Hagia Sophia Church & Mosque Hagia Sophia, a renowned museum and architectural masterpiece, has been attracting millions of visitors from all over the world. Located at the same site as its predecessors, the third construction of Hagia Sophia is built in a distinct architectural style. Emperor Justinianos ordered its construction from the most prominent architects of the time, Anthemios and Isidoros, who supervised the work of 100 architects and several layers of supervisors, each overseeing groups of 50 builders. Construction of Hagia Sophia began on February 23, 532, and was completed in five years and ten months. It opened for divine service with a grand ceremony on December 27, 537, and served as a church for 916 years. After the conquest of Istanbul by Fatih Sultan Mehmed, it was converted into a mosque and served as one for 482 years. Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the then-director, designated Hagia Sophia as a museum in 1935, a decision supported by the Council of Ministers. However, in 2020, with the current government, Hagia Sophia was converted back into a mosque. Despite its changes in function, Hagia Sophia remains an architectural and historical marvel that has stood the test of time.