Are Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque the same?

Hagia Sophia represents the Christian Byzantine Empire, while the Blue Mosque embodies the Islamic Ottoman era. Visiting both offers a deep dive into Istanbul's diverse religious and architectural heritage.

Is the Blue Mosque the same as Hagia Sophia?

The Hagia Sophia has been around for 1600 years and is steeped in history while the Blue Mosque was built to confront and surpass the older one and was built some 1200 years later.

Can you walk from Hagia Sophia to Blue Mosque?

The Blue Mosque is just a 2-minute walk from the Hagia Sophia. How to reach? Take a B1 train or M1A or M2 metro to Sirkeci Station and then walk down to the mosque. You can also take a bus to Akbiyik- Eminonu (Sahil) Yonu or Sultanahmet stops, or a T1 tram to Cemberlitas tram station.

What is Hagia Sophia now called?

Hagia Sophia is not, in fact, the only name that the structure has gone by. Even now it's known by several different monikers: Ayasofya in Turkish, Sancta Sophia in Latin, and Holy Wisdom or Divine Wisdom in English (alternate English translations of the Greek words Hagia Sophia).

Is Blue Mosque worth visiting?

The Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmet Camii)

Built in the early 17^th century, this mindblowing structure is one of the most majestic Ottoman-era mosques anywhere in the country. A visitor can't help but be awed by its six stunning minarets, one of only six mosques anywhere in Turkey having this many.

A long walk through OLD Istanbul 🇹🇷 From centuries-old grandeur to old slums ‼️ #istanbul

Which is better to visit, Hagia Sophia or Blue Mosque?

Hagia Sophia will appeal to history lovers and architecture buffs fascinated by religious convergence. Blue Mosque, on the other hand, is perfect for those seeking an authentic Islamic experience in a working mosque.

Is the Hagia Sophia free?

Admission Fee: €25 for all visitors, including Turkish citizens and foreigners who have a legal residence permit in Turkey. The first floor is free for Turks; the second floor (the gallery floor) is 25 euros for local and foreign tourists. Children younger than 8 are allowed in for free.

Can Christians pray in Hagia Sophia?

It has also guaranteed that Hagia Sofia will remain open for everyone and all faiths and that the priceless Christian mosaics, frescos and icons will not be whitewashed or damaged but only covered by curtains during Islamic prayers.

Who is buried in Hagia Sophia?

The tombs of five Ottoman Sultans are located within the grounds of the Hagia Sophia Museum. They are: Sultan Selim II, Sultan Murad III, Sultan Mehmed III, Sultan Mustafa I, and Sultan Ibrahim I.

Is it free to enter Blue Mosque?

Is the Blue Mosque free to enter? Yes, entry is free as it remains an active place of worship. However, visitors must pass a mandatory security check, which can take up to 30 minutes in low season and up to 1 hour during peak season.

What to see in Istanbul for free?

Can you wear socks in Hagia Sophia?

Footwear: Shoes must be removed before entering the mosque. Wear socks or bring an extra pair to keep your feet covered. Avoid Transparent Clothing: Avoid wearing clothing that is see-through or overly revealing.

Can non-Muslims enter the Blue Mosque?

The Blue Mosque rules allow visitors and non-Muslims to explore its architectural marvels outside prayer times. You must be mindful of these prayer times and plan your visits accordingly. While the mosque is closed to non-worshippers during the five daily prayers, you can admire the structure from the outer courtyards.

Are Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque next to each other?

The mosque's külliye (religious complex) includes Ahmed's tomb, a madrasa, and several other buildings in various states of preservation. The mosque was built next to the former Hippodrome and stands across from the Hagia Sophia, another popular tourist site.

Which is bigger, Hagia Sophia or Blue mosque?

Although at first sight it seems to have similar dimensions to the Hagia Sophia, in reality, it measures about half its size.

What to wear to Hagia Sophia?

How to Visit. Even as a functioning mosque, Hagia Sophia welcomes visitors, but respectful attire is required. Women should wear long skirts or pants and cover their hair, while men should also wear long pants. For those who don't have appropriate clothing, skirts and scarves are available for rent.

What is unusual about Hagia Sophia?

Features an impressive Dome

The Hagia Sophia's dome, spanning 102 feet and reaching 182 feet high, was an architectural marvel for centuries. Its innovative construction techniques, including lightweight materials and hidden ribs, contributed to its longevity despite earthquakes and natural disasters.

Can Jews visit Hagia Sophia?

So if you want to visit Hagia Sophia, you can do it whatever your creed. And if you want someone to explain in detail the most important things, choose one of our tours that include the guided tour and entrance fees.

Did Muslims build the Hagia Sophia?

Originally built as a Christian Orthodox church and serving that purpose for centuries, Hagia Sophia was transformed into a mosque by the Ottomans upon their conquest of Constantinople in 1453.

What time is best to visit Hagia Sophia?

It is best to visit the Hagia Sophia Mosque during the early hours of the morning to experience lesser crowds; avoid Friday afternoons, as it remains closed to non-worshippers during prayers. Try to visit during the winter months to experience pleasant weather.

How much does a ticket to Hagia Sophia cost?

Since January 2024, Hagia Sophia has a dedicated Visiting Area (Upper Gallery) for tourists with a €25 official ticket sold at the visitor entrance. Worship access uses a separate gate. At busy times, expect ~30-60 minutes wait at the on-site ticket booth plus ~10-30 minutes for security.

Is Galata Tower worth it?

We went for the views of the city and it was worth it. We enjoyed the 360 views of the city for the hour, though the Euro 30 PP is quite pricey and the queue is quite long. It took us 20 minutes of queuing to go up the tower.

Is Topkapi Palace free?

The entrance fee of Topkapi Palace Museum is 2000 TL (Turkish Lira) per person including the Harem visit.