*Want to purchase Skip the Line tickets for Hagia Sophia?? Check the official seller on Get Your Guide:* www.getyourguide.com/istanbul-l56/istanbul-hagia-sophia-skip-the-line-ticket-museum-option-t709111/?partner_id=KSYPHQF&cmp=TH-cam&mkt_cmp=true
@@JB-wv6ijhmmm we don’t have any experience buying a combined ticket with basilica cistern unfortunately but that total does seem high. I just found a combo ticket for $63.51… do you see that one?
Im Turkish, my wife egyptian. We both live in Canada now but started watching your videos when we decided to book a trip to Istanbul this May. I'm stoked!
Happy we got to tour last November- having seen it, I would pay $25 to experience it again from upper level and listen to audio guide to learn even more!
I’ve been to Istanbul for the 27th time in September 2024. Right now visiting Galata Tower and Kiz Kulesi is 30 Euros each. I’m glad I saw both in 2015 and 2016 when it was much cheaper.
It was definitely nice to be able to enjoy it was less people, but it will be interesting to see how many people are there during high season! Thanks for watching!
Sorry guys, I don't care how beautiful it is, 50 Euros (2,000 Thai Baht) for two people is outrageous. I don't think we've ever paid to go into a mosque and some of the ones in Malaysia are gorgeous.
Is there any way to buy tickets online? Do you know a reliable site? I will visit in August and I don’t have much time in the city, so I am concerned with the lines. Thank you 😊
During the summer time there is a huge 2 hour queue, I went during June 2024, also there is still no easy access for wheelchair users and the staff is not willing help where there is stairs.
Hi there, you are an amazing couple, and the way you explain the detail is so easy that I am watching all of your videos before visiting the turkey. I am also looking for a cheaper but good equipped airbnb because want my dad to have an easy trip. Hope to see your video before that. Before may
Been loving your videos! Everything is so well explained! Just a question. What are the options for foreigners who would like to pray here? Do they go to the gallery or the ground level?
Thank you for creating these videos for us. I came across your videos late in 2022 when planning my 2023 holiday to visit the less travelled tourist destinations in Turkiye - Black Sean Coast and the South East. I visited Trabzon and Mardin, Sanliurfa and Gaziantep last October. I have been to Aya Sofia a number of times when it was a museum and more recently in 2022 and 2023. I welcome these changes to seperate cultural visitors from those going to pray. While a lot of us 'tourists' do the right thing in being mindful and respectful, I witnessed very poor behaviours from many tourists inside Aya Sofia in the last 2 years - some who were clearly identifiable as Muslim. The vast majority of people there, including me were not there to pray, they were there to look at the inside of a 1500 year old building. I would not hesitate to pay to visit this amazing building. I cannot imagine the regret I would have if after travelling thousands of kilometres to holiday in Turkiye I went home without seeing inside one of the world's architectural masterpieces just because I had to pay. The cost is less than Westminster Abbey and similar to other tourist frequented structures in Europe.
I’m in Istanbul now - revisiting as part of my bucket list after my last visit in 1979 when I was only 17. I am disabled now and walk with 2 sticks. I made it around the blue mosque today with a lot of help but nowhere can I find any reviews or photos to help me decide if I should try Hagia Sophia’s new route- can anyone help?
There are a series of pretty steep ramps at the entry to get to the gallery level but the exit is down steep stairs… we have heard that for people with mobility challenges, they will allow you to enter on to the prayer sanctuary level. So if you buy the ticket to the upper level but it is not accessible for you, you should be able to get someone to let you in on the main floor. Slightly different experience but I think it would be worth it especially if this is a bucket list trip for you!
I love your approach to a perfect day in Istanbul. I'm one of those that threw in a stop on the way to Greece because of the Turkish Air Stopover Program. ? If I only have the morning to visit mosques, my thoughts are to go for a Turkish breakfast , visit the Blue Mosque, see Hagia from the exterior, maybe Basilica Cistern, breeze through the markets and see Suleymaniye before heading to Galata and the sunset cruise, and sample foods. I'm traveling with a very hungry guy. Please let me know if I should tweak my plans? I live in N Idaho so I love your videos there also. Thanks, Angela
Hi there Angela! If it were me based on the places you have mentioned (and if you can wait a little longer for breakfast), I would get to Sultanahmet square by 8am to enjoy the peace and quiet (relatively speaking ☺️). You can see Hagia Sophia from the outside before one thousand people are there... then I would go to the Blue mosque first, right at 8:30 when they open. It shouldn’t take too long and then you can go to Basilica Cistern when they open at 9am.. This approach would really help you avoid a lot of the crowds. Basilica Cistern takes around 45 or so minutes so you could be having breakfast by 10am or so, depending on where you’re going. You can grab a simit in the square to hold you over before breakfast. Or maybe find a place to pick up some borek before you start your day. Then, yes markets and Süleymaniye before Galata and the sunset cruise sounds like a great plan! Get ready for a busy (and fun ☺️) day! Hope you guys have a great time!
I haven't been back to Istanbul in over 9 years, back when it was a Museum. I hope it will be a museum once again in the future but I would go as far as to say it should be converted back to a Church since there is already a huge mosque right next to it. Now that would be a pillar of secularism like no other.
