Iznik Ayasofya (Orhan Cami)

The location is right in the middle of small but rich in history city of Iznik. Small beautiful mosque which some believe it used to be the place where Council of Nicaea was held. Now as mosque although I could see the blurred view of frescoes with splendid architecture inside. For more reading and historical info, I recommend to read the website The Byzantine Legacy.

Turkey is a cornucopia of history. Most people from the Western world do not understand or appreciate how the history of Turkey is a major influence on the modern day life of the Americas. The things that happened in Iznik have had a profound influence on the religious life of every Christian in the whole world. Iznik was originally named Nicea. So, the Roman Emporer Constantine moved the capital from Rome to Constantinople (modern day Istanbul). in the year 325. He was the first Roman ruler to become a Christian. Upon moving to Constantinople, he appointed a man name Eusebius as the Bishop of the Eastern church. Together, they identified the fact that the explanations and definitions of Christianity were different in every church throughout the Empire around those parts of the world. They convened a "Council" of the religious leaders of the day to set up a common set of rules and doctrines. Constantine and Eusebius held that first council in 325 on the site where the Iznik Ayasofya is located. One of the important documents to come out of the council is the Nicene Creed. --- The original building has been rebuilt twice over the past 1700 years, once because of fire and once because of an earthquake.Parts of the original building and flooring are still present. Over the years, this location has been a church, a mosque, and a museum. For me, stepping the Aya Sofya in Iznik had a profound effect on me both in a historical sense and also a spiritual sense. This is where our modern day version of Christianity was defined. This is where the first books were assembled to begin the first remnants of the Bible. Besides the Aya Sofya, Iznik is full of Christian, Roman, Muslim, and Ottoman ancient history. I hope it is as meaningful to you as it was to me.

Such a historic place where !st Ecumenical Council was conducted. >>Initially a place of worship by the Romans, later went to an earthquake and war Remodeled by Architect Sinan during Suleiman times in the 1500's Finally opened to the public as Orhan Mosque in 2011

The Hagia Sophia served as a temple in the Roman era. It was built at the time of the Eastern Roman Empire (Byzantine) in the 7th century. In 1331 the structure was turned into a mosque after the conquest of İznik. It served as a church nearly 850 years. You can still see the painting of jesus and mary on the wall. But unfortunately today inside of the building is very bad, its restorated but how? Lots of people stool the wall parts you can see its very sad. Outside of the building is very good but inside is such a disaster. Muslims still pray inside while you are visiting the place.

The building is great to look at from the outside, but inside needs more care in my opinion. The mosque is still actively used in this building which used to be a church. Please don’t be fooled by the name, it is no comparison in anyway to The Hagia Sofya (Ayasofya) in Sultan-Ahmet in Istanbul. The only relevance is that this building has changed uses between religions in its history. The site is free to enter but please do leave a donation so that it can be maintained for future generations to come and visit these historical sites.

Hagia Sophia of Iznik

This sacred place was erected on the place where a Gymnasium was built by Romans, in the 7th century as a basilica. It was renovated after the 11th century earthquake, then was converted into a mosque and remodeled in 1331 by the Architect Sinan during the reign of Suleyman the Magnificent. During the renovations between 1935 and 1953, colorful mosaics as well as the choir where priests stand were discovered. It was in this building that the Second Council of Nicaea met in 787 to end the first period of Byzantine Iconoclas. The first architectural base is dated back to the 4th or 5th century, from the Gymnasium Romans built. The tier is thick and bricks are large. The main building has three entrances. After the 1065 earthquake, the monument was raised up by 1.40 meter. The outdoor walls were remodeled. During the reign of Orhan Gazi, in 1331, the monument was once again raised up and a minare and mihrap were added to convert it into a mosque. But the remnants of the minaret today are dated back to the renovation done by the Architect Sinan. Due to the urban renewal in 1980, monuments around the Hagia Sophia were destroyed and since november 2007, the Provincial Directorate of Foundations is renovating the museum. Source: Bursa Provincial Directorate of Culture and Tourism.

The building is also a mosquee that could be even better integrated. The ruines are not so well restored. The garden around not so much refined, poor maintened bathrooms. In any case it's worth a visit due to historical importance.

Not much to see inside but touching the stones that are going back to AC 4 century gives a time traveling feeling. The ambiance is divine and peaceful.

An old but well-maintained mosque, beautiful inside and out, non commercial. No entrance ticket, no throngs of tourists. Very well worth checking out.

This church has a history going back to the First Council of Nicea in 325AD. What you see today is not an original, but a rebuild of 1065 after an earthquake ; on top, it has undergone many alterations, restorations and modifications. Most importantly, it has gone from Byzantine Cathedral to mosque to church and to mosque again.
I am not a religious man, but Iznik has more than enough mosques for its Islamic believers ; there is no need to confiscate this iconic symbol. Why not leave this historical building alone and stop playing political games with it ! That's what Türkiye's founding father, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, wisely ordered.