) from the airport to Zeytinburnu station. Then you need to transfer to tram TR1, which will take you to places. If you're stay in Sisli area, you can take the metro to Taksim.