@@secretangel4848 I am a Turk so it’s not being salty, just has to do with having a sense of justice and respect. Simpletons like you wouldn’t understand it but I accepted that so keep walking ;)
@@secretangel4848 that’s a childish response. What I’m saying is just the right thing to do. You are projecting your own feelings on me but I don’t think as simplistically as you.
It's a shame a historical world wonder was closed off due to politics. I hope turks wisen up and let Hagia Sophia becomes a museum again, so it can be properly kept and enjoyed by everyone once again
Hi there, from what we currently understand, only Turkish citizens who are there for worshipping can enter the prayer area for free. I have no idea how strict they are on this or if this will change going forward. I would be interested to know your experience when you visit in a couple of months if you don't mind sharing. :)
Hi Jess and Myles. We are planning to visit Istanbul in December for a 9 day tour. I just wanted to know what is the crowd going to be like? And when did you visit Hagia Sophia as you have shown in this video? :) Thank you
@@falak793 Hi there! Istanbul is honestly busy year round but December will no doubt be quieter than the summer 😂! We filmed that video in January and we went right when the ticket office opened in the morning! I hope this helps and we hope you have a great trip!
They had signs indicating that there was free WiFi that you can login to so you can access the QR code. We did not use the WiFi so I cannot give first hand experience of using the it, but we did see that it was available so I imagine you will be fine!
This update was actually really helpful, unfortunately it confirms my suspicions that I won't be able to make a trip to Istanbul for the foreseeable future as I have no plans to travel halfway across the planet only to see half of late Antiquity's most important building.
Hello you make great videos with full explanation. I have a question you mentioned that prayer time is allowed to muslims on ground floor. Is it only for turkish muslims or everyone? And also it is open to pray anytime or justbon the prayer time
Thanks so much! So I believe the original intent was to be free only for Turkish citizens... however, I have since heard the ground floor is now also open to foreign Muslims but just during prayer time (and still Turkish Citizen's regardless of its prayer time or not). We have not been able to confirm this so please if you don't mind sharing your experience when you visit, we would appreciate it! ☺️
The thesis, which is widespread today and accepted by European scientists; The thesis is that the R1a subgroup is the 'common gene of the Indo-Europeans, and the R1b subgroup is the common gene of the Turks and other Central Asian peoples and Finn-Yuğra peoples. (1- Anatoly A. Kyosov, Journal of Russian Academy ogf DNA genelogy, 2010 vol. 3No 1 pp.3-58) However, the R gene is a single gene with all its haplogroups and is a 'Turkish gene'. The R1b subgroup is actually highly concentrated in Western Europe and moderately in Central Eurasia and Sub-Sharan in Central Africa, Eastern Europe, Western Asia and Central Asia. The R1b subgroup is 80% Irish, Scots and Welsh; 50-60 percent in Spaniards, Portuguese, French and English; 25-50% in Germans, Dutch, Danes and Norwegians; 25-40% in Italians; 25% in Sweden and Norway; 15% in the Balkan peoples; It is found 10-15% in Poles, 10% in Russians and Ukrainians, 10-15% in Anatolian Turks (25% in Black Sea and Eastern Anatolia regions and 15-25% in Kyrgyz. Rb1 ratios in Central Asian Turks and Fin-Yuğra peoples are very low or there is none. The Rb1 subgroup is quite high among Celtic, Germanic, and Latin peoples who have assimilated Proto-Turkic Peoples such as the Iberian and Aquit peoples in Spain and France, and Finns further north at a low level. This ratio is around 60-80% in the British and Irish islands, for example. In Scandinavian peoples who have heavily assimilated the Finnish peoples, the R1b rate is relatively low, such as 25%. Rb1 is as low as 10-15% in Slavic and Balkan peoples. For Russians, Ukrainians and Polish peoples, this rate is at a very low level, between 0-10%. In Hungarians, this rate is between 0-10%. This subgroup is also between 0-10% in Croats of European Avars origin and Bosnians of Pecheneg origin. R1a is a haplogroup with a high rate in Turks. R1a, 50-70% Central Asian Turks, 50-60% Russians, Ukrainians, Poles and Sorbs (Slavs in Germany), 50-60% Afghans, Pakistanis and North Indians, 20-60% Hungarians; 52% Ashkenazi Jews, 15-30% Scandinavian peoples, 30% Finns, Estlers, Lapps, Baltic people, 15-20% Italians and some areas in northern Spain (this includes the Basque region) 25-60% Dravidians, 10 percent -15% in Tibetans, 15-20% in North Chinese, 15-30% in Germans, 30-40% in Balkan peoples, 20-30% in Caucasian, Anatolian and Iranian peoples. The genetic compositions of today's Turkic peoples are quite different from each other and show a genetic unity. Anatolian Turks also have C, H, I, J, K, O, Q, T chromosomes besides R1a and lesser R1b. The highest gene among Turkic peoples is R Y-DNA. (R1a and R1b) Next comes J Y-DNA. J Y-DNA is a gene carried by Arabs and Semetic Jews, which emerged in the Arabian peninsula about 30,000 years ago, and is divided into 2 subgroups as J1 and J2. This rate is as low as 20% in Ashkenazi Jews of Turkish origin, and they got this gene by mixing with Semetic Jews. There are J2 subgroups at the rate of 10% and 20% among the Anatolian Turks. The genetic composition of Azerbaijan's Iranian Turks is similar to that of Anatolian Turks. In Turkmens in Turkmenistan, on the other hand, R1a is higher and J chromosome is lower than Anatolian and Azerbaijani Turks, while O and Q chromosomes are higher. Among the Turkic peoples in Central Asia, the highest rate of R1a is found in the Kyrgyz Turks with 70 percent. 