The Historical Journey of Hagia Sophia
Hagia Sophia has a long history as one of the historical symbols of Istanbul. Hagia Sophia served as a church for 916 years until the conquest of Istanbul and was used as a mosque from 1453 onwards.
Hagia Sophia, which was converted into a museum with a decision taken in 1934, has hosted visitors as a museum for 86 years. However, as a result of the lawsuit filed by the Continuous Foundations Historical Artifacts and Environmental Service Association, on July 10, 2020, the 10th Chamber of the Council of State unanimously annulled the 1934 decision that allowed Hagia Sophia to be converted into a mosque.
Following this decision, Hagia Sophia was reopened for worship with a decree signed by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and transferred to the Presidency of Religious Affairs. With the ceremony held on July 24, 2020, the Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque was opened for worship after 86 years.
The Importance of Hagia Sophia and Its Visitors
The Great Hagia Sophia Mosque has historical value as one of the symbols of the conquest of Istanbul. According to Istanbul Deputy Mufti Ahmet Aktürkoğlu, Hagia Sophia has been an important place of worship for Muslims for centuries.
Hagia Sophia, which was reopened for worship in 2016, attracts great interest from visitors. According to the information provided by Aktürkoğlu, the Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque hosts an average of 50 thousand visitors a day and the number of visitors reaches 6-7 million annually.
Among the visitors to the Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque, there are not only Muslim and non-Muslim visitors from Turkey but also from all over the world. The mosque attracts visitors of all ages and beliefs, especially due to its historical and cultural heritage.
Events Held in Hagia Sophia
In the Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque, not only worship but also religious events are held. Various events are held under the Istanbul Mufti’s Office and guidance services are provided to visitors.
According to Aktürkoğlu, events such as lessons, guidance activities, special programs and Quran memorization ceremonies are organized at Hagia Sophia. In addition, the mosque provides guidance services to visitors outside of daily prayer times, informing them about mosque etiquette and history.
Among the visitors to the Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque, there are also those who want to become Muslims. The conversion ceremony of one or two people is held in Hagia Sophia on a daily basis, which shows that the mosque is not only a historical structure but also a spiritual center.
