The Masterpieces of Two Hagia Sofias in Istanbul and Bursa

The grand Hagia Sophia Mosque has stood majestically in the heart of Istanbul for 1,500 years, and discussion of Turkey is scarcely possible without evoking its iconic image. However, the Hagia Sophia is not limited to this city between two continents; there are at least four such buildings throughout the Ottoman Empire’s historic lands.

Hagia Sophia, pronounced Ayasofia, literally means “Holy Wisdom” in Greek. From the perspective of early Christian theological significance, the name is closely linked to Jesus Christ, who was designated as God’s wisdom.

In Turkey, at least four buildings share the same name. Besides the one in Istanbul (including the Little Hagia Sophia), there is the Hagia Sophia in Iznik located in Bursa Province, as well as one in Edessa located in Sanliurfa Province far to the southeast.

The Hagia Sophia was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1985 as a tangible expression of respect for the artistic taste and architecture of the Eastern Roman Empire and the Ottoman Empire.

ANTARA, together with AirAsia X and the Turkish Tourism Board (TGA), had the opportunity to visit two of these structures: the grand Hagia Sophia in the centre of Istanbul, and the historically rich Hagia Sophia in Iznik, located on the Asian side of Turkey.