50-60% of that. KazakhTurks, UygurTurks, and UzbekTurks, MongolTurks and TibetTurks, this rate is around 10-15%. All Central Asian peoples have C, I, J, K, O, Q chromosomes, but the J chromosome is very low in these peoples. However, C Chromosome is found at very high levels in KazakTurks, MogolTurks, KirgizTurks, UygurTurks and UzbekTurks. Other peoples carrying this chromosome are Tunguses, Koreans and Japanese. Tibetans also carry about 40% of the D chromosome. This chromosome is found in other Central Asian Peoples at very low rates. Another people who carry this chromosome at a high rate like the Tibetans are the Aynos, the oldest people of the Japanese islands. The issue that confuses European scientists is that the R1a subgroup is found in Russians, Ukrainians, Poles, Pakistanis; It is very high in Afghans and north Indians. This is quite natural actually. The lands where these peoples live are the old lands where the Turks have established strong lands for centuries. If we look at the maps of these Turkish states, it can be easily seen that these maps overlap with the R1a maps. This is the only reason why these populations have high levels of R1a. The Turks living in these lands became new peoples by mixing with other peoples who did not migrate from these lands when their states were disintegrated. It is not known on what the European scientists base the thesis that the R1a subgroup is the common gene of 'Indo-Europeans' and the R1b group is the common gene of Turks and other Central Asian peoples and Finn-Ygra peoples (Fins, Estonians, Lapps), but it is found in Turkish and other Central Asian peoples and Phoenician peoples. the higher gene is not R1b, but the R1a subgroup. R1b is at very low levels. This 'strangeness' is explained by European scholars as 'the Turks carry a high rate of R1a because they assimilated the Iranian Peoples in Central Asia in the 4th and 11th centuries' (2 origins, age, spread and ethnic association of European Haplogroups and subclades) However, there is no record that the Turks erased the 'Central Asian Iranians' from history in the 4th and 11th centuries. If one can show records, evidence, etc., of course, it would be very appropriate. In addition, R1a is high not only in Turks, but also in Caucasian peoples living in the Caucasus and Dravidian peoples living in southern India. Also, if R1a is a Turkish gene, why is it 60-80% found in British, French, Spanish, and Celts? It must be Ahhuns (Sakalar, Kushans or Ak Sakalar) or Tagars (Tohars) that European scientists mean by Iranians in Central Asia. The Tağars established a powerful state in the present-day Shanxi and Kansu provinces of China between 300 BC and 20 BC. However, European historians claim that the Tagars were 'Indo-European'. No 'Indo-European' state was established in Central Asia, neither in 300 BC nor in the following centuries. There are no archaeological findings proving this. there are only dry claims. There was only a small number of people of Indian origin, who spread to present-day Southern Turkestan (Afghanistan and then to East Turkestan, and then melted down among the Uyghurs) around 500 AD. The descendants of this people are texts written in Brahmi script from the period between 500 AD and 700 AD. It is understood that they spoke an Indian language that has become extinct.European historians and archaeologists have found thousands of years old in central Asia. They claim that they were descended from 'Indo-European tohars' because their mummies were auburn-blonde and their clothing resembled those of the Celtic peoples. However, the People of Indian origin, whom they call the Tohars, are not brown-haired, but a dark people like today's Indians, and their migration date to Central Asia is very late. These mummies are from the Turks. In addition, it is natural that these oldest clothes of the Turks are seen in the Celts, an early Turkish people. It is not surprising that the Turks were brown-blonde before mixing with other peoples.
I saw some comments said they charge 25 euro per person…NO now they charge 31 euro (info from official website) wow it’s even more expensive than what I spend on some attractions in Paris or London. I didn’t expect the price climb up so high in Istanbul😂
Oh wow, I had not heard that yet... do you mind sharing which site you are referring to? The below site is usually pretty good and stays up to date and it's still showing 25 euros but who knows, things change here very rapidly! muze.gen.tr/muze-detay/ayasofya
From what we understand, the balcony level is not wheelchair accessible. However, we have read that tourists with a purchased ticket that need accessibility, can then access the main worship floor through the prayer entrance. You cannot get to the balcony but you can get in on the main floor.
The weather can be very unpredictable here but generally speaking it should be pretty warm in May. We have been having great weather so far this month but last April it was a different story, so it’s hard to say with certainty.
Thanks for The Informations the Hagia Sophia is one of the Faszination buildings of the world, it‘s so much history in there, You Must be Visit my Home City Samsun on the black sea, it is a wonderful City, enjoy it. Excuse me but my english is not so good☺️ Greetings from germany You are Great
Just visited Istanbul. Lovely people, great food, awesome airport and metro! BUT: the condition of Hagia Sofia is abysmal. It was gut wrenchingly painful to see how poorly that building was maintained. We are talking about one of the most significant structures built in the history of mankind. Cats and birds are defecating inside. Weeds and plants are growing between the huge stones outside. The old Cathedral was dilapidated and shamefully maintained. Turkey needs to treat Hagia Sofia with the respect and honor it deserves. They’d get much more tourism were they to restore the building to what Boris and Gleb saw when they said upon entering, “They knew not whether they were in Heaven or on earth”. Vile to have witnessed what Turkey has done to the grand Cathedral. Plus, Turkey is hurting itself by being such negligent stewards of the Cathedral.
