Hagia Sophia’s history spans nearly 1,500 years, beginning with its dedication as an Eastern Orthodox cathedral in 537 CE under Byzantine Emperor Justinian I. Originally called the Magna Ecclesia or 'Great Church', it served as the principal church of the Byzantine Empire for over 900 years before becoming an imperial mosque in 1453, a museum in 1935, and a mosque once again in 2020.
The Three Hagia Sophias
The magnificent structure seen today is actually the third church to be built on this sacred site. The history of Hagia Sophia is a cycle of destruction and ever-grander reconstruction, reflecting the turbulent history of Constantinople itself.
First Church: The Magna Ecclesia (360-404 CE)
The original Hagia Sophia was first consecrated on 15 February 360 CE during the reign of Emperor Constantius II. Known as the Magna Ecclesia ('Great Church'), it was a traditional wooden-roofed basilica. This first structure had a tragically short life, burning down during riots in 404 CE.
Second Church: Theodosius's Basilica (415-532 CE)
A second, more substantial church was built on the same site by Emperor Theodosius II and inaugurated in 415 CE. This version was also a grand basilica with a wooden roof. However, it too was completely destroyed by fire in 532 CE during the Nika Riots, a massive urban revolt against Emperor Justinian I.
Third Church: Justinian's Masterpiece (537 CE - Present)
Determined to build a church grander than any before it, Emperor Justinian I commissioned the current structure just weeks after the Nika Riots. He hired two brilliant Greek geometers, Isidore of Miletus and Anthemius of Tralles, as architects. They designed a revolutionary structure combining a traditional basilica plan with a colossal central dome. Construction was completed in the astonishingly short time of just five years, from 532 to 537 CE.
Key Events in Hagia Sophia's Timeline
From imperial coronations to devastating earthquakes and religious transformations, Hagia Sophia has been at the centre of world history for centuries. Its timeline reflects the rise and fall of empires.
- 532-537 CE: The current Hagia Sophia is constructed under Emperor Justinian I.
- 558 CE: The original dome collapses following an earthquake and is rebuilt to be taller and more stable.
- 1204 CE: During the Fourth Crusade, the church is looted and desecrated by Crusaders, who convert it into a Roman Catholic cathedral for nearly 60 years.
- 1453 CE: After the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople, Sultan Mehmed II converts Hagia Sophia into an imperial mosque. Islamic features like a mihrab, minbar, and four minarets are added over time.
- 1935 CE: Under the secular Turkish Republic's founder, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, Hagia Sophia is converted into a museum.
- 1985 CE: Hagia Sophia is designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the Historic Areas of Istanbul.
- 2020 CE: The Council of State annuls the 1934 cabinet decree, and Hagia Sophia is officially reclassified as a mosque.
Today, Hagia Sophia continues to operate as a mosque, open to worshippers, while tourists can visit the upper gallery to admire its incredible architecture and surviving mosaics. A guided tour can help unravel the many layers of its complex past.
Frequently asked questions
How old is Hagia Sophia?
The current structure of Hagia Sophia is nearly 1,500 years old. Construction began in 532 CE and was completed in 537 CE, making it one of the oldest and most significant buildings in the world.
Was Hagia Sophia a church or a mosque first?
Hagia Sophia was built first as a Christian cathedral in 360 CE. It served as the most important church in Eastern Orthodox Christianity for over 900 years before being converted into a mosque in 1453.
Who built the Hagia Sophia?
The current Hagia Sophia was built by the Byzantine Emperor Justinian I between 532 and 537 CE. He commissioned two Greek architects, Isidore of Miletus and Anthemius of Tralles, who were renowned mathematicians and engineers.
Why was Hagia Sophia built?
Emperor Justinian I built Hagia Sophia to be the grandest cathedral in his empire, a symbol of Byzantine power and Christian faith. It was constructed to replace a previous church on the site that had been destroyed in the Nika Riots of 532 CE.
Understanding this rich history is key to appreciating the monument. Plan your visit and book tickets to see this architectural masterpiece for yourself.