The Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque, a major attraction for both domestic and international tourists in Istanbul, has welcomed approximately 25 million visitors in the four years since it was reopened for worship.
Originally used as a church for 916 years until the conquest of Istanbul, the Hagia Sophia became a mosque in 1453. In 1934, it was converted into a museum under a government decree, serving in that capacity for 86 years.
On 10 July 2020, the court case filed by the Association for the Service of Historical Monuments and the Environment, seeking the annulment of the Cabinet decision that converted Hagia Sophia from a mosque to a museum, was decided.
The Council of State’s 10th Chamber unanimously annulled the Cabinet decision dated 24 November 1934, which had converted it into a museum, thereby reopening the path for worship at Hagia Sophia.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan signed the decree to reopen Hagia Sophia for worship on the same day.
The decree transferring Hagia Sophia to the Presiden
cy of Religious Affairs (Diyanet) and reopening it for worship was published in the Official Gazette’s supplementary issue.
The Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque was reopened for worship on 24 July 2020, with the first Friday prayer held after 86 years, attended by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
Ahmet Aktrkoglu, the deputy mufti of Istanbul said that Hagia Sophia is one of the most significant symbols of the conquest of Istanbul.
He noted that after centuries of serving Muslims following the conquest, Hagia Sophia was reopened for worship four years ago.
Aktrkoglu explained that since its reopening, Hagia Sophia has been greatly favoured by both domestic and foreign tourists, saying: “Since the reopening of Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque on 24 July 2020, it has hosted approximately 25 million visitors over the past four years. We continually welcome both local and foreign visitors at Hagia Sophia Mosque.”
He mentioned that people come from all parts of the country and from various countries around the world, both Mu
slims and non-Muslims. “Hagia Sophia Mosque is one of the important historical sites that attracts everyone’s interest, depending on the season, the mosque receives an average of around 50,000 visitors daily, and approximately 6-7 million visitors annually,” he concluded.
Source: Oman News Agency