Hagia Sophia Welcomed More Than 30 Million Visitors in Six Years

Hagia Sophia has welcomed more than 30 million visitors since it reopened as a mosque in July 2020, once again becoming one of Istanbul’s most important attractions for both domestic and international visitors.

Originally built as a church and converted into a mosque after the Ottoman conquest of Istanbul in 1453, Hagia Sophia served as a museum for 86 years before being reopened for worship in 2020.

A Major Attraction for Visitors

The reopening has not reduced interest in Hagia Sophia as a historic and cultural landmark. Visitors continue to come not only to worship but also to experience its extraordinary history, architecture and artistic heritage.

According to officials, visitor numbers have remained consistently high, with particularly noticeable growth among tourists from Central Asia and the Far East. Countries such as Uzbekistan, Malaysia and Indonesia have increasingly included Istanbul and Hagia Sophia in religious travel programmes.

History, Faith and Architecture

Hagia Sophia remains more than a place of worship. Religious education and traditional Islamic practices continue inside the mosque, while guidance is also provided for international visitors.

Its spiritual atmosphere, combined with its unique historical and architectural character, makes Hagia Sophia a destination that appeals to visitors for very different reasons.

Restoration Continues

Restoration work is still continuing, with visitor access being carefully controlled to protect both visitors and the historic structure.

Once the restoration is completed, the site is expected to accommodate even more visitors.

With more than 30 million visitors in just six years, Hagia Sophia has clearly retained its position as one of Istanbul’s most significant landmarks and one of Turkey’s major international visitor attractions.