The lineup to buy one’s ticket provides a mini-display of some of the wonders of the Hagia Sophia. The new ticket location sits in front of some crosses, an ancient passageway, and the former museum mosque. So, let’s start the tour while waiting for your Hagia Sophia tickets.
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The Hidden Beauty on the Balcony at the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul
Despite the attempts to make the building an Islamic exhibition, take advantage of some new glimpses on the balcony at the Hagia Sophia visit (Aya Sofya Camii), once the largest church in the world from 537 to 1506 AD. As advertised: Once a church, later a Mosque[1]https://muze.gen.tr/muze-detay/ayasofya The balcony has been closed for a few years, but Jan. 2024 opened up this area again but closed most of the lower floor. We will explore what can still be seen from the second floor.
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| ↑1 | https://muze.gen.tr/muze-detay/ayasofya |
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The Shunned Hidden Crosses in the Hagia Sophia’s Courtyard
The Hagia Sophia, the jewel of Justinian’s reign, has withstood earthquakes, vandalism, and religious exchange. Even with the covering of Islam, the place reveals the beauty of hidden crosses in the Hagia Sophia’s courtyard. Unfortunately, since the site’s entrance was changed in Jan. 2024, the courtyard is no longer accessible. Let’s see what you are missing.
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The New Hidden Items in the Hagia Sophia
Ataturk put the beauty of the Hagia Sophia on exhibition for the world to see, but in 2020, Erdogan repurposed the space to display Islam. As a result, a visit hides multiple Christian sacred items once displayed for touring. This write-up will detail the hidden Christianity that the Hagia Sophia now shuns. In January 2024, the status and entrance of the site changed. Before, the balcony was off-limits, but now the ground floor and courtyard are no longer accessible through a normal entrance.
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A free walking tour around Hagia Sophia
The perimeter of the Hagia Sophia offers insights into the historic church that cannot be found during an interior visit. Each corner of the former church offers insights into what formerly existed nearby.
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