Doğru konuşmuyorsun. İstanbul feth edildiğinden beri canımız gibi bakıyoruz Ayasofya Camii ne ... Tarihte bir çok defa bakım ve onarımını yaptık ve imkansızı başarıp hastalıklı bina denilen bu eski yapının günümüze ulaşmasını sağladık . Günümüzde ise dünya tarihinde nadir görülen 50 yıllık bir bakım ve onarım çalışması başlatıldı. Saygılarımla Bay Thomas...
From what we understand, you’re supposed to be a turkish citizen in order to enter the prayer area for free.. but I honestly have no idea how strict they are being or if this rule will last.
@WaypointofView ok thanks! I've already visited Hagia Sophia last year and it seems like the gallery isn't worth it so will probably give it a skip next time
360 AD Basilica of the Greek Orthodox Christian Church made by Constantinople. Such a tragedy that the Erdogan made this a mosque that charges money to see one of the oldest christian monuments. Such a shame. If you’re going to spread tourism at least explain the actual history.
Hi I’ve seen some signs around the new tourist entrance on other TH-cam videos that say people who can’t climb stairs can visit the main floor as they can’t reach the gallery. My Mum is 84 years old and travels in a wheelchair when sightseeing. Did you see what was happening with foreign visitors who can’t handle stairs while you were at Ayasofya? Thank you for the great videos!!
Really disappointed at how many places are closed for rennovations, but nothing is really happening. Some of the parks we have been to is really in a sad state of maintenance. One can see the 68% inflation rate is hitting hard. No money is spend on maintenance. Great tips in you videos!!
Най-доброто място, за да се види църквата в цялото й величие не е на втория етаж, а на долното ниво, което е забранено за немюсюлмани. Прекрасният мраморен под е покрит с килим и е скрит за зрителите. Сегашният вариант за посещение е осакатяване на възприятието на това забележително място и се плаща безумна цена. Може да си я спестите.
@@philipw4824 От втория етаж, където се допускат туристите, не може да види цялата красота на храма. Само молещите се имат тази привилегия. И това ако не е дискриминация.
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*Want to purchase Skip the Line tickets for Hagia Sophia?? Check the official seller on Get Your Guide:*
www.getyourguide.com/istanbul-l56/istanbul-hagia-sophia-skip-the-line-ticket-museum-option-t709111/?partner_id=KSYPHQF&cmp=TH-cam&mkt_cmp=true
I went to buy tickets on this site. Hagia Sophia and tickets to Basilica Cistern started at $47 euros but ended up as $71 USD. does that sound right?
@@JB-wv6ijhmmm we don’t have any experience buying a combined ticket with basilica cistern unfortunately but that total does seem high. I just found a combo ticket for $63.51… do you see that one?
Im Turkish, my wife egyptian. We both live in Canada now but started watching your videos when we decided to book a trip to Istanbul this May. I'm stoked!
That’s very exciting, we hope you have a great trip!
What will be the weather in May
I'm also from Canada and going in May!! have a nice trip
Thanks for the update and I'm glad to see that you're out and about. Be safe
Thank you so much!! ☺️☺️
Happy we got to tour last November- having seen it, I would pay $25 to experience it again from upper level and listen to audio guide to learn even more!
Can tourists who go to upper livel go to the down livel? Or they just have to stay in the high flour?
how were the queues ?
I’ve been to Istanbul for the 27th time in September 2024. Right now visiting Galata Tower and Kiz Kulesi is 30 Euros each.
I’m glad I saw both in 2015 and 2016 when it was much cheaper.
Thank you for the update. We would have had a rude awakening in April when we arrived at the HS.
Thanks for the information. It will be a much better experience now with less people.
It was definitely nice to be able to enjoy it was less people, but it will be interesting to see how many people are there during high season! Thanks for watching!
videos are always amazing keep up the great content!!!!
Thank you so much!!
Sorry guys, I don't care how beautiful it is, 50 Euros (2,000 Thai Baht) for two people is outrageous. I don't think we've ever paid to go into a mosque and some of the ones in Malaysia are gorgeous.
The Blue Mosque which is just a 10.minutes stroll away from Hagia Sophia was till free to visit last week..
Both mosques are stunningly beautiful
We’re glad to see another great video. Another cool update is NO MORE E-VISA for US visitors ! YES! 😂 More shopping and more food!
Haha we were very happy to hear about that change as well! Thanks so much for watching! ☺️🙏
Is there any way to buy tickets online? Do you know a reliable site? I will visit in August and I don’t have much time in the city, so I am concerned with the lines. Thank you 😊
3:58 can one pay in TL(cash) at the ticket office? How much is the ticket price in TL?
a quality video answered all my questions, your content has been invaluable in helping me plan my trip for next week
So glad you are finding our videos helpful! We hope you have an amazing time here!
Is Hagia Sofia open 9-7:30 on Fridays? What about prayer hours? Now that tourists can walk just the mezzanine floor, are they allowed anytime?
