The Hagia Sophia, a Church converted to a Mosque, shows an exciting blend of displays inside that indicate the harmonious relationship of religions in Istanbul.
It is also known for its masterpiece decorations, which include prayer areas, other elements and historical artifacts that enhance its beauty.
Visitors planning to explore the Mosque for the first time must learn about its beautiful structures, art, and calligraphy before visiting for a fulfilling experience.
In this article, we’ll discover the superstitious and breathtaking religious artworks and structures inside Hagia Sophia that are a must-see!
Mihrab
The Mihrab is the qibla of the Mosque, which indicates the direction of Mecca, so Muslims can face in this direction while praying.
The Fossati brothers construed this stunning structure between 1847 and 1849 as a commission for Sultan Abdulmejid II.
It is a semicircular main altar decorated with marble tiles engraved with verses from the Quran.
The wall behind the Mihrab is known as the Qibla wall, and the structure attracts the eyes of all with its colorful Byzantine and Islamic design fusion!
On either side of the Mihrab are two massive bronze candlesticks taken from a Budin Cathedral during Suleyman’s Campaign in Hungary.
You might not see the Mihrab up close since only Turkish citizens are allowed inside the Mosque’s praying space, but it is a stunning architectural piece!
Minbar
The Minbar is a raised structure where preachers give out sermons, and other announcements are announced inside the Mosque.
It stands beside the Mihrab and has beautiful woodwork carvings all over its surface, inspired by the Ottomans!
It was an important piece showing the conversion of the Church to a Mosque, and it was added under the reign of Sultan Murad III.
The Wishing Column
The Wishing Column, also known as the weeping column, is the most famous structure inside the Hagia Sophia Mosque!
It was constructed in the northern part of the Church and is known to fulfill the wishes and illnesses of all those whose thumbs come out wet after rotating them in the hole three times.
This superstition originated when Emperor Justinian II, in the 6th century, rested his head against the column, and his headache was cured.
Previously, the Byzantine Catholics also believed that the water was the tears of Mother Mary!
A legendary story also says the column started weeping in the 1200s when Saint Gregory, a miracle worker, came to Istanbul.
Visitors interested in learning more superstitions and theories behind the weeping column can do so on a Hagia Sophia Guided Tour!
Calligraphic Roundels
During the repairs being done under Sultan Ahmedmejid between 1847 and 1849, stunning calligraphy roundels were added to the main hall of the Mosque.
They are almost 8 meters in diameter and were done by a famous calligraphy artist, Kazasker Mustafa Izzet Effendi!
These roundels are made of Linden wood, ensuring they are light and durable enough to attach to the top.
The words mentioned on the roundels are:
- Allah: The creator of the Universe for Muslims.
- Muhammed, the famous Prophet
- Muhammad’s grandsons names Hasan and Hussain
- Abu Bakr, Uthman, Umar, and Ali are the names of the four caliphs.
These names are all written with gold gilding, making them stand out from the dull colors of the surrounding walls and background.
The Catholic Mosaics
The mosaics in the Mosque are the only element that reveals the space’s history as a church!
These paintings, which spread throughout the Church and the ceiling, feature flowery and geometric patterns in all imaginable shades and textures.
The oldest mosaic is the Virgin Mary and Child Christ, which is in the semi-dome area where the main altar of the Catholic Church was built.
The most famous mosaic is the Dessis mosaic, which shows an incomplete scene of the Last Judgement from the Bible. It is a must-see to learn more about the religion!
You can also see a stunning, Biblically accurate Seraphim Angel on the ceiling, which was uncovered in 2009. The others are now covered with star paintings.
Check out our Hagia Sophia Mosaics article to discover the exact location and meaning behind all the other famous mosaics of the Mosque!
The Doors
The doors that lead you from the Narthex to the Nave are also worth seeing for their beautiful designs!
Here are some of the doors leading to the inside of the Mosque:
Imperial Door
The largest door of the Mosque from the 6th century is the Imperial Door, which was used only by the Sultans to enter the space.
It is 7 meters tall and made entirely of oak wood, with a bronze frame and covered in bronze plates to keep it durable for centuries.
You can also see the mosaic of Emperor Leo VI with a humorous backstory over the Imperial Door!
Bronze Door
The entrance leading to the inner Narthex has a door from the 2nd century BC, which is the oldest piece of architecture inside the Mosque!
It is entirely bronze and has plant and geometric patterns covering its surface.
The door originally stood in a Tarsus pagan temple in 838 AD and was brought to the Mosque by Emperor Theophilos.
Marble Door
A massive bronze door separates the south and west galleries of the Mosque since the south gallery was used for religious meetings.
