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360 Degree Virtual Tours of the Hagia Sophia

in Architecture , Art , History , Travel | August 23rd, 2021 2 Comments

Last year, when Turk­ish pres­i­dent Recep Tayyip Erdoğan announced that Hagia Sophia would be recon­vert­ed into a mosque, he assured a con­cerned UNESCO that changes to the 1,500-year-old for­mer cathe­dral-turned-mosque would have “no neg­a­tive impact” on its sta­tus as World Her­itage Site. “A state must make sure that no mod­i­fi­ca­tion under­mines the out­stand­ing uni­ver­sal val­ue of a site list­ed on its ter­ri­to­ry,” the world body has said. Claims to the con­trary notwith­stand­ing, the “uni­ver­sal val­ue” of the site does seem to have been under­mined.

Des­ig­nat­ed a muse­um by the sec­u­lar Turk­ish Repub­lic in 1934, the site con­tains hun­dreds of years of his­to­ry for both the Chris­t­ian and Islam­ic worlds, and the shared her­itage between them in the shift­ing mix of peo­ples who con­quered, set­tled, and moved through the city first called Byzan­tium, then Con­stan­tino­ple, then Istan­bul.

“The World Her­itage site was at the cen­tre of both the Chris­t­ian Byzan­tine and Mus­lim Ottoman empires and is today one of Turkey’s most vis­it­ed mon­u­ments,” Reuters not­ed last year.

The mosque is open to the pub­lic for prayers , and any­one can vis­it. What they’ll find — as you can see in this recent tour video  — is ugly green car­pet­ing cov­er­ing the floor, and screens, pan­els, and ply­wood obscur­ing the Byzan­tine Chris­t­ian art. (The same thing was done in the small­er Hagia Sophia in the city of Tra­b­zon .) These changes are not only dis­tress­ing for UNESCO, but also for lovers of art and his­to­ry around the world, myself includ­ed, who had hoped to one day see the mil­len­nia-and-a-half of blend­ed reli­gious and aes­thet­ic tra­di­tions for them­selves.

It’s pos­si­ble Turk­ish pol­i­tics will allow Hagia Sophia to return to its sta­tus as a muse­um in the future, restor­ing its “uni­ver­sal val­ue” for world his­to­ry and cul­ture. If not, we can still vis­it the space vir­tu­al­ly — as it was until last year — in the 360 degree video views above, both of which allow you to look around in any direc­tion as they play. You can also swiv­el around a spher­i­cal panoram­ic image at 360 cities .

The BBC video at the top nar­rates some of the sig­nif­i­cant fea­tures of the incred­i­ble build­ing, once the largest church in the world, includ­ing its “col­ored mar­ble from around the Roman Empire” and “10,000 square meters of gold mosa­ic.” Learn much more about Hagia Sophia his­to­ry in the video above from Khan Academy’s exec­u­tive direc­tors (and for­mer deans of art and his­to­ry), Dr. Steven Zuck­er and Dr. Beth Har­ris.

Relat­ed Con­tent:  

An Intro­duc­tion to Hagia Sophia: After 85 Years as a Muse­um, It’s Set to Become a Mosque Again

Hear the Sound of the Hagia Sophia Recre­at­ed in Authen­tic Byzan­tine Chant

Istan­bul Cap­tured in Beau­ti­ful Col­or Images from 1890: The Hagia Sophia, Top­ka­ki Palace’s Impe­r­i­al Gate & More

Josh Jones  is a writer and musi­cian based in Durham, NC. Fol­low him at  @jdmagness

by Josh Jones | Permalink | Comments (2) |

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Comments (2), 2 comments so far.

I vis­it­ed twice in August. At least the green car­pet is vac­u­umed con­stant­ly and before pray begins for the hand­ful of wor­shipers men in dark secu­ri­ty-look­ing uni­forms uncer­e­mo­ni­ous­ly chase peo­ple away with larg­er san­i­tiz­ing sprayers like mos­qui­toes. At least the chil­dren can have fun jump­ing over the taught vac­u­um cords. Lest we get dan­ger­ous­ly close to the apse there are long col­lapsi­ble met­al secu­ri­ty gates keep­ing one at a safe dis­tance; not only here in the cen­tral part of the nave, but thank­ful­ly every oth­er key place avail­able for wor­ship. As an aid to med­i­ta­tion the plush but sen­si­bly piled car­pet dead­ens all sound with­in the once holy realm as those annoy­ing acoustics are now a thing of the past. Thought­ful for the wheel­chair-bound vis­i­tor, the old treach­er­ous ramp to the gallery and famed mosaics is closed so no need to wor­ry about acci­dents. What will they think of next!