During the summer time there is a huge 2 hour queue, I went during June 2024, also there is still no easy access for wheelchair users and the staff is not willing help where there is stairs.
Hi there, you are an amazing couple, and the way you explain the detail is so easy that I am watching all of your videos before visiting the turkey. I am also looking for a cheaper but good equipped airbnb because want my dad to have an easy trip. Hope to see your video before that. Before may
Been loving your videos! Everything is so well explained! Just a question. What are the options for foreigners who would like to pray here? Do they go to the gallery or the ground level?
Thank you for creating these videos for us. I came across your videos late in 2022 when planning my 2023 holiday to visit the less travelled tourist destinations in Turkiye - Black Sean Coast and the South East. I visited Trabzon and Mardin, Sanliurfa and Gaziantep last October.
I have been to Aya Sofia a number of times when it was a museum and more recently in 2022 and 2023. I welcome these changes to seperate cultural visitors from those going to pray. While a lot of us 'tourists' do the right thing in being mindful and respectful, I witnessed very poor behaviours from many tourists inside Aya Sofia in the last 2 years - some who were clearly identifiable as Muslim. The vast majority of people there, including me were not there to pray, they were there to look at the inside of a 1500 year old building.
I would not hesitate to pay to visit this amazing building. I cannot imagine the regret I would have if after travelling thousands of kilometres to holiday in Turkiye I went home without seeing inside one of the world's architectural masterpieces just because I had to pay. The cost is less than Westminster Abbey and similar to other tourist frequented structures in Europe.
This makes us so happy to hear! We are glad you have found our videos helpful!
Thanks for the information. I'm planning to go in April.
We hope you have a great trip!! Thanks for watching!
Love you enthusiasm! Great video.
Thanks so much!!
I’m in Istanbul now - revisiting as part of my bucket list after my last visit in 1979 when I was only 17. I am disabled now and walk with 2 sticks. I made it around the blue mosque today with a lot of help but nowhere can I find any reviews or photos to help me decide if I should try Hagia Sophia’s new route- can anyone help?
There are a series of pretty steep ramps at the entry to get to the gallery level but the exit is down steep stairs… we have heard that for people with mobility challenges, they will allow you to enter on to the prayer sanctuary level. So if you buy the ticket to the upper level but it is not accessible for you, you should be able to get someone to let you in on the main floor. Slightly different experience but I think it would be worth it especially if this is a bucket list trip for you!
Can you visit during prayer time? How about Fridays….are Fridays accessible ?
I love your approach to a perfect day in Istanbul. I'm one of those that threw in a stop on the way to Greece because of the Turkish Air Stopover Program.
? If I only have the morning to visit mosques, my thoughts are to go for a Turkish breakfast , visit the Blue Mosque, see Hagia from the exterior, maybe Basilica Cistern, breeze through the markets and see Suleymaniye before heading to Galata and the sunset cruise, and sample foods. I'm traveling with a very hungry guy. Please let me know if I should tweak my plans?
I live in N Idaho so I love your videos there also. Thanks, Angela
Hi there Angela! If it were me based on the places you have mentioned (and if you can wait a little longer for breakfast), I would get to Sultanahmet square by 8am to enjoy the peace and quiet (relatively speaking ☺️). You can see Hagia Sophia from the outside before one thousand people are there... then I would go to the Blue mosque first, right at 8:30 when they open. It shouldn’t take too long and then you can go to Basilica Cistern when they open at 9am..
This approach would really help you avoid a lot of the crowds. Basilica Cistern takes around 45 or so minutes so you could be having breakfast by 10am or so, depending on where you’re going.
You can grab a simit in the square to hold you over before breakfast. Or maybe find a place to pick up some borek before you start your day.
Then, yes markets and Süleymaniye before Galata and the sunset cruise sounds like a great plan! Get ready for a busy (and fun ☺️) day!
Hope you guys have a great time!
@@WaypointofView Do you still discount available for the sunset cruise?
@@AngelaRisner-qo6os Yes we sure do! We have a 15% discount inside the guide, which for 2 people, basically pays for the guide. 😉😉
I haven't been back to Istanbul in over 9 years, back when it was a Museum. I hope it will be a museum once again in the future but I would go as far as to say it should be converted back to a Church since there is already a huge mosque right next to it. Now that would be a pillar of secularism like no other.
Christian cathedrals in Europe are far more accessible anyway.
@@lennydale92There are Christians in Turkey too. Not sure how they would be more accessible than Hagia Sophia :)
Still salty you're after all these years😂
@@secretangel4848 I am a Turk so it’s not being salty, just has to do with having a sense of justice and respect. Simpletons like you wouldn’t understand it but I accepted that so keep walking ;)
@@secretangel4848 that’s a childish response. What I’m saying is just the right thing to do. You are projecting your own feelings on me but I don’t think as simplistically as you.
thank you
It's a shame a historical world wonder was closed off due to politics.
I hope turks wisen up and let Hagia Sophia becomes a museum again, so it can be properly kept and enjoyed by everyone once again
Hi. Can the tickets be purchased in turkish liras ? Or do we have to pay them in euros ?
I wouldn't mind paying if access wasn't restricted. Not being able to access the floor level is a big turn off.
Hi, does anybody know if there is any discount for ISIC students (I couldn't find info on the official site)?
Miss when it was a museum and you could be on both the ground level and the upper level
Hii thanks for the video, we are goint there in Apr, one question what if the tourist wants to pray??
