The Hagia Sophia is an ancient structure that has stood for over 1,700 years and has an underground network of interconnected tunnels!
This network of tunnels is one of Istanbul’s most undiscovered spots, and it was only recently brought to the public’s attention through a documentary.
Visitors planning to explore the Hagia Mosque and are curious about the tunnels must read further to discover how they can see a part of this complex network and its history!
What are the Hagia Sophia Underground Tunnels?
Hagia Sophia stands above an interconnected pattern of tunnels, which is believed to lead right up to the Kinaliada Princes Islands!
They also connect to Topkapi Palace, Sultanahmet Square, and Basilica Cistern, and you can also see a 4th-century tomb area with three chambers underground.
You can also find a trapdoor-like opening next to a chestnut tree near the Mosque, leading to the underground chambers.
In front of the northwest facade are two garden cellar structures, which are believed to be from the Mosque’s original atrium!
It is quite a vast space that archeologists have yet to discover entirely.
The only discoveries made here are covered in the 2009 Documentary “In the Depths of Hagia Sophia!”
Exploring the Tunnels: In the Depths of Hagia Sophia Documentary.
Research of the wells conducted in 2005 found nine wells filled with water surrounding the Church, all of which lead to these underground tunnels.
However, the most popular research on these chambers to date is filmmaker Gokel Gulensoy’s documentary on the Hagia Sophia Underground Tunnels, which he started in 1998!
It is a 50-minute documentary showing the scenes of the underground as you go along with the crew to explore the underground chambers.
The documentary begins with discovering massive tanks connected to Topkapi Palace and Cistern Basilica.
The divers discovered massive pieces of wood and an ancient bucket that disintegrated upon contact in the reservoir 12 meters deep closest to the entrance area.
From this spot, they moved on to the second reservoir area, where they found chandelier pieces of a chain with two rings and stained glass pieces.
A human skeleton was also found in this search!
Aydin Mederes, a diver, found the graves of St. Antinegos and Patriarch Athanasius, among the first few to be buried under Hagia Sophia Church in the 13th century.
Advanced scanning technology was activated to capture the layout of the tunnels they passed, creating a base map to help with future discoveries!
What were the Tunnels used for?
Some believe that the tunnels under the Hagia Sophia Mosque were also used as burial grounds, like the Vatican and Paris Catacombs.
Even though two graves were found here, there is no solid proof that this is what the structure is meant to be.
Some also believe that the space was used as a secure hiding place during sieges and the Second World War.
However, the explorers of the tunnels believe the spaces were initially made for plumbing and ventilation.
This is obvious to them because it is too narrow for people to pass through, making breathing difficult.
They also concluded that the tunnels cannot lead up to Princes Island since the spaces are so small.
Some divers also believe that the space was used to discard items not needed anymore.
The underground objects reflect this theory and are believed to have been thrown down by the British trying to reach the Holy Water.
It is believed that the Mosque’s structure remained stable, even during earthquakes, due to the sturdy nature of these underground tunnels!
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Can I enter the Underground Tunnels?
Sadly, the tunnels are not open to the public, and you cannot enter this underground area.
However, if you want to enjoy a similar-looking underground experience and see where the tunnels lead, we recommend exploring the Basilica Cistern!
The Basilica Cistern tickets allow visitors between 5 and 99 years old to explore Istanbul’s ancient underground water reservoir and discover its history for ₺ 1,275 ($38).
FAQs on Hagia Sophia Underground Tunnels
What are the secret tunnels in the Hagia Sophia?
The secret underground tunnels are ventilation systems that prevent the collection of excess moisture in the structure, which would weaken it. These tunnels are 2 to 12 meters deep, depending on where you enter.
When were the tunnels first explored?
The tunnels were first explored in 1998 when Gokel Gulensoy and his team of divers ventured to film his famous documentary.
Whose tombs were found in the underground tunnels of Hagia Sophia?
The 13th-century tombs of St. Antinegos and Patriarch Athanasius are in the Hagia Mosque’s underground tunnels.
Where do the underground tunnels lead?
The underground tunnels lead to the Topkapi Palace, Basilica Cistern, and Sultanahmet Square.
Are the underground tunnels open to explore?
The underground tunnels are not open to the public. However, you can enjoy a similar experience at the Basilica Cistern.
Who filmed the famous documentary on the Hagia Mosque’s Underground tunnels?
The famous filmmaker Gokel Gulensoy made a documentary called “In the Depths of Hagia Sophia,” released in 2009.
What were the tunnels used for?
Research believes that the underground tunnels were meant for ventilation and plumbing purposes.
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