The Hagia Sophia served this pivotal role in Byzantine culture and politics for much of its first years of existence. However, during the Crusades , the city of Constantinople, and by extension the Hagia Sophia, was under Roman control for a brief period in the 13th century. The Hagia Sophia was severely damaged during this period, but was repaired when the Byzantines once again took control of the surrounding city. The next significant period of change for the Hagia Sophia began less than years later, when the Ottomans, led by Emperor Fatih Sultan Mehmed—known as Mehmed the Conqueror—captured Constantinople in The Ottomans renamed the city Istanbul.
As Islam was the central religion of the Ottomans, the Hagia Sophia was renovated into a mosque. As part of the conversion, the Ottomans covered many of the original Orthodox-themed mosaics with Islamic calligraphy designed by Kazasker Mustafa İzzet.
The mosaic on the main dome—believed to be an image of Christ—was also covered by gold calligraphy. A mihrab or nave was installed in the wall, as is tradition in mosques, to indicate the direction toward Mecca, one of the holy cities of Islam. Four minarets were also added to the original building during this period, partly for religious purposes for the muezzin call to prayer and partly to fortify the structure following earthquakes that struck the city around this time.
From —nine years after the Republic of Turkey was established by Ataturk—to , the legendary structure was operated as a museum by the national government. Beginning in , some Islamic religious leaders in the country sought to have the Hagia Sophia once again opened as a mosque. Hagia Sophia Museum. Allen, William. Matthews, Owen Hagia Sophia. Ancient History Encyclopedia. But if you see something that doesn't look right, click here to contact us!
Subscribe for fascinating stories connecting the past to the present. The Pantheon is one of the best-preserved monuments of ancient Rome. Edit Profile. Subscribe Now. Your Subscription Plan Cancel Subscription. Home India News Entertainment. HT Insight. My Account. Sign in. The crowds began avoiding the church, believing it to be the haunt of demons. Several locals reported that they witnessed the Holy Spirit leave the church, just days before Constantinople fell to the Ottoman siege in In May , the Ottoman forces attacked, leading to the fall of Constantinople under the Byzantines.
Under the Ottoman rule, the church was converted into the Hagia Sophia mosque, and the first Friday prayer was held on 1 June Its treasures and architectural elements were looted and plundered. Large-scale renovation efforts were undertaken, where floor carpets were replaced, new design elements were added and mosaics were restored. Conservationists and historians have maintained a keen eye on the Hagia Sophia, considering its mosaics in particular as a source of insights into its rich history.
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