Hagia Sophia Museum

Keenan Sullivan

in the last week

Must visit, simply extravagant. While it's not a mosque or church, you can see that it used to be both. A Harmony of Christianity and Islam that is a must see. The enormous floating dome and hanging lights are also very impressive. Fun fact, the huge gold medallions hanging on the walls were meant to be removed at one point, but it turns out the doors were too small to fit them, so they left them there.

M Rahman

a week ago

Historic and multi-religious site over a long period. Exclusive mosaics and fixtures available to view that are more than 1000 years old. From Christianity to Islam this brilliant example of religious power of a building is simply magnificent. The site is amazingly strong crusted and engineered with material sourced as well as stolen from different parts of the globe. Built over an extremely short time frame due to stealing a major parts of the structure from other sites. Recommended!!!

Adam O'Mara

a month ago

Great Old Place to connect people from different backgrounds. This place is sacred and holy and should be a place of culture connections. Good job Turkey, Good Job Istanbul for maintaining this place for the entire world to see. Istanbul without any doubt is the binding Center between the east and the west. People can coexist as long as they ignore their differences and share the loving values of the community.

Imtiyaz Wizni Aufa

in the last week

Entrance fee is affordable, especially for students with the MuzeKart and the system is very consumer friendly. For visitors without guides, we can rent a pair of headset and phone which contains explanations to every numbered item within the museum— it costs 45TL per set, and we can share them among friends. Facilities are sufficient and convenient, and the Hagia Sophia itself is a stunning view. For better experience, I would suggest learning its history to be able to appreciate each and every intricate details of the building.

Ken Gosling

in the last week

Once a Mosque now a museum, across a huge plaza/ park area where there are dozens of small carts selling delicious snacks and local tidbits, including corn on the cob and roasted chestnuts, and thousands of people going to and fro. The area was policed but the police were always in the background, not patrolling around but always vigilant and watching. Beware of people approaching asking if you have a minute! They are paid by carpet store owners to get you into their shops. One you show interest or, being polite, you stop and listen to the spiel, once they get your attention you’re done for. Be polite and say “No thank you” and walk away, quickly lol. As always, men keep your wallet in your front pocket with your hand in on top of it. The pick pockets in ANY country, love Americans on vacation. Cash loaded, in your back pocket you are an easy mark. Ladies, carry your Bag/purse over your shoulder and ALWAYS have you’re hand holding the strap and your elbow tucked in at the back where strap meets the purse, with the zipper closed. NEVER leave the zipper open, it’s an invite!!