Neumeier, Emily

History

This work examines the history, transformations, and symbolic meanings of Hagia Sophia during the “long nineteenth century,” roughly spanning from the late eighteenth century through the early twentieth century, a period marked by major political, cultural, and imperial changes in the Ottoman Empire. It analyzes how Hagia Sophia functioned not only as an architectural monument but also as a contested space of religious, political, and cultural identity. The study explores restoration projects, conservation efforts, and architectural modifications carried out under Ottoman rule, particularly in the context of modernization and imperial reform. It also highlights the shifting perceptions of Hagia Sophia among different communities—Ottoman administrators, European travelers, diplomats, and local populations—showing how the building became a focal point in broader debates about heritage, empire, and religion. By situating Hagia Sophia within the intellectual and political currents of the nineteenth century, the work reveals how its meaning evolved from a sacred Byzantine cathedral to an imperial Ottoman mosque and a powerful symbol in global historical imagination.