Hi there, from what we currently understand, only Turkish citizens who are there for worshipping can enter the prayer area for free. I have no idea how strict they are on this or if this will change going forward. I would be interested to know your experience when you visit in a couple of months if you don't mind sharing. :)
Tourists can also enter free of charge from the main entrance during prayer time just to salah. Only for muslim prayers.
Hi Jess and Myles. We are planning to visit Istanbul in December for a 9 day tour. I just wanted to know what is the crowd going to be like? And when did you visit Hagia Sophia as you have shown in this video? :) Thank you
@@falak793 Hi there! Istanbul is honestly busy year round but December will no doubt be quieter than the summer 😂! We filmed that video in January and we went right when the ticket office opened in the morning! I hope this helps and we hope you have a great trip!
@@WaypointofView Thank you so much!
Muslima are y from uzbekistan?
@@ytc257 no! I am from India :)
@@falak793 which Pradesh?
does the QR code work if we did not purchase an igternational wifi package? Will we be able to still use it Thank you in advance
They had signs indicating that there was free WiFi that you can login to so you can access the QR code. We did not use the WiFi so I cannot give first hand experience of using the it, but we did see that it was available so I imagine you will be fine!
So it means you can enter galleries during prayer happening below?
No closed during prayer times
This update was actually really helpful, unfortunately it confirms my suspicions that I won't be able to make a trip to Istanbul for the foreseeable future as I have no plans to travel halfway across the planet only to see half of late Antiquity's most important building.
Hello you make great videos with full explanation. I have a question you mentioned that prayer time is allowed to muslims on ground floor. Is it only for turkish muslims or everyone? And also it is open to pray anytime or justbon the prayer time
Thanks so much! So I believe the original intent was to be free only for Turkish citizens... however, I have since heard the ground floor is now also open to foreign Muslims but just during prayer time (and still Turkish Citizen's regardless of its prayer time or not). We have not been able to confirm this so please if you don't mind sharing your experience when you visit, we would appreciate it! ☺️
That's what we were told today
I am from Bangladesh. Please visit Dhaka, Bangladesh.
The thesis, which is widespread today and accepted by European scientists; The thesis is that the R1a subgroup is the 'common gene of the Indo-Europeans, and the R1b subgroup is the common gene of the Turks and other Central Asian peoples and Finn-Yuğra peoples. (1- Anatoly A. Kyosov, Journal of Russian Academy ogf DNA genelogy, 2010 vol. 3No 1 pp.3-58)
However, the R gene is a single gene with all its haplogroups and is a 'Turkish gene'. The R1b subgroup is actually highly concentrated in Western Europe and moderately in Central Eurasia and Sub-Sharan in Central Africa, Eastern Europe, Western Asia and Central Asia.
The R1b subgroup is 80% Irish, Scots and Welsh; 50-60 percent in Spaniards, Portuguese, French and English; 25-50% in Germans, Dutch, Danes and Norwegians; 25-40% in Italians; 25% in Sweden and Norway; 15% in the Balkan peoples; It is found 10-15% in Poles, 10% in Russians and Ukrainians, 10-15% in Anatolian Turks (25% in Black Sea and Eastern Anatolia regions and 15-25% in Kyrgyz. Rb1 ratios in Central Asian Turks and Fin-Yuğra peoples are very low or there is none.
The Rb1 subgroup is quite high among Celtic, Germanic, and Latin peoples who have assimilated Proto-Turkic Peoples such as the Iberian and Aquit peoples in Spain and France, and Finns further north at a low level. This ratio is around 60-80% in the British and Irish islands, for example. In Scandinavian peoples who have heavily assimilated the Finnish peoples, the R1b rate is relatively low, such as 25%.
Rb1 is as low as 10-15% in Slavic and Balkan peoples. For Russians, Ukrainians and Polish peoples, this rate is at a very low level, between 0-10%. In Hungarians, this rate is between 0-10%. This subgroup is also between 0-10% in Croats of European Avars origin and Bosnians of Pecheneg origin.
R1a is a haplogroup with a high rate in Turks. R1a, 50-70% Central Asian Turks, 50-60% Russians, Ukrainians, Poles and Sorbs (Slavs in Germany), 50-60% Afghans, Pakistanis and North Indians, 20-60% Hungarians; 52% Ashkenazi Jews, 15-30% Scandinavian peoples, 30% Finns, Estlers, Lapps, Baltic people, 15-20% Italians and some areas in northern Spain (this includes the Basque region) 25-60% Dravidians, 10 percent -15% in Tibetans, 15-20% in North Chinese, 15-30% in Germans, 30-40% in Balkan peoples, 20-30% in Caucasian, Anatolian and Iranian peoples.
The genetic compositions of today's Turkic peoples are quite different from each other and show a genetic unity.