Many essential state meetings were also held inside this room.
One side of the marble door represents elements from heaven, and the other shows elements from hell.
During the reign of Emperor Manuel Komneos in 1166, the Synod Assembly was organized behind this marble door.
After the Synod was over, the decisions of this meeting were printed on marble panels and displayed on the walls of the Narthex.
Lustrious Urns
As soon as you walk into Hagia Sophia, you will see two marble urns from the Hellenistic period, which was between 330 and 30 BC.
They came from the ancient city of Pergamon during the reign of Sultan Murad III.
These urns, which could hold 1250 liters of liquid, were used after every prayer to distribute sherbet to the pilgrims.
If you look closely, you will see small taps attached to their base, which now hold water for visitors.
The Upper Galleries
The Upper Galleries are open for public viewing by people of all countries, and you can admire them from up close!
Some of the artifacts you can see displayed on the upper levels of the Mosque are:
The Lodges
The Imperial Lodge and Empress Lodge are famous lodges erected inside the Mosque.
The Fossati brothers crafted it in the 19th century and is on the left side of the Mihrab!
The Imperial Lodge is the most visited of the two. It has many ornate furnishings and rich gilding, which the Sultans used.
You can enjoy a fantastic elevated view of the Dome from this lodge and see the prayer area below from where the Sultans sat!
The Empress Lodge in the south gallery on the second level is entirely made of green marble!
It also has a separate area for women, known as the Gynekoin, which was used only by Empresses and those of the royal family to attend the prayer services.
The Viking Inscription
In the middle of the south gallery, you will find marble parapets with Viking inscriptions!
The phrase “Halvadan was here” can be seen carved into the marble, which is believed to have been made by a Viking soldier who served as an assassin to the army.
Omphalion
The Omphalion, which translates to Navel in English, is a marble pattern directly under the Dome.
It is made of porphyry red, green marble, and granite stones arranged in a circle bordered by 32 smaller dots.
At the center of this marble design, Emperors were crowned by clergy members during the Byzantine period!
Commander Enrico Dandolo’s Grave Marker
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On the second floor, opposite the famous Deesis mosaic, is the grave marker of Commander Enrico Dandolo.
The Commander lived during the sack of Constantinople and was well-known for his devious nature and intelligence.
His remains are inside of Hagia Sophia; he died in 1205 AD when he was 90 years old.
The Library
The Library is on the south side of the Nave and could hold over 5,000 books from Sultan Mehmed I’s reign.
These books have now been moved to the Library in Suleyimanya for safekeeping and maintenance.
It is a grilled structure with a reading hall area and has the marble tughra mosaic of Sultan Mehmud I on the east wall.
Do I need Tickets to see Hagia Sophia from Inside?
Since 2024, all visitors who are not citizens of Turkey must have Hagia Sophia tickets to explore the inside area.
Foreigners cannot enter the prayer area and are only allowed to explore the visiting area and the galleries above.
You will also not be allowed to enter the Mosque during prayer hours from 12.30 pm to 2.30 pm on Fridays.
You can get in with standard Hagia Sophia skip the line tickets, which allow quick entry and an audio-guided experience until closing time for ₺ 1,204 (€36) for all visitors!
FAQs on what to see Inside Hagia Sophia
What is inside the Hagia Sophia?
Many beautiful structures like the Imperial Loggia, the Minbar, the Mihrab, and other mosaics inside Hagia Sophia exist. Every element of the Mosque tells you of its historical story and adds to its unbeatable charm in Istanbul!
Can you still go inside Hagia Sophia?
Non-Turkish visitors can explore the visiting area and upper levels of Hagia Sophia. They cannot enter the prayer area.
Is it worth going inside Hagia Sophia?
The Hagia Sophia’s architecture is an exciting blend of Byzantine and Ottoman styles, and it is a must-see from the inside!
How much does it cost to enter Hagia Sophia?
The standard Hagia Sophia skip the line tickets, with quick entry and an audio-guided experience, cost ₺ 1,204 (€36) for all visitors!
Which is the oldest artwork to be seen at Hagia Mosque?
The Virgin Mary and Christ Child mosaic in the semi-dome is the oldest artwork on display in Hagia Sophia. This mosaic was painted around 843 AD.
Is there a dress code for going inside Hagia Sophia?
You cannot enter the Mosque with short pants, skirts, sleeveless dresses and tank tops. Women can only enter the Mosque with their heads covered by scarves.
Can you take pictures in Hagia Sophia?
You can take pictures without flash and other professional equipment inside the Hagia Sophia.
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