JOURNAL ARTICLE

Hagia Sophia: Built as a church and repurposed during its 1,500-year history as a mosque, a museum and now a mosque once more, the Hagia Sophia is a mirror to political tumult.

  • Published In: Architectural Review, 2025, n. 7. P. 6 1 of 3

  • Database: Academic Search Ultimate 2 of 3

  • Authored By: Hattam, Jennifer 3 of 3

Abstract

The article focuses on the Hagia Sophia, an architectural marvel with a complex history of repurposing, reflecting political and religious shifts over 1,500 years. Originally built as a Christian basilica in 537, it was converted into a mosque in the 15th century, designated as a museum in 1934, and reverted to a mosque in 2020 under Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. Recent changes, including restricted access for tourists and the introduction of an entry fee, have sparked debate about the building's preservation and its role as a symbol of political power. The Hagia Sophia continues to be a site of contention, embodying the intersection of history, culture, and politics. [Extracted from the article]

Additional Information

  • Source:Architectural Review. 2025/07, Issue 7, p6
  • Document Type:Article
  • Subject Area:History
  • Publication Date:2025
  • ISSN:0003-861X
  • Accession Number:190878996
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