Britannica
Sources used in this answer
What additions did Mehmed II make when Hagia Sophia was converted into a mosque?
Created from Britannica articles
using AI.
AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.
Hagia Sophia
A bird's-eye view of Hagia Sophia on the shore of the Bosporus, Istanbul.
Upon converting the Hagia Sophia into a mosque following the conquest of Constantinople in 1453, Sultan Mehmed II oversaw several modifications to align the structure with Islamic tradition.12
The additions made during his reign included:
- A wooden minaret (which is no longer standing)12
- A mihrab, a niche indicating the direction of Mecca12
- A minbar, or pulpit12
- A madrasah, or school1
- A grand chandelier12
Additionally, Mehmed II established charitable foundations and provided annual funding to ensure the ongoing upkeep and service of the mosque. While later sultans added more permanent minarets and structural supports, these initial features were essential to the building's immediate transition into a place of Islamic worship.312