Anatolian Turks also have C, H, I, J, K, O, Q, T chromosomes besides R1a and lesser R1b. The highest gene among Turkic peoples is R Y-DNA. (R1a and R1b) Next comes J Y-DNA. J Y-DNA is a gene carried by Arabs and Semetic Jews, which emerged in the Arabian peninsula about 30,000 years ago, and is divided into 2 subgroups as J1 and J2. This rate is as low as 20% in Ashkenazi Jews of Turkish origin, and they got this gene by mixing with Semetic Jews. There are J2 subgroups at the rate of 10% and 20% among the Anatolian Turks. The genetic composition of Azerbaijan's Iranian Turks is similar to that of Anatolian Turks. In Turkmens in Turkmenistan, on the other hand, R1a is higher and J chromosome is lower than Anatolian and Azerbaijani Turks, while O and Q chromosomes are higher. Among the Turkic peoples in Central Asia, the highest rate of R1a is found in the Kyrgyz Turks with 70 percent. 50-60% of that. KazakhTurks, UygurTurks, and UzbekTurks, MongolTurks and TibetTurks, this rate is around 10-15%. All Central Asian peoples have C, I, J, K, O, Q chromosomes, but the J chromosome is very low in these peoples.
However, C Chromosome is found at very high levels in KazakTurks, MogolTurks, KirgizTurks, UygurTurks and UzbekTurks. Other peoples carrying this chromosome are Tunguses, Koreans and Japanese. Tibetans also carry about 40% of the D chromosome. This chromosome is found in other Central Asian Peoples at very low rates. Another people who carry this chromosome at a high rate like the Tibetans are the Aynos, the oldest people of the Japanese islands.
The issue that confuses European scientists is that the R1a subgroup is found in Russians, Ukrainians, Poles, Pakistanis; It is very high in Afghans and north Indians. This is quite natural actually. The lands where these peoples live are the old lands where the Turks have established strong lands for centuries. If we look at the maps of these Turkish states, it can be easily seen that these maps overlap with the R1a maps. This is the only reason why these populations have high levels of R1a. The Turks living in these lands became new peoples by mixing with other peoples who did not migrate from these lands when their states were disintegrated. It is not known on what the European scientists base the thesis that the R1a subgroup is the common gene of 'Indo-Europeans' and the R1b group is the common gene of Turks and other Central Asian peoples and Finn-Ygra peoples (Fins, Estonians, Lapps), but it is found in Turkish and other Central Asian peoples and Phoenician peoples. the higher gene is not R1b, but the R1a subgroup. R1b is at very low levels. This 'strangeness' is explained by European scholars as 'the Turks carry a high rate of R1a because they assimilated the Iranian Peoples in Central Asia in the 4th and 11th centuries' (2 origins, age, spread and ethnic association of European Haplogroups and subclades)
However, there is no record that the Turks erased the 'Central Asian Iranians' from history in the 4th and 11th centuries. If one can show records, evidence, etc., of course, it would be very appropriate. In addition, R1a is high not only in Turks, but also in Caucasian peoples living in the Caucasus and Dravidian peoples living in southern India. Also, if R1a is a Turkish gene, why is it 60-80% found in British, French, Spanish, and Celts?
It must be Ahhuns (Sakalar, Kushans or Ak Sakalar) or Tagars (Tohars) that European scientists mean by Iranians in Central Asia. The Tağars established a powerful state in the present-day Shanxi and Kansu provinces of China between 300 BC and 20 BC. However, European historians claim that the Tagars were 'Indo-European'. No 'Indo-European' state was established in Central Asia, neither in 300 BC nor in the following centuries. There are no archaeological findings proving this. there are only dry claims. There was only a small number of people of Indian origin, who spread to present-day Southern Turkestan (Afghanistan and then to East Turkestan, and then melted down among the Uyghurs) around 500 AD. The descendants of this people are texts written in Brahmi script from the period between 500 AD and 700 AD. It is understood that they spoke an Indian language that has become extinct.European historians and archaeologists have found thousands of years old in central Asia.
They claim that they were descended from 'Indo-European tohars' because their mummies were auburn-blonde and their clothing resembled those of the Celtic peoples. However, the People of Indian origin, whom they call the Tohars, are not brown-haired, but a dark people like today's Indians, and their migration date to Central Asia is very late.
These mummies are from the Turks. In addition, it is natural that these oldest clothes of the Turks are seen in the Celts, an early Turkish people. It is not surprising that the Turks were brown-blonde before mixing with other peoples.
I saw some comments said they charge 25 euro per person…NO now they charge 31 euro (info from official website) wow it’s even more expensive than what I spend on some attractions in Paris or London. I didn’t expect the price climb up so high in Istanbul😂
Oh wow, I had not heard that yet... do you mind sharing which site you are referring to? The below site is usually pretty good and stays up to date and it's still showing 25 euros but who knows, things change here very rapidly! muze.gen.tr/muze-detay/ayasofya
is the hagia sophia still handicap accesible?
From what we understand, the balcony level is not wheelchair accessible. However, we have read that tourists with a purchased ticket that need accessibility, can then access the main worship floor through the prayer entrance. You cannot get to the balcony but you can get in on the main floor.
I’m going to Istanbul in two weeks. Thank you for the update. I will give Hagia Sophia a skip, not worth €25 from my research.
Have a great trip! 🤗
When you go to Istanbul. Maybe one time in the life. You have to see This from inside. It is amazing and never forgetable.
How is weather in May? Temperatures be like?
The weather can be very unpredictable here but generally speaking it should be pretty warm in May. We have been having great weather so far this month but last April it was a different story, so it’s hard to say with certainty.
Thanks for The Informations the Hagia Sophia is one of the Faszination buildings of the world, it‘s so much history in there,
You Must be Visit my Home City Samsun on the black sea, it is a wonderful City, enjoy it.
