Aya Sofia is definitely a must-see sight in Istanbul. The inside space is impressive. Few years back it was turned from museum to a regular mosque. That brought free entry (previously as a museum, the entry fee was paid but as far as I remember, it was 40TL in 2015, not a fortune). On the other hand, previously, the building was fully accessible including the balcony and there were many posters and pictures documenting history of the building. As of now, you're only allowed to enter fragment of the ground floor. And worse than that, the entry is only allowed outside of main praying times - when is it, that's not easy to find out (because the times change everyday). So the effect is that long queues create in front of the entrance when the gate is closed. But if you accept an offer of one of many "tour guides", you gain a priority access and skip the line. A tempting option if you wait 500m far from entrance in a queue that doesn't move at all for many minutes. We were lucky to stay in a hotel just round the corner from the mosque so we just refused to wait in a queue and came at 9pm when there was no queue at all, in fact, the mosque was almost empty and beautifully illuminated. But generally, I don't like this system that allows those tour guides to profit from desperate people who want to see one of world most impressive buildings.

Best and most important place to visit when visiting Istanbul. I made a mistake not going here last time due to the long line and entrance fee. Please don’t make the same mistake. Pay it and stay in line you will love this museum!

We attempted to enter at 10am which was impossible with the line stretching for maybe 1km. After 30 minutes of waiting they stopped the line for another 30 minutes and we ended our attempt to enter. We returned at 7:45pm and there was no line at all. Walked in. Removed our shoes and made it in time for the evening prayer which was just incredible to experience. The sounds of prayer echoing throughout the the mosque were otherworldly. To be in a place so majestic and see the workmanship that was done almost 2000 years ago has no words. Experience it for yourself. You will not be disappointed.

101 The experience here was splendid and phenomenal. The qirat of the imam was excellent. I enjoyed praying here prayed Magrib and Azaan was best of recents azaan heared. sure they must has put the best for the job there and believe me he is doing best. Loved to visit again and pray their In sha Allah

(Translated by Google) In the past, there were not so many security measures around Hagia Sophia, this is a bit boring, but it is not possible to come to Istanbul and return without seeing this work. (Original) Eskiden Ayasofya çevresinde bu kadar güvenlik önlemi yoktu bu biraz sıkıcı fakat İstanbul'a gelip de bu eseri görmeden dönmek olmaz

(Translated by Google) The church and the mosque are the same here, Ayasofya. Very beautiful both outside and inside (Original) โบสถ์กับมัสยิดอยู่ที่เดียวกัน ที่นี่ Ayasofya สวยงามมากทั้งภายนอกและภายใน

(Translated by Google) This is the most magnificent mosque in the world. Come here to see the history read from every centimeter up close. You can comfortably perform the time prayers in the mosque, which is open to worship. (Original) Dünyanın en görkemli camii burası dır. Her santimetresinden okunan tarihi yakından görmek için buraya gelin. İbadete açık olan camiide rahatca vakit namazlarını kılabilirsiniz.

(Translated by Google) A very different mosque smells like history. You have to go see it. A very beautiful and big mosque (Original) Çok farklı bir camii tarih kokuyor adeta. Gidip görmek lazım. Çok güzel ve büyük bir camii

(Translated by Google) Conquest mosque of Istanbul. . (Original) Istanbulumuzun fetih camisi.gezilmeden gorulmeden istanbulu terketmeyin.muhakkak namaz kilin o tarihi havayi hissedip cigerlerinize çekin.cami olduktan sonra daha da guzelleşti.mavi halilar da çok yakişti 😁😁😁istanbulun en eski ve en degerli yapilarindan biri.bizim kadar yabancilarinda vazgecemedigi eser...

Very beautiful mosque in heart of Istanbul. You can visit by Islamic rules (Hijab).

It is indeed a remarkable place. Church and a masjid at the same time. Red church stones with Muslim qwbba. A very clear mix between religions that makes that place a must visit.

When I see this place, it is as if I am in the time of Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror, and I am witnessing moments of victory in Constantinople.

Wonderful Masjed 😍

Did not manage to go in to see the history of this mosque as there is a long waiting time. It was up to 2hours for a 10 to 15mins tour.

