Hagia Sophia Mosque: A Testament to Timeless Love and Devotion -Hasan Morshed

“You have to wear long clothes. Go that way; collect long clothes.’’ This was the instruction to the security personnel standing at the entrance to the famous Hagia Sophia mosque in Istanbul. It is normal for people to come to the mosque wearing modest clothes. Usually, the worshippers go to the mosque. However, Muslims and people of other religions visit various historical mosques in Turkey, including Hagia Sophia. There is no need for decent clothes among these people of different religions. They come to the mosque in their scanty clothes. Therefore, the Hagia Sophia Mosque instructs them to cover their bodies with long garments upon entry. However, people wearing open, fair clothes did not seem to object. They went to the designated counter, picked up long dresses and scarves, and then entered the Hagia Sophia Mosque. If one is unable to wear a scarf, Muslim women do so.

The Hagia Sophia Mosque is located along the Bosphorus Strait in Istanbul, Turkey. Next to it is the location of Sultan Ahmed Mosque and Topkapi Palace, a collection of various items used by the Prophet, including various tools used by the Prophet Mohammad (PBUH). The reason Hagia Sophia Mosque is famous is that it was once a Christian church. Later, Muslims converted it into a mosque. After the end of Ottoman rule, the secular Turkish government closed Hagia Sophia and turned it into a museum. In 2020, the current Turkish government under Recep Tayyip Erdoğan converted the Hagia Sophia into a mosque. The mosque now hosts regular prayers. It was Turkey’s top tourist attraction in 2015 and 2019.

The Hagia Sophia is a marvel of architectural design and engineering. Its unique structure combines a longitudinal basilica and a centralized building in an entirely original manner. Here are some key architectural features:

Central Plan: Unlike traditional basilicas or rectangular-shaped buildings, Hagia Sophia adopts a central plan with a domed central nave.

Dome and Semi-Domes: The massive main dome, measuring 32 meters (105 feet) in diameter and supported on pendentives, is the centerpiece of the Hagia Sophia. Two semi-domes flank this dome, one on each side of the longitudinal axis. The architects of this monument planned a 32-meter-diameter dome that was 49 meters from the ground.

Elaborate Mosaics: Intricate mosaics depicting religious figures and scenes once adorned the interior walls of the Hagia Sophia.

Decorative Elements: The Hagia Sophia features columns made from various materials, such as marble and porphyry. The strategic placement of these columns throughout the building enhances its aesthetic appeal.

Historical Evolution: The construction of the Hagia Sophia, as we know it today, was not the first in the same location. In fact, the site saw the construction of three different Hagia Sophia structures, each reflecting the site’s historical and architectural evolution.

Religious Significance: The Hagia Sophia’s architecture reflects the religious changes that have played out in the region over the centuries, with the minarets and inscriptions of Islam as well as the lavish mosaics of Christianity.

The Hagia Sophia’s architectural grandeur and historical significance make it a must-visit monument for anyone interested in history, architecture, or religion. It stands as a testament to the ingenuity and vision of its builders, and its enduring beauty continues to inspire awe and admiration to this day.

The Roman ruler Justinian built this church from 532 to 537 AD. After the Ottomans took Constantinople in 1452, they converted Hagia Sophia into a mosque. Various images of Christianity were removed. This was the main mosque at the time. Later, in 1616, the construction of the adjacent Sultan Ahmed Mosque made it the main mosque.

However, it is difficult to distinguish between Muslims and people of other religions in Turkey by dress. Muslim women walk the streets in divine western fashion, wearing open clothes. The culture of men going out in half-pants continues. You can also find women donning the hijab or burkha. The number of Muslim men wearing beards and hats is not less. So it is difficult to say that all those who come to visit Hagia Sophia mosque dressed in Western fashions are from other religions.

After crossing the long line and going through the security check, you have to enter the Aya Sophia Mosque. This is followed by instructions to the security personnel to wear long or modest clothing. Along with the men, there are female security personnel. These female security personnel wear hijabs. After the security check, you have to enter the mosque premises through the gate on the right side. Entering through this gate is a shame. The roof of this ozukhana, which is round and open, is a small dome. In fact, the ablution roof of all mosques in Turkey is made in accordance with the dome of the mosque.

Various historical monuments are preserved inside the mosque. Then comes the main place of prayer. This place is divided into several parts. The front two parts are used for prayers at different times. No one is allowed to enter the very front except for the prayer. With the barricades, it says this section is for worshippers. Tourists can walk in the middle part. However, no women are allowed to stay here when the prayer starts. They are then moved to the rear. However, there is a separate place on the left side for women to pray. The imam’s place is on the right side of the mosque’s middle. There is a wooden roof. A man sat there and recited a prayer. At the exact time of prayer, the imam approaches the pulpit. At the end of the prayer, the man on the wooden roof started reciting prayers. There was an opportunity to offer Asr prayers in this mosque with the congregation. The mosque is 55 meters (180 feet) high and 73 meters wide. It has been recognized by UNESCO as part of the World Heritage List.

On the front wall of the huge dome, there are two huge boards with Allah and Mohammad written on them. This mosque consists of several domes. Different designs. There are also verses in the Qur’an. However, various pictures of the religious beliefs of the Christians have been removed here. A couple from Greece seemed to get a little upset about this. One of the visitors, namely Anis, came from Bosnia with his wife to see this mosque. They are very happy to see this historical structure. On the right side of the mosque are copies of the Qur’an Majid of various sizes, stored in a lower room. They are kept in writing on Rehal. But there is no permission to enter that room. There are several exits from the main mosque.

Until 1931, regular prayers were held in this Hagia Sophia mosque. It was then closed for four years. It was again opened to the public in 1935, but as a museum. And now the mosque’s microphone is making the call to prayer five times a day.

In conclusion, the Hagia Sophia is more than just a mosque; it’s a symbol of Turkey’s rich cultural and religious history. Its walls echo the prayers of the faithful, and its domes bear witness to centuries of religious transformation. Whether you’re a believer or a tourist, a visit to the Hagia Sophia offers a glimpse into the past and a deeper understanding of the present. It stands as a testament to the power of faith, the resilience of cultures, and the enduring allure of architectural grandeur.