Excuse me but my english is not so good☺️
Greetings from germany
You are Great
Thank you so much for watching!! ☺️☺️
Just visited Istanbul. Lovely people, great food, awesome airport and metro! BUT: the condition of Hagia Sofia is abysmal. It was gut wrenchingly painful to see how poorly that building was maintained. We are talking about one of the most significant structures built in the history of mankind. Cats and birds are defecating inside. Weeds and plants are growing between the huge stones outside. The old Cathedral was dilapidated and shamefully maintained. Turkey needs to treat Hagia Sofia with the respect and honor it deserves. They’d get much more tourism were they to restore the building to what Boris and Gleb saw when they said upon entering, “They knew not whether they were in Heaven or on earth”. Vile to have witnessed what Turkey has done to the grand Cathedral. Plus, Turkey is hurting itself by being such negligent stewards of the Cathedral.
And most places like open parks are also in really bad state. Also, lot of places closed for rennovations with nothing happening.
Doğru konuşmuyorsun. İstanbul feth edildiğinden beri canımız gibi bakıyoruz Ayasofya Camii ne ... Tarihte bir çok defa bakım ve onarımını yaptık ve imkansızı başarıp hastalıklı bina denilen bu eski yapının günümüze ulaşmasını sağladık . Günümüzde ise dünya tarihinde nadir görülen 50 yıllık bir bakım ve onarım çalışması başlatıldı. Saygılarımla Bay Thomas...
Can you enter Hagia Sophia for free if you just want to go for prayers?
From what we understand, you’re supposed to be a turkish citizen in order to enter the prayer area for free.. but I honestly have no idea how strict they are being or if this rule will last.
@WaypointofView ok thanks! I've already visited Hagia Sophia last year and it seems like the gallery isn't worth it so will probably give it a skip next time
360 AD Basilica of the Greek Orthodox Christian Church made by Constantinople. Such a tragedy that the Erdogan made this a mosque that charges money to see one of the oldest christian monuments. Such a shame. If you’re going to spread tourism at least explain the actual history.
Hi I’ve seen some signs around the new tourist entrance on other TH-cam videos that say people who can’t climb stairs can visit the main floor as they can’t reach the gallery. My Mum is 84 years old and travels in a wheelchair when sightseeing. Did you see what was happening with foreign visitors who can’t handle stairs while you were at Ayasofya? Thank you for the great videos!!
Seems little steep specially going from free. Omg you cant go msin floor yhats best part
Really disappointed at how many places are closed for rennovations, but nothing is really happening. Some of the parks we have been to is really in a sad state of maintenance. One can see the 68% inflation rate is hitting hard. No money is spend on maintenance.
Great tips in you videos!!
☁️☁️🌷🌷🍀🍀 KEMESRAAN INI JANGANLAH CEPAT BERLALU ☁️☁️🌷🌷🍀🍀 DEMIKIAN APA ADANYA SALAM DAMAI PENUH KASIH SAYANG TERSENYUM BAHAGIA ☁️☁️🌷🌷🍀🍀
👍👍👍
lol $25USD? fat chance Ekrem. Guess my trip to Istanbul this summer just free'd up a morning.
Най-доброто място, за да се види църквата в цялото й величие не е на втория етаж, а на долното ниво, което е забранено за немюсюлмани. Прекрасният мраморен под е покрит с килим и е скрит за зрителите. Сегашният вариант за посещение е осакатяване на възприятието на това забележително място и се плаща безумна цена. Може да си я спестите.
It has nothing to do with the municipality. Government and The Directorate of Religious Affairs is responsible.
@@cemdursun Искат храма да е джамия, но и да имат приходи от туристите. По света няма такива безумно скъпи цени за вход.
I wouldn't pay it either. We'll take a photo from the outside.
@@philipw4824 От втория етаж, където се допускат туристите, не може да види цялата красота на храма. Само молещите се имат тази привилегия. И това ако не е дискриминация.
☁️☁️🌷🌷🍀🍀 JANGAN PISAHKAN AKU DAN DIA ☁️☁️🌷🌷🍀🍀 DEMIKIAN APA ADANYA SALAM DAMAI PENUH KASIH SAYANG TERSENYUM BAHAGIA ☁️☁️🌷🌷🍀🍀
😘
❤🎉❤ POKOKKE MELU JALAN JALAN KE ISTANBUL TURKI / TURKEY KEINDAHAN TAMAN SURGA ADN BUNGA TULIP PERCAYALAH SAYANG ❤🎉❤
It's not pronounced Hogia Sofia; it pronounced aya sofia.
❤🎉❤ SALAM DAMAI PENUH KASIH SAYANG TERSENYUM BAHAGIA ❤🎉❤
Have more children
Be religious
Reclaim Christendom ☦️❤
❤🎉❤ REZEKINYA MALAM LAILATUL QADAR KEMULIAAN 2019 SAYANG ❤🎉❤
It’s Constantinople.
It's Byzantium
Hasn't been for half a millennium
İstanbul 🇹🇷☝🏻😎
It’s NOT pronounced Hagia it's pronounced Aya!
You are embarrassing yourself.
25 Euros is normal ? I think, 10 Euros would have been better
Is there another changes of fee in istanbul most visit places or bursa ski center? Im coming in two days. 🫨