Haigha Sophia considered as the first and the last unique application in terms of its architecture, magnificence and functionality has been inspiration for Ottoman mosque on the basis of giving opinion, and is product of synthesis of west and east. The art is one of the wonders of the world remained until now. Therefore Haigha Sophia in addition to its historical background, has been attracting or centuries with its architecture, mosaics and structures of Turkish Period.
Haigha Sophia was used as church for 916 years, as mosque for 481 years and was converted into museum in 1935.
Byzantine historians (Theophanes, Nikephoros, Grammarian Leon) suggested that Haigha Sophia was built during reign of Konstantinos I (324-337). Basilica designed, wooden roofed building was burned down during a rebellion. There is nothing left from this structure.
Empiror Theodosiusmade Haigha Sophia built for the second time and it was opened for praying in 415. Again basilica designed building was burned down during Nika rebellion in 532. In the excavation made in 1936, some ruins about the building was discovered. They were steps indicating the entrance of the building, columns, headings, various architectural parts.
Emperior Iustinianus (527-565) wanted to built a church bigger that the first two buildings, and made the present Haigha Sophia built by Isidoros from Miletos and Ankhemios from Tralles, the two famous architects of the era. Columns, heads, marbles and colourful stones from various ancient cities of Anatolia wer brought to Istanbul for use in Haigha Sophia.
The works were commenced on December 23, 532 and completed on December 27, 537. When studied in terms of architecture, the building consists of a large middle location, two side locations (nef.) absis, interior and exterior nartexes. Interior location is in 10070 m sizes and is enclosed with a dome in 30.31 m diameter supported by four large piers, 55 m. High.
In addition to architecture of the Building, mosaics are also very important. The oldest mosaics are golden gilded geometrical and plant figured the ones put on inner nartex and side nephs. Figured mosaics were made in 9th-12th centuries. They are seen on Emperor door, abscise, exit doors and upstairs gallery.
During the Turkish period started with concurrence of Istanbul, several repairs were made to Haigha Sophia Mihrap surrounding includes the best samples of Turkish pottery and writing arts. The sure taken from Koran inscribed by Kazasker Mustafa İzzet Efendi, a famous calligrapher and rounded plates in 7.50 m diameter are attracting attention. The names of "Allah, Muhammed, Ömer, Osman, Ali, Hasan, Ebu Bekir, Hüseyin are inscribed. On the side walls of the Mihrap, there are plates written and granted by Ottoman sultans.
Tombs of Sultan Selim II, Sultan Mehmet III, Sultan Murat III and some shezades, and fountain of Multan Mahmut I, school of children, catering, library, Sultan abdülmecit's meeting place and mosque time keeper house are here, and toms with their interior design, pottery and architecture are examples of Ottoman tradition.
The Museum is open between 9.30-16.30 every day except Mondays.