Is Hagia Sophia a Mosque or Museum?
The answer has changed multiple times across 1,500 years. Here is the full story.
Quick Answer
Since July 2020, Hagia Sophia is an active mosque — but it remains open to all visitors free of charge.
Officially known as the Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque, it was a museum from 1934 to 2020, an Ottoman mosque from 1453 to 1934, and a Byzantine cathedral from 537 to 1453.
A Building That Changed Identity Four Times
No other structure on earth has served so many different purposes across so many centuries.
Byzantine Cathedral
Built by Emperor Justinian I in 537 AD, Hagia Sophia served as the world's largest cathedral and the spiritual center of Eastern Orthodox Christianity for nearly a millennium.
Ottoman Mosque
After Sultan Mehmed II conquered Constantinople, Hagia Sophia was converted into a mosque. Minarets, a mihrab, and minbar were added while mosaics were plastered over.
Museum
Mustafa Kemal Ataturk secularized the building and opened it as a museum. Byzantine mosaics were uncovered and restored, attracting millions of visitors annually.
Grand Mosque
In July 2020, Turkey's Council of State annulled the 1934 museum decree. Hagia Sophia was reopened as the Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque, once again serving as an active place of worship.
What Changed for Visitors?
The 2020 conversion brought practical changes. Here is a side-by-side comparison of the museum era versus today.
Entry & Access
Ticketed entry during set hours
Free entry; tourists use a separate entrance and visit between prayer times
Prayer Closures
Open continuously during museum hours
Closed to tourists during the five daily prayers (approx. 30 min each) and Friday noon prayer
Dress Code
No specific dress requirements
Modest clothing required; women must cover their heads (scarves provided at entrance)
Mosaics & Art
All Byzantine mosaics fully visible at all times
Some mosaics are covered with curtains during prayer times but remain visible otherwise; none have been removed
What Visitors Should Know
Practical tips to make the most of your visit to Hagia Sophia as a tourist.
Visit Between Prayers
Check daily prayer times before your visit. The best windows are mid-morning (after sunrise prayer) and early afternoon (between noon and afternoon prayers).
Dress Modestly
Cover shoulders and knees. Women should bring a headscarf, although free scarves are available at the entrance.
Photography Allowed
You can take photos inside Hagia Sophia. Be respectful and avoid photographing worshippers during prayer.
Security Screening
Expect airport-style security checks at the tourist entrance. Arrive 15-20 minutes early during peak season.
Use the Tourist Entrance
Non-Muslim visitors enter from the designated tourist entrance on the south side, separate from the worshipper entrance.
No Entrance Fee
Since it became a mosque, entry to Hagia Sophia is free of charge. However, you can book a guided tour for deeper context.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Hagia Sophia's current status.
Is Hagia Sophia a mosque or museum?
Since July 2020, Hagia Sophia is an active mosque, officially named the Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque. It functioned as a museum from 1934 to 2020 and as an Ottoman mosque from 1453 to 1934. Before that, it was a Byzantine cathedral for nearly 1,000 years.
Can non-Muslims visit Hagia Sophia?
Yes. Hagia Sophia is open to all visitors regardless of faith. Non-Muslim tourists enter through a separate entrance and can explore the building between prayer times at no cost.
Are the Byzantine mosaics still visible?
Yes. The mosaics have not been removed. Some are covered with curtains during prayer times but remain visible to visitors at other times. Major works like the Deesis mosaic and the Virgin and Child in the apse can still be seen.
Why was Hagia Sophia converted from a museum to a mosque?
In July 2020, Turkey's Council of State annulled the 1934 cabinet decree that had designated Hagia Sophia as a museum. The Turkish government then issued a presidential decree reopening it as a mosque, citing the building's status as a waqf (Islamic endowment).
Do I need to pay to enter Hagia Sophia?
No. Entry to Hagia Sophia is free since it became a mosque. During the museum era, visitors had to purchase a ticket. You may optionally book a guided tour or an upper gallery visit for a fee.