Turkish people sometimes claim the Hagia Sophia was purchased by Mehmed II or a successor, rather than taken as a mere spoil of war after conquest. Is this claim based in anything historical? Who "owned" the Hagia Sophia in the 15th Century?

by Rholles
DanKensington

More can always be said on this particular matter, so further insights are more than welcome! In the meantime, as the recent matter of the Hagia Sophia has popped up several times over the past few days, I commend to your attention u/WelfOnTheShelf's examination of just what Mehmet did with the place, which has recently been augmented by a contribution from u/BugraEffendi.