Breakfast and ice-breaking session done. We walked from Pudding Shop, Sultanahmet to Hagia Sophia. Since I wanted to cover other places of interest too, I bought the Muze Kart for 85TL. There are two types of museum cards which are 3 days and 5 days. Mine was the 3 days museum card which entitled me to have free access to Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Hagia Irene, Istanbul Archaeological Museums, Istanbul Mosaic Museum, Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts and Museum of History of Science and Technology in Islam. I got mine near the Hagia Sophia entrance.
I would recommend buying the Muze Kart for its ease of convenience. Even early in the morning, you should expect a long queue for entrance ticket into Topkapi and Hagia Sophia. With the Muze Kart, you would skip the queue. However, as there are no standardization of opening days with regard to the places of interest in Istanbul, you have to be sure if you really want to visit the other places because it would be a waste of money if you don’t utilize your card to its maximum. Remember, the Muze Kart is valid 72 hours from your first visit.
Because I was greedy and I didn’t check in advance and also some of the places are pretty far from Sultanahment, I ended up going to Topkapi, Istanbul Archaeological Museum and Hagia Sophia. Even then, you must remember Istanbul was considered central of the world and rich in history. I would recommend don’t be over ambitious about covering every corner of Istanbul within short span of time.
Hagia Sophia
Hagia Sophia or Aya Sofya is one of the world’s greatest architectural achievements. It serves as a testament to the sophiscation of the 6th century Byzantine capital and was a paramount influence on architecture in the following centuries. Built as a church inaugurated by Emperor Justinian in 537, the Ottomans in the 15th century converted it into a mosque. 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.
Recently, there was a public cry to pressure the government to re-open Hagia Sophia as a place for worship. However, the current government is still holding strong to a Turkish secular law which was passed in 1934 which barred religious services at Hagia Sophia.
The outside Narthex.
Group picture at the Inside Narthex after we walked into the Imperial Gate.
Ceiling decoration of the Inside Narthex.
The view of the interior of Hagia Sophia from the upper gallery. At the time of visiting, Hagia Sophia was undergoing a massive restoration work.
As seen above is the mihrab, the indicator to the direction of Mecca, which was installed in the apse of the church directly opposite the entrance. To the right is the minbar which was installed by Murat III (1574-95). If you notice, there was Aya Sophia cat on the picture above.
The Iznik Ceramic Titles.
From the nave, there is eight wooden plagues bearing calligraphic inscriptions hanging over. They bear the name of Allah, the prophet Muhammad, the first four caliphs and Hasan and Hussein, the two of the Prophet’s grandson who are revered as martyrs.
The way to the upper gallery.
The Pillar of St Gregory the Miracle Worker is believed to have healing powers.
What was left of the Deesis Mosaic. (above)
12th century mosaic panel of Virgin Mary holding Christ, flanked by Empeoro John II Comnenus and Empress Irene.