The Hagia Sophia as a Mosque

This video focuses on the transformation of the Hagia Sophia after the conquest of Constantinople by the Ottomans in 1453. Once the grand cathedral of the Byzantine Empire, it was converted into a mosque under Sultan Mehmed II, marking a pivotal moment in both religious and architectural history. The video explores the changes made to the structure, including the addition of Islamic elements such as minarets, the mihrab, and intricate calligraphy, which blended seamlessly with its existing Byzantine features.

Dr. Elizabeth Macaulay-Lewis and Dr. Steven Zucker provide expert analysis on the cultural, religious, and architectural significance of Hagia Sophia during this period, discussing how the building’s role shifted from a Christian basilica to one of the most important mosques in the Ottoman Empire.

Created by Steven Zucker and Beth Harris, this video offers an in-depth look at how the Hagia Sophia became a symbol of religious and cultural synthesis, and how its history continues to shape its significance in both the Christian and Muslim worlds today.