Ancient Byzantium
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Byzantium was founded by Greek colonists from Megara in 667 BC. The name is believed to be of Thracian or Illyrian origin and thus to predate the Greek settlement. It may be derived from a Thracian or Illyrian personal name, Byzas. Ancient Greek legend refers to a legendary king of that name as the leader of the Megarean colonists and eponymous founder of the city.
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Roman Foundations
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Before the Roman emperor Constantine the Great made the city the new eastern capital of the Roman Empire on May 11, 330, he undertook a major construction project, essentially rebuilding the city on a monumental scale, partly modeled after Rome. Names of this period included ἡ Νέα Ῥώμη "the New Rome"
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Christian Era
Church of Theodosius II
A second church on the site was ordered by Theodosius II, who inaugurated it on 10 October 415. The basilica with a wooden roof was built by architect Rufinus. A fire started during the tumult of the Nika Revolt and burned the second Hagia Sophia to the ground on 13–14 January 532. |
Church of Constantius II
The first church on the site was known as the Μεγάλη Ἐκκλησία (Megálē Ekklēsíā, "Great Church"), because of its larger dimensions in comparison to the contemporary churches in the City. Inaugurated on 15 February 360 
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Basilica of the Hagia Sophia (current structure)
On 23 February 532, only a few weeks after the destruction of the second basilica, Emperor Justinian I decided to build a third and entirely different basilica, larger and more majestic than its predecessors.
Justinian chose two Archons; a geometer and engineer Isidore of Miletus and mathematician Anthemius of Tralles as architects.
On 23 February 532, only a few weeks after the destruction of the second basilica, Emperor Justinian I decided to build a third and entirely different basilica, larger and more majestic than its predecessors.
Justinian chose two Archons; a geometer and engineer Isidore of Miletus and mathematician Anthemius of Tralles as architects.
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The emperor, together with the Patriarch Menas, inaugurated the new basilica on 27 December 537 – 5 years and 10 months after construction start – with much pomp. The mosaics inside the church were, however, only completed under the reign of Emperor Justin II (565–578).
Agia Sophia was the seat of the Orthodox patriarch of Constantinople and a principal setting for Byzantine imperial ceremonies, such as coronations. Like other churches throughout Christendom, the basilica offered sanctuary from persecution to outlaws. |
Ottoman Era
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Mosque (1453–1935)
Constantinople fell to the attacking Ottoman forces on May 29, 1453. In accordance with the traditional custom at the time, Sultan Mehmet II allowed his troops and his entourage three full days of unbridled pillage and looting in the city shortly after it was captured. Once the three days passed, he would then claim its remaining contents for himself. Agia Sophia was not exempted from the pillage and looting and specifically became its focal point as the invaders believed it to contain the greatest treasures and valuables of the city.
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Story of two Conquerors Saladin and Suleiman
When Islam was conquering the middle East, in taking Jerusalem, though many Christian holy sites were re-converted Saladin, against the wishes of many of his Generals, refused to destroy the Churches and the Church of the Holy Sepulcher was handed over to the Greek Orthodox community. In fact, Saladin was invited by Patriarch Sophronios to pray in the Holy Church. However Saladin refused because Muslims would get the wrong idea and want control of the church. |
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Modern Turkey
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Ayasofya Müzesi
In 1935, the first Turkish President and founder of the Republic of Turkey, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, transformed the building into a museum. The carpets were removed and marble floor decorations such as the Omphalion appeared for the first time in centuries, while the white plaster covering many of the mosaics was removed. Nevertheless, the condition of the structure deteriorated, and the World Monuments Fund placed Hagia Sophia on 1996 World Monuments Watch, and again in 1998.
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Uncovering the Mosaics |
In 1931, an American archeologist Thomas Whittemore, who founded the Byzantine Institute of America, asked Atatürk’s permission for uncovering the mosaics of Hagia Sophia. After getting the permission, the works on mosaics started in 1932. This compelling task lasted for about 15 years.
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"1500 Years of History in one building, a Landmark of human achievement, a symbol of Peace and WISDOM" ED