Aya­so­fya, ben­im evimdir ve izin­siz olarak giren hırsızdır, günahkardır, ve bedel öder. Sözde müs­lü­man­ların, ibadet­leri­ni, Allah, yıl­lardır, bu, yüz­den kab­ul etmiy­or. Dünyalılar, baş­ka bedeller de ödeye­cek. ben gök­lere ait olan yüce biriy­im. Bana muhale­fet eden, Allah’a isyan etmiş sayılır. Aya­so­fya’­da kab­ul olmayan ibadet­leri­ni gös­ter­iş için yapan, sözde müs­lü­man artık­ları, değer­siz dur, elbet. Ben onları affet­meye­ceğim, hakkımı helal etmiy­o­rum. Lan­et olsun, malımı mülkümü haince gas­pe­den­lere!

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Inside al-Aqsa

A 360° exploration of, jerusalem's holiest mosque.

A 4K, ultra-high definition tour

Through this high-definition, 360° tour, you can experience Islam's third holiest site in more detail than ever before. Millions of feet have walked these grounds, and now you can join them.

The tour will take you inside the Dome of the Rock and al-Qibli Mosque, and around many of the other religious landmarks on the compound's 14-hectare grounds. To experience al-Aqsa in 360 degrees, drag your mouse around the screen to navigate, or tilt your phone in the direction you'd like to view.

Find out how we made this

Walk through al-Aqsa on a Friday

Friday is the busiest day at al-Aqsa compound, as thousands of people stream through its gates for Friday prayers. Here, you can walk around the various domes, gates and other religious landmarks on the Dome of the Rock platform.

Watch this 360° video on Facebook

Go inside al-Qibli Mosque on a Friday, where hundreds of worshippers have assembled for midday prayers. Starting from just outside, you can walk into the mosque and around the arched columns that divide the space into seven rows.

Take a look inside the Dome of the Rock on a Friday, where you can walk with throngs of worshippers around the Holy Rock of Ascension. You can then go into the small cave underneath the rock, which is also used as a space for prayer.

Who are the guardians of al-Aqsa?

Under a leaden sky, worshippers pour out of the Lion's Gate after Friday prayers at al-Aqsa Mosque compound. From a distance, Zeina Amro watches the exodus. Once, she was a teacher and guide inside al-Aqsa; now, she cannot legally step onto the premises of Islam's third holiest site. For months, Amro and dozens of other men and women have been banned from visiting the mosque amid a crackdown by Israeli authorities on the Mourabitoun and their female equivalents, the Mourabitat... READ MORE

Reporter/Producer:

Megan O'Toole

Photographer/Videographer:

Wojtek Arciszewski

Design/Development:

Mohammed Haddad

Eid al-Fitr 2024 Prayer Timings For Saudi Arabia

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View Masjid an-Nabawi 360 View (VR)

Masjid an-Nabawi 360 View : Get ready to explore one of the holiest sites in the world with a virtual reality (VR) tour of Masjid an-Nabawi!

Table of Contents

Located in Medina, Saudi Arabia, this mosque is the burial place of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), and is considered a sacred pilgrimage site for Muslims around the world. Now you can experience this holy site from the comfort of your own home.

With a 360-degree view of the mosque and its grounds, you can explore the architecture and history of this important religious site.

To go full screen:

• Desktop: Right click on it and click “full screen”
• Mobile: Long press the video and tap “full screen”

Feel the spirituality of the place, and get a better understanding of its significance to millions of Muslims worldwide. Join us on a virtual reality tour of Masjid an-Nabawi, and experience the beauty and majesty of this sacred site.

Exploring the Mosque and Its Grounds

As you enter the mosque, you’ll be greeted by the beautiful architecture and the surrounding gardens. You can explore the various courtyards and gardens that make up this site, and learn more about the history and significance of the place.

You can also explore the prayer areas, and see where the Prophet Muhammad PBUH used to lead prayer.

You can also explore the roof of the mosque, where you’ll be able to take in the spectacular views of the entire place. You can explore all areas of the mosque, and even walk inside some of the walls to see the intricate designs and patterns on the inside.

