Hagia Sophia: Jewel of the Byzantines

A documentary on the grandest Byzantine church of them all; the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, Turkey.

[MsHeaddy]

Upsetting to see what they did to the most amazing Christian church😢

[paul.z.]

It should be a Orthodox Church again ☦️

[athanasius]

Absolutely beautiful. Fantastic example of Christian Architecture and art. God bless everyone :)

[Komnenit]

It's so wonderful to appreciate the golden legacy of Greek culture in such beautiful buildings as Hagia Sophia. Also, Byzantine art is incredibly beautiful.

[Demoesceptico]

There is a prophecy concerning the future return of Constantinople to Greece:
"A Constantine built it, a Constantine lost it, a Constantine will recover it".

[yaren.]

Ah...
As a Turkish girl, I still see Hagia Sophia as a church. After the proclamation of the Republic, convert to museum was a good step.
But still inadequate, should be opened for worship for Orthodoxs. Everything should stay as it is, the Byzantines and the Ottomans history are important for our lands. They must continue to live in this land, in respect and like themselves.
Respect from Istanbul or Constantinople...

[constatinexipalaeologus]

When I taught English in Istanbul/Constantinople 2006 I visited the church eight times and I spent about 3 hours each visit. As an ethnic Greek it was very sacred and hard to leave. I also sat on a park bench between the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque and just stared at this magnificent church and the flowers and water fountain added to the beauty. I generally reserve this for nature like my hike today in the mountainous Arizona high desert.

[MotherMonster]

I’m Turkish, I’ve visited Hagia Sophia for many times. This church has something else.. its aura and energy are so great that I get goosebumps in my every visit. Kinda wishing it remained as a cathedral though. But those things are in the past, there’s no need for hate anymore

[Sam-xmsr]

Beautiful temple of Jesus it will always remain his Church no matter what. The one who steals from others can never become owner. He still remains a thief and a sinner in the eyes of the Lord.

[es]

It is an Orthodox Cathedral, it is Greek, its name is Hagia Sophia and the city's name is Constantinople (aka 'Istanbul' from the words 'Is Tin Poli' which means 'At The City') and remember that the Greeks shall return to unveil the figures that were scrapped off or covered and offer it to the whole humanity as its presence is of universal value and its meaning wraps up a constellation of peaceful and sacred values that barbarians who conquer for the sake of authority and expansion are sublimely unaware of. PS: the name Turks use to refer to the cathedral is Ayasofya and that name is ...Greek.

[XDeathHackX]

It's really sad what Hagia Sophia became.... God is crying :(

[Kolious_Thrace]

Fun fact:
The name Istanbul has Hellenic roots!

Constantinople means the city of Constantine
Istanbul comes from a Hellenic saying!
Hellenes used to refer to Constantinople as Η Πόλη/I Pòli which means THE City!
No any city but The City!
The Hellenic saying:
Εις την Πόλην / Is tin Pòlin means ‘’to The City’’
Is tin Polin
Is tin Pol
IsTinPol
Istanbul
🇬🇷

They may hung all these nonsense around, they may cover all of the Hagiographies around, they may built another 10 minarets around...
Hagia Sofia was, is and forever will be an Orthodox Church!
They want to pray in it? Fine!
I wonder what other religion’s believers would accept to pray in another religion’s temple!
They pray inside a Church...🤯🤯🤯
They pray under the Pantokràtor!
They pray under the Holy Mary!

Are they not ashamed of that as strong Muslim believers???
Perhaps they want to pray to Jesus!
Perhaps they pray to Theotokos for mercy!
💙🇬🇷🇬🇷🙏🏻✝️🙏🏻🇬🇷🇬🇷💙

[brathaadi]

It is better if hagia sophia still a cathedral. If it full restored as a church it will be awsome.

[eda]

As a Turk my opinion is Ayasofya should have been preserved as a museum like what Atatürk did in 1934. It will only occur conflicts from now on like you can see in this comment section. Ayasofya has completed it’s time as church and as a mosque. Now it is the world’s cultural legacy for all human’s to see. Istanbul has many many mosques to worship. This was not a need, it’s only a politicial step.

[evangelus]

It's so depressing to see how Hagia Sofia has been defaced

[che]

as a Christian it's so sad to know the story of Hagia Sofia

[georgiacannon]

Παλι με χρονια με καιρους παλι δικια μας δανε !!!!

[gabrielerge]

Hagia Sophia is not just one of many, it’s been a mother Church for all Christian Churches for many centuries.
Turkish president is making big mistake, demonstrating disrespect for Christians and Christianity.

[khaledhossainy]

I think the name Constantinople is more beautiful than istanbul...
I also feel that, Mr president should also give a door for orthodox christian brothers who are very close to belief to Muslims...This is a love for orthodox christian brothers...Emperor Justinian was suffering from Plague and glorious lord gave him healing after a long prayer!
The orthodox christian brothers are very pious in faith...
The house of lord should be fulfilled again with devoted worshippers and long long crying prayer!!

[Vang]

I like how the Hagia Sophia is older than Islam itself