Hagia Sophia Prayer Times & Closures
Hagia Sophia is an active mosque, and sightseeing pauses throughout the day to accommodate worship. During prayer, the upper gallery and touring areas close, while only worshipers may remain inside. Visiting outside prayer periods ensures a smooth and respectful experience.
Five times a day, the call to prayer (Ezan) is broadcast from the minarets. Shortly after, prayers begin, and entry for tourism is restricted until worship ends. This page explains the Hagia Sophia Prayer Times, the Friday prayer limitations, the dress code and how to plan your visit without delays.
→ See the Hagia Sophia opening hours and best time to visit.
Hagia Sophia Prayer Times and Daily Closures
Hagia Sophia remains open most of the day but closes five times a day during prayer. Visiting is not permitted during worship, and crowds may wait outside until the mosque reopens. Closures average 75 to 90 minutes per session.
Approximate Prayer Times in Istanbul
(times vary throughout the year)
Fajr (Morning Prayer): ~5:00 to 6:30 AM
Dhuhr (Midday Prayer): ~1:00 to 1:30 PM
Asr (Afternoon Prayer): ~4:30 to 5:00 PM
Maghrib (Sunset Prayer): ~6:00 to 7:00 PM
Isha (Night Prayer): ~8:30 to 10:00 PM
→ Prayer times shift daily. For exact timings, please refer to the Official Istanbul Prayer Times.
Hagia Sophia Friday Prayer Time (Jumu’ah)
Fridays are the busiest visiting day of the week. The mosque remains open for sightseeing in the morning, and visitors can enter normally until shortly before the Friday prayer begins.
Once preparations start, non-worship visitors are asked to leave, and the mosque remains closed until prayer and post-prayer cleaning are complete. Expect tourist entry to reopen from about 2:30 PM, once prayers have concluded and the mosque is cleared.
• Friday Closures: Closed for tourist entry from 12 PM to 2 PM
• Best time to visit on Fridays: late afternoon or evening.
• Note: Expect increased foot traffic and longer lines.
Best Time to Visit Hagia Sophia Around Prayer Times
For a smooth visit, avoid arriving near prayer schedules. Morning hours are typically quieter, followed by late afternoon. Suggested timings:
Dress Code for Visiting Hagia Sophia Mosque
Hagia Sophia is an active place of worship, that’s why modest attire is required for entry. Visitors who do not meet the dress requirements may be asked to wear provided coverings or purchase appropriate clothing near the entrance.
Dress Code for Women:
• Knee-length or longer skirts or full-length trousers
• Shoulders and arms must be covered
• Headscarf required inside the mosque
Dress Code for Men:
• Full-length trousers or knee-length shorts
• Sleeveless shirts are not permitted
Dress Code for Children:
• Dress code is relaxed for children under eight
General Rules for All Visitors:
• Shoes must be removed before entering the mosque area. Visitors may leave shoes on the shoe rack or bring a small bag to carry them
• Uncovered shoulders, short shorts, and revealing clothing may lead to denied entry
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FAQs about Hagia Sophia Prayer Times and Closures
Yes. Hagia Sophia pauses tourist entry during the five daily prayer sessions, and only worshippers may stay inside. Closures usually last between 75 and 90 minutes, depending on crowd size and time of year.
On Fridays, the mosque is open in the morning for sightseeing, but it closes shortly before the midday Jumu’ah prayer and does not reopen for tourists until around 2:30 PM. Visiting outside prayer windows will ensure a smoother experience. → See Hagia Sophia opening hours and best visit times here.
Each prayer closure usually lasts between 75 and 90 minutes. Visitors are asked to exit or wait outside until prayers are complete and the mosque reopens for non-worship entry. Midday and afternoon closures are the most impactful for tourists, since they fall within prime visiting hours. Arrive early or come later in the day to avoid congestion. View the full Hagia Sophia prayer schedule and best time to visit here.
The best time to visit Hagia Sophia is early in the morning when security queues are shorter and the interior is quieter.
Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays are generally the least crowded days, while Fridays and Saturdays tend to be the busiest due to Jumu’ah prayer and weekend tourism.
Late afternoons after Asr can also be a pleasant time to visit, especially once crowds thin. Planning around prayer times will help you avoid closures.
→ Read more: Hagia Sophia opening hours and best time to visit
Entry for prayer and worship is free; however, the upper gallery or joining a guided experience requires a ticket. Many visitors prefer guided tours for deeper historical context, architectural explanations, and easier timing around prayer closures. Skip-the-line options may also save time at security. → Compare Hagia Sophia ticket types and guided tours here.