Trabzon Hagia Sophia Museum

Hagia Sophia of Trabzon: A Byzantine Legacy Reclaimed

🏛️ Often considered the counterpart to Istanbul’s Hagia Sophia, the Hagia Sophia of Trabzon stands as a remarkable testament to Byzantine architecture and history.

🔹 Built between 1238 and 1263, during the reign of Manuel I of Trebizond, this grand structure was originally constructed as a Byzantine church under the Empire of Trebizond, which ruled parts of the Black Sea’s eastern shores.

🕌 Conversion to a Mosque – In 1584, following the Ottoman conquest, Hagia Sophia was converted into a mosque, allowing local Muslims to pray within its majestic walls.

⚔️ World War I & Russian Occupation – During World War I, Trabzon was occupied by the Russian military, and the Hagia Sophia—one of the largest buildings in the area—was repurposed as a temporary hospital and supply depot. After the war, it was returned to its use as a mosque, but its function would change once again.

🏛️ Transformation into a Museum (1964-2012) – In 1964, the building was converted into a museum, allowing visitors to explore its historical significance and admire its breathtaking frescoes.

🕌 Reconversion to a Mosque (2012) – In 2012, religious authorities gained the right to reconvert Hagia Sophia into an active place of worship. To preserve the original frescoes while accommodating prayer, the interior was carefully adapted—the frescoes were veiled, and carpets were laid down to provide a comfortable space for worshippers.

✨ Today, Hagia Sophia of Trabzon stands as both a place of prayer and a historical monument, reflecting centuries of change, resilience, and cultural evolution.