Explore the mosque and the surrounding areas, and get a better understanding of the history and significance of this important religious site.

Exploring the Architecture and History

As you explore the mosque and its surroundings, you’ll also be able to learn more about the architecture of the place. You can explore the different domes and roofs, and get a better understanding of the significance of these architectural elements.

You can also explore the iwans, which are ornate and decorative doorways and the mihrabs, which are ornate and decorative prayer niches. Visit the various architectural elements and learn more about the significance and history of the mosque.

Exploring the Islamic Art and Decoration

You will discover intricate Islamic artwork and embellishments throughout the mosque and the surrounding area as you explore it. Take a closer look at the mashq, the ornamental gabled roof, and the mashrabiya, the decorative wooden screen.

Explore the muqarnas, the elaborate ceilings and wall decorations. Prepare yourself to be amazed by the artistry and decoration of this important religious site.

• Masjid an-Nabawi

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Step Inside the Muhammad Ali Mosque in Cairo: A Virtual Tour

• February 15, 2023

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Located in the heart of Cairo , Egypt , the Muhammad Ali Mosque is an incredible example of Islamic architecture. Built in the 19th century and named after a former ruler of Egypt , Muhammad Ali Pasha , the mosque is considered to be one of the most important landmarks in Cairo . Visitors will admire its majestic domes and minarets, exquisite interior design, and breathtaking views of the city . In this post, we’ll examine the mosque in more detail, examining its history, architecture, and tips for visiting. We’ll also give you a virtual tour of this location .

Table of Contents

What is the Muhammad Ali Mosque?

The Muhammad Ali Mosque , also known as the Alabaster Mosque , is a famous religious and architectural masterpiece located in Cairo , Egypt . Built between 1830 and 1848 , the mosque stands as a testament to the cultural and historical significance of Islamic architecture. It was commissioned by Muhammad Ali Pasha, the ruler of Egypt at the time, who sought to create a grand mosque that would rival the famous mosques of Istanbul .

Why is the Muhammad Ali Mosque Famous?

The Muhammad Ali Mosque is famous for several reasons. Its impressive design blends elements of Ottoman and Islamic architecture by featuring elegant domes, tall minarets, and exquisite details. The mosque’s location on the Citadel of Cairo adds to its fame, offering stunning views of Cairo’s skyline .

Today, the Muhammad Ali Mosque attracts visitors from around the world who come to admire its beautiful architecture and interior, as well as appreciate the panoramic views of the surrounding area. It stands as an iconic landmark in Cairo , a symbol of Egypt’s rich cultural heritage, and a testament to the grandeur of Islamic art and architecture .

Where is the Muhammad Ali Mosque?

The Muhammad Ali Mosque is located in Cairo , Egypt . It was built on the Citadel of Cairo , a historic Islamic fortress that overlooks the city. Situated in the northeastern part of Cairo’s city center, the mosque offers panoramic views of the surrounding area, including the Nile River and the busy streets of Cairo . Its prominent location and impressive architecture make it a significant landmark and a popular attraction for both locals and visitors.

How to Get to the Muhammad Ali Mosque

The most convenient way to get to the Muhammad Ali Mosque is by taking a taxi or using a ride-hailing service . You can find taxis everywhere in Cairo. Uber is also very common. You won’t have to worry about directions as every driver will know how to get there .

By public transport

You can also take a local bus to the Citadel of Cairo . Look for buses that are headed towards Salah Salem Street or the Citadel , and tell the driver that you want to get off at the Muhammad Ali Mosque . Bus tickets generally cost around 10 pounds (about $.30 USD).

Another option to reach the Muhammad Ali Mosque is by utilizing Cairo’s metro system . Take Line 2 and get off at the Sadat station . From there, you can hire a taxi or a local bus to reach the Citadel of Saladin. I don’t recommend trying to walk from this metro station (like I did) because it takes about an hour and is along the highway .

Via guided tour

If you want to have everything handled for you, consider taking a guided tour. You can find these everywhere you look, from hotels to other famous landmarks. I recommend checking Tripadvisor .

History of the Muhammad Ali Mosque

When was the muhammad ali mosque built.

The construction of the Muhammad Ali Mosque took place between 1830 and 1848 . 

Why was the Muhammad Ali Mosque built?

The mosque was commissioned by Muhammad Ali Pasha , the ruler of Egypt at that time , with the purpose of commemorating the Ottoman-Turkish invasion of Egypt and honoring his eldest son who had passed away .

