Hagia Sophia, meaning “Holy Wisdom” in English, is one of Turkey's most visited and worshipped places. The Hagia Sophia's history dates back to the 6th century when it was constructed for the very first time. Upon its completion, it served the purpose of an orthodox Christian church. The monument is the most visited place in Turkey and a significant tourist attraction. The Hagia Sophia went through multiple bouts of construction, but the present-day structure was completed in 537 CE.
Historical facts about Hagia Sophia contain information about its transformation from being a church to the present-day mosque. In 1934, the first president of the Turkish Republic, President Kemal, declared Hagia Sophia a secular structure. Since then, it has served as a museum and a historical representation of Turkey. Later in the year 1985, UNESCO declared Hagia Sophia a “World Heritage Site.”
As a result, Hagia Sophia has always been on the list of every tourist visiting Turkey, and its grand Christian-style structure attracts many visitors. In 2020, the status of Hagia Sophia as a museum was struck, and President Erdogan’s order declared a mosque for regular worship.