Hagia Sophia: From Museum to Mosque
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan inspected the re-conversion progress of the World Heritage site, Hagia Sophia, on Sunday. Where it has been transformed into a mosque after being declared a museum in 1934.
After 86 years, the marvelous mosque will be ready for Friday prayers, on the 24th of July. President Erdogan had long called for the re-conversion of the historical museum into a mosque. According to the country's religious authority, the 'Diyanet', the Hagia Sophia will continue to be open for all visitors outside the times of prayer. However, presidential spokesman, Ibrahim Kalin, has stated that Christian mosaics facing the Qiblah will be covered during times of prayer and worship.
The UNESCO World Heritage site was initially built as a cathedral during the the time of the Byzantine Empire in the 6th century, but was converted into a mosque after the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople in 1453. Under Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the grand site was converted into a museum nearly a century ago.
President Erdogan has been wanting the conversion to take place for some time, deeming its museum status, which was revoked in court, as a mistake. The inspection pictures were shared by the President who is expecting roughly 500 guests for the Friday Prayers this coming week.
The conversion of the site, which was a place for all visitors, regardless of their faith, has created some tension and received international criticism, as some vehemently oppose the decision and are not happy. Only time will tell if the new mosque instills feelings of peace and wholesome worship.