Architectural influence and design

The mosque’s architectural style is a fusion of Ottoman, Mamluk, and modern elements . It was designed by Yousuf Bushnak , an architect who incorporated grandeur and intricate details into the structure. The mosque’s exquisite details and features reflect the wealth and power that Muhammad Ali possessed.

Controversy and opposition

Despite its grandeur, the construction of the Muhammad Ali Mosque faced opposition from religious leaders of the era. They believed the mosque was excessively lavish and deviated from the principles of modesty . Additionally, the use of expensive alabaster stone and the possible sourcing of limestone from the pyramids caused financial strain and further controversy.

Virtual Tour of the Muhammad Ali Mosque

Architectural features of the Muhammad Ali Mosque

Ottoman-inspired design.

The mosque’s awe-inspiring splendor has drawn comparisons to renowned Middle Eastern mosques like the Hagia Sophia and Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque . It exemplifies the lavish style of Ottoman architecture , characterized by its impressive size and intricate detailing.

Impressive dome and minarets

At the heart of the mosque is a massive central dome , measuring 21 meters in diameter and rising 52 meters high . This impressive dome is supported by four colossal arches, surrounded by smaller domes and half-domes . Towering above the city, the mosque’s minarets reach an impressive height of 82 meters.

Exterior and hilltop location

Constructed on a raised hill, the Muhammad Ali Mosque commands attention with its elevated position. This gives visitors a remarkable vantage point to view the city below. The mosque’s exterior is crafted from white alabaster stone , which gives it an impressive aura when illuminated at night .

Ornate interior and decorations

Stepping inside, visitors are greeted with a lavishly decorated interior . The walls are adorned with verses from the Quran , while the floors are made of marble . Colorful stained glass windows surround the inside of the domes. Intricately patterned columns provide structural support, adding to the overall splendor. A notable centerpiece is the magnificent chandelier , generously gifted by the French government, suspended from the central dome.

Muhammad Ali Mosque: FAQs

1. muhammad ali mosque entrance fee.

The cost to enter the mosque is 200 Egyptian Pounds (about $6.50 USD) . There are some exceptions and discounts available. For example, students only have to pay 100 Egyptian Pounds to enter.

2. Muhammad Ali Mosque opening hours

The mosque is open every day from 9 am to 5 pm. However, visiting the main prayer hall has specific hours : Non-Muslim visitors can access the prayer hall between 9 am and 11 am , as well as from 1 pm to 4 pm .

3. Muhammad Ali Mosque dress code

In order to enter the mosque, you must have your knees and shoulders covered. Women must have their hair covered with a scarf. Obviously, do not wear clothing that depict anything vulgar .

Tips for Visiting

Before you visit the Muhammad Ali Mosque , here are some tips to make your visit go more smoothly.

1. If you are a student, bring your ID

The cost to enter the mosque is 200 Egyptian Pounds (about $6.50 USD) . Students only have to pay 100 Egyptian Pounds to enter. I brought my ID just in case, but they did not even check .

2. Wear shoes with socks

You are not allowed to wear shoes on the mosque floors, so you can either pay a small fee to put bags over your shoes, or just carry your shoes with you . I’m all about saving money, so I just carried my shoes and it was no big deal. But I would not recommend you walk around barefoot, so bring socks .

3. Don't take a lot of baggage with you

All visitors must have their belongings scanned/searched before entering the mosque. I visited during a layover, so I had all of my belongings with me. I was still able to enter, but getting everything searched was a pain .

4. Bring water and snacks

There is a vendor next to the mosque selling food, water, and souvenirs. Predictably, everything is overpriced. Bringing refreshments from elsewhere will help you save money.

5. Download Google Translate or a similar app

If you do not know Arabic, having one of these apps will help you out a lot . You’ll be able to translate some of the signs at the mosque, ask people questions, etc. If you decide to get a tour guide, you can try to bargain down the price with some Arabic.

Need help planning your trip? Click HERE to find a variety of tools and information that can help make your travel planning more enjoyable.

Resources for your trip.

Book A Cheap Flight The first place to look for cheap flights is Skyscanner . This website gathers information from different companies and websites around the world to find the best deals for you. One of their best features is the ability to see the cheapest day to fly each month. Google Flights is another excellent resource.

