Historic Churches That Were Converted into Mosques

Throughout history, several churches have been transformed into mosques due to political, cultural, and religious shifts. Many of these structures retain elements of their original Christian architecture while incorporating Islamic design, creating unique historical landmarks.

Here are some of the most significant churches that became mosques:

1. Hagia Sophia (Istanbul, Turkey) 

• Originally: Greek Orthodox Cathedral (537 AD)

• Converted to a Mosque: 1453 (by the Ottomans)

• Converted to a Museum: 1935 (by Atatürk)

• Reconverted to a Mosque: 2020

• Significance: One of the most famous religious structures in the world, Hagia Sophia was the largest cathedral of its time before the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople. Today, it serves as a mosque while still preserving its Christian mosaics and artwork.

2. Umayyad Mosque (Damascus, Syria)

• Originally: Basilica of John the Baptist (4th century)

• Converted to a Mosque: 706 AD (by the Umayyads)

• Significance: One of the oldest and largest mosques in the world, this site is believed to house the tomb of John the Baptist (Prophet Yahya in Islam). The mosque retains Roman and Byzantine elements from its original church structure.

3. Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba (Spain)

• Originally: Visigothic Church of St. Vincent (6th century)

• Converted to a Mosque: 785 AD (by the Moors)

• Converted Back to a Cathedral: 1236 (after the Christian Reconquista)

• Significance: The Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba is one of the most stunning examples of Islamic architecture in Europe, featuring its famous red-and-white arches. Although it was reconverted into a Catholic church, it retains strong Moorish design elements.

4. Church of St. Sophia (Thessaloniki, Greece) 

• Originally: Byzantine Orthodox Church (8th century)

• Converted to a Mosque: 1430 (by the Ottomans)

• Reconverted to a Church: 1912 (after Greece regained Thessaloniki)

• Significance: This historic church-turned-mosque was restored to its original Christian purpose, but Ottoman influences remain in its architecture.

5. Fethiye Mosque (Athens, Greece)

• Originally: Byzantine Church (before the Ottoman conquest)

• Converted to a Mosque: Late 15th century

• Closed as a Mosque: 1821 (after Greek independence)

• Significance: This building, located in Athens’ Roman Agora, was used as a mosque for centuries before becoming a historical monument.

6. St. Nicholas Church (Cyprus)

• Originally: Gothic Cathedral (13th century)

• Converted to a Mosque: 1571 (by the Ottomans)

• Significance: Now called the Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque, this former church in Famagusta, Northern Cyprus, still features Gothic architecture, stained glass remnants, and towering spires, but with Islamic prayer spaces inside.

7. Church of St. John (Izmir, Turkey)

• Originally: Byzantine Church (6th century)

• Converted to a Mosque: 14th century (by the Ottomans)

• Significance: One of many Byzantine churches converted into mosques during the Ottoman expansion.

8. St. Irene Church (Istanbul, Turkey)

• Originally: Greek Orthodox Church (4th century)

• Converted to a Mosque: 15th century

• Later Used as a Museum & Concert Hall

• Significance: Though it was briefly used as a mosque, it was later repurposed as a museum and a venue for cultural events.

The conversion of churches into mosques—and vice versa—highlights the historical, cultural, and political shifts that have shaped different civilizations. These structures remain testaments to shared heritage, blending Christian and Islamic influences in their architecture, art, and design. Today, many of these sites serve as historical monuments, museums, or active places of worship, preserving their rich and complex histories.