Hagia Sophia: Exquisite museum of Islamic, Christian influences

To this first-time tourist, the mention of Hagia Sophia by a guide suggested a visit to one of royal palaces for a queen or princess during the Ottoman period. But it’s even more interesting, as it is a beautiful, historic monument. The Turkish masterpiece was designed by Greek scientists called Isidore of Miletus, a physicist […]

To this first-time tourist, the mention of Hagia Sophia by a guide suggested a visit to one of royal palaces for a queen or princess during the Ottoman period. But it’s even more interesting, as it is a beautiful, historic monument. The Turkish masterpiece was designed by Greek scientists called Isidore of Miletus, a physicist and Anthemius of Tralles, a mathematician. 
Hagia Sophia is located on the European part of Istanbul and due to its historic significance and importance, it was chosen a world heritage site by UNESCO in 1985. In its 1,400 years of existence, it has served as a cathedral, mosque and now a museum. It was built in the remarkably short time of about six years, being completed in 537 AD.
Origin of Name
Hagia Sophia, in Greek, means Holy Wisdom. The exquisite, even if ancient, architectural work was originally built as a cathedral in Constantinople, then the capital of the Byzantine Empire (now Turkey). The state, officially Christian, originally formed the eastern half of the Roman Empire and was still in existence after the fall of Rome. The Hagia Sophia has remained a significant place for Christians till date.
As a church, then mosque
On entry, a visitor sees the Hagia Sophia’s beautiful mosaics at the entrance depicting the Virgin Mary holding baby Jesus, Saint Joseph and others. It remains the only church that was not destroyed after the victory by the Ottoman Empire.
In 1453, Constantinople was conquered by the Ottoman Turks under Sultan Mehmed II, who ordered this main church of the Orthodox Christianity converted into a mosque. By this point, the Church had fallen into a state of disrepair. Nevertheless, the Christian cathedral made a strong impression on the new Ottoman rulers and they decided to convert it into a mosque. (The bells, altar, iconostasis, and sacrificial vessels and other relics are currently on display in the museum).
Islamic features, including the four famous minarets, were added. It remained a mosque until 1931 when it was closed to the public for four years. It was re-opened in 1935 as a museum by the Republic of Turkey.
The prophet Muhammad, PBUH, had prophesied that the first Muslim to pray in Hagia Sophia would go to paradise. Since then, it was a great ambition for Muslim leaders to visit Hagia Sophia.
As a museum
In 1934, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk ordered that Hagia Sophia would become a museum. In 1935, Hagia Sophia was fully converted into a museum of Turkish Republic and became one of the most significant monuments not only in Turkey but in the world with its architecture and its historical richness.
The uncovering of mosaics had already begun in 1931 by the leadership of Thomas Whittemore. This time the white plasters covering the mosaics were pulled out, carpets on the floor were removed and the original marble décor could be seen for the first time in centuries. Hagia Sophia Museum opened in 1 February 1935. 
A historian, Vlasto, once asked: “What is the secret of Hagia Sophia and other structures which have been standing for centuries? These structures are evidence that Turks give importance to science and fine arts as much as their swords.”
Hagia Sophia with its madrasas, mausoleums, tombs, gathering place, elegant library built by I. Mahmud, gallery, fountain and school, has been described as  one of the most important Islamic sites in the world.