Book A Place To Stay Booking.com is my go-to website for booking accommodations. They consistently have some of the best prices for hotels and frequently have deals. For hostels, I use Hostelworld . If you specifically want to rent a home, check out AirBnB or Vrbo .

Looking For A Tour? The best resource for looking up tours is GetYourGuide . This company will make planning your itinerary a breeze. For budget travelers , I recommend looking up available tours here and trying to organize them yourself to save some money.

Use Your Phone Abroad Whenever I travel abroad, I use Airalo . This is a company that offers eSIM services via a phone app. It is very convenient and you won’t have to worry about swapping SIM cards out of your phone. You can pay a few dollars for plans that range from 1 week to 1 year. Use the Promo Code ANDREW9734 for $3 off your first purchase!

How To Travel On A Budget? Traveling on a budget is my specialty. Check out my post on Traveling Internationally With Only A Personal Item . For other ideas on saving money while traveling, check out my ebook The World Is Yours: How to Afford International Travel on a Budget .

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Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque to launch virtual cultural tours

The remote visits will take place twice a week in english and arabic, and private experiences are also available.

As guests cannot visit the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in person, it is launching bi-weekly virtual tours in English and Arabic. Victor Besa / The National

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre is launching remote cultural tours of the Abu Dhabi mosque, allowing visitors experience the holy building virtually amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

"SZGMC launched remote cultural tours at the mosque, keeping with its status as a leading global cultural destination that annually receives more than six million visitors from all around the world," the centre wrote on Instagram.

"This is in line with the precautionary measures taken in the UAE to protect the community, after the spread of the novel coronavirus."

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque (@szgmc_ae)

The live broadcasts will be aired every Tuesday and Saturday at 11am (UAE time) through its Instagram page. The Tuesday sessions take place in Arabic, and in English on Saturdays for visitors around the world.

The centre will also offer government and private institutions private remote cultural tours, which they can register for through the website.

This Ramadan, the Grand Mosque is holding its  taraweeh prayers live for Muslims to watch at home, as they will be unable to visit the mosque. The prayers are live on the mosque's website and YouTube channel. Visitors can set a reminder to tune in, via the video link.

Using Google Maps, guests are already able to explore the mosque virtually with the Street View function, seeing user-generated footage captured since January 2017.

By moving the yellow figure, you can go from room to room to see different photos taken by guests of the mosque. However, with the new Instagram tours, you will be given a cultural explanation of each space.

Access the Google Street View  here , or alternatively search for the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque on Google Maps, and move the yellow figure into the mosque, to get a Street View access.

Virtual tours run at 11am every Tuesday (Arabic) and Saturday (English); more information is available at  www.szgmc.gov.ae/en

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Virtual Tour of the Grand Mosque, Abu Dhabi, UAE

The  360-degree virtual reality tour of the abu dhabi grand mosque  helps the visitors to explore this mosque online before the real visit..

It is named after the founder and first President of the UAE, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. He chose the location and took a substantial influence on the architecture and the design of the mosque. Based on his vision, the mosque was built with a rise of 11 meters above sea level, and 9.5 meters above the street level so that it is clearly visible from all directions.

History of the Grand Mosque, Abu Dhabi

As per the direction of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the mosque is located in the heart of the new Abu Dhabi, the capital city. On the 20th of December 2007, the mosque opened to the public.

After the first phase involving foundations and the concrete structure, the mosque was finished with a decoration of Greek and Italian white marble. For interior design, calligraphers from the United Arab Emirates, Syria, and Jordan supervised the work of artists from all over the world.

The mosque’s spectacularly decorated interior features unique plants designed specifically for the mosque, as well as verses from the Holy Quran. The designers used mosaic to cover the entire courtyard (17,000 square meters) and thus it is considered among the largest open spaces in mosques worldwide.

Another astonishing feature of the grand mosque is the over 5,625 m2 large carpet in the main prayer hall. It has been hand-knotted by about 1,300 Iranian craftsmen out of 35 tons of wool and 12 tons of cotton. With a total of 2,268,00 knots, the carpet is the largest in the world. Its estimated value is about 30 million.

Coloured with 25 natural colours, the green colour is predominant as it was the favourite colour of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.

The mosque is open for prayers all day long. For non-Muslim visitors, the visiting time is from 9 AM – 10 PM every day except for Friday mornings. Visit timing changes during the holy month of Ramadan.

Created by    Leen Thobias      P4Panorama    

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