(Translated by Google) In the years when the Byzantine Empire was in Istanbul, Fatih Sultan Mehmet conquered Istanbul in a glorious way. After that, the fate of Istanbul begins to change. Hagia Sophia, which was a church for 916 years, turned into a mosque after 1453 with the addition of a brick minaret. The supporting walls of Hagia Sophia were renewed and made more durable by Mimar Sinan, one of the best architects of the period. The classical marble workmanship in the Ottoman Empire is also reflected in the Hagia Sophia Mosque. Hagia Sophia Mosque Features Hosting millions of people every year, the Hagia Sophia Mosque also stands out with its architectural features. Hagia Sophia, with a middle nave, two side naves, an apse, as well as inner and outer Narthexes, fascinates those who see it. The magnificent doors of the Hagia Sophia Mosque are made of oak wood. In addition, the Hagia Sophia Mosque reflects the culture of the Byzantine Empire. There are 107 columns in the Hagia Sophia Mosque, which consists of 40 large windows. Colorful marbles cover the walls inside the Hagia Sophia Mosque. These marbles were brought from abroad as well as the white marbles were brought from Marmara Island. (Original) İstanbul'da Bizans İmparatorluğu'nun bulunduğu yıllarda Fatih Sultan Mehmet İstanbul'u görkemli bir şekilde fetheder. Bundan sonra ise İstanbul'un kaderi değişmeye başlar. 916 yıl süresince kilise olan Ayasofya 1453 yılından sonra tuğla minare eklenerek cami haline dönüştü. Ayasofya'nın destek duvarları dönemin en iyi mimarlarından olan Mimar Sinan tarafından yenilenerek daha dayanıklı bir hale getirilmiştir. Osmanlı'da bulunan klasik mermer işçiliği Ayasofya Camiine de yansımıştır. Ayasofya Camisi Özellikleri Her yıl milyonlarca insanı ağırlayan Ayasofya Camii mimari özellikleri ile de ön plana çıkmaktadır. Bir orta nef, iki yan nef, apsisin yanı sıra iç ve dış Narthexelerin yer aldığı Ayasofya görenleri kendine hayran bırakıyor. Ayasofya Camiinin görkemli kapıları meşe ağacından üretilmiştir. Bunun yanı sıra Ayasofya Camii Bizans İmparatorluğunun de kültürünü yansıtıyor. 40 Büyük penceren oluşan Ayasofya Camii'nde 107 sütun bulunuyor. Ayasofya Camii'nin içerisinde duvarları renkli mermerler kaplar. Bu mermerler yurt dışından getirildiği gibi beyaz mermerler de Marmara Adası'ndan getirilmiştir.

Wonderful experience!

(Translated by Google) This is a museum, not a mosque. Legally, it is still called a mosque as a museum gossip. (Original) Burası Cami değil müzedir. Yasal olarak halen müze dedikodu olarak cami deniyor.

(Translated by Google) I recommend you to go and visit one of the must-see places :) (Original) Gidip görülmesi gereken yerlerden biri gezmenizi tavsiye ederim :)

Beautiful. Simply put. You can get free head scarves from inside the mosque. There is an information centre where the government has hired some tourism officers to guide and educate the visitors about the history of the building.

Marvelous and stunning piece of art, former bizantine church, open for tourists,no fee for visit. The legend says that even sultan Mahomed Fatih, when he conquered the city was stunned at its view, hitting with his sword a soldier that was breaking the church marbles with a tool, saying to him:enough for you the treasures and the slaves, the city buildings are mine! If you see the Hagia Sofia you will understand him for sure I definitely recommend as a must see! 👍

I have travelled for the first time to Europe. But never experienced such beautiful country like Turkey. I love the nature and the structures a lot. Specially its people. This was the first time I went to Turkey and I visit this magnificent marvel structure. I'm so happy I was able to experience this structure. Personally I will visit with my family again during the holiday. Hope the photos will be very useful to the guest who will visit here. This is one of the oldest structures ever built. Actually amazing.

Alhamdulillah, i been there,,, great mosque, You visit there without any tension, there security forces are always Very genital & good,,

Beautiful but too crowded

As a student in Turkey. It's a great pleasure to see religious people worshipping in Hagia Sofia Mosque. It's opened for visitors too. It's quite good for us to enter cost free. Hopefully the second floor opens soon.

Free for visit just have wait a while in line to get in but worth as it has a nice old architecture 🌹

(Translated by Google) A spiritual atmosphere where the expressions of their spiritual souls reach their climax are inadequate.. I recommend it. (Original) Manevi ruhlarının doruğa ulaştığı ifadelerin yetersiz kaldığı bir manevi atmosfer..Tavsiye ederim

Beautiful

Amazing place

(Translated by Google) I thought I'd visit it because it was opened as a mosque. It was very crowded and noisy. They also left a very small place to pray there. Frankly, I couldn't feel the feature of being a mosque in that noisy environment. I wish those who entered would not forget that this is a mosque. (Original) Camii olarak açılması sebebiyle ziyaret edeyim dedim. İçerisi çok kalabalık ve gürültülüydü. Orada namaz kılmak için de çok küçük bir yer bırakmışlar. Açıkcası camii olma özelliğini o gürültülü ortamda hissedemedim. Keşke içeri girenler buranın bir camii olduğunu hatırlarından çıkarmasalar.

its 1 of crutial tourist attraction

(Translated by Google) it is very nice for morning prayer (Original) sabah namazı için çok güzel olduğu

(Translated by Google) It must be a museum. (Original) Muze olmali hurasi.

(Translated by Google) Much has been said about Hagia Sophia, nothing to add. Definitely worth a visit, plunge into the atmosphere of the times. It's a shame that the upper floors are closed and the frescoes in the temple are closed even when there is no prayer. (Original) О Соборе Святой Софии много сказано, добавить нечего. Однозначно стоит посетить, окунуться в атмосферу времен. Обидно, что верхние этажи закрыты и фрески в храме закрыты даже когда нет намаза.