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Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque marks sixth anniversary of reopening for worship
Hagia Sophia reopened for worship on July 24, 2020 after 86 years. Over 30 million people have visited the mosque in 6 years, and restoration work continues.
Six years have passed since the Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque reopened for worship.
Used as a church for 916 years until the conquest of Istanbul, Hagia Sophia was converted into a mosque in 1453 by the foundation of Fatih Sultan Mehmet, turned into a museum by a Council of Ministers decision dated November 24, 1934, and served as a museum for 86 years.
As a result of a lawsuit filed by the Permanent Foundations Service to Historical Artifacts and Environment Association, the 10th Chamber of the Council of State unanimously annulled the 1934 Council of Ministers decision on July 10, 2020. On the same day, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan signed the decision to reopen Hagia Sophia for worship, and the decision was published in the Official Gazette.
The Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque was reopened for worship with the first Friday prayer held on July 24, 2020.
Statement from Istanbul Deputy Mufti
Istanbul Deputy Mufti Arif Cevlek said that the decision to reopen Hagia Sophia for worship was met with great joy in Turkey and the Islamic world.
Noting that Hagia Sophia's return to its original identity was a long-awaited development, Cevlek said, "Its restoration to its original identity quenched the thirst of hearts that burned with longing in the Islamic world, especially among Muslims in Turkey, with the slogan 'Let the chains break, let Hagia Sophia open' for years. Because this place was a symbol of the conquest."
Cevlek stated that the interest in the mosque has maintained its initial vitality since its reopening, and domestic and foreign visitors visit Hagia Sophia to both worship and see its historical and artistic aspects.
Over 30 million visitors
Emphasizing that past criticisms claiming there was 'no need' for Hagia Sophia's reopening have not been borne out by the visitor density, Arif Cevlek said, "Over 30 million people have visited since its reopening. There is always density inside, at the entrances, and at the exits. A density that never causes chaos."
Noting that countries like Uzbekistan, Malaysia, and Indonesia have included Istanbul and Hagia Sophia in their Umrah packages, Cevlek stated that there has been a significant increase in visitors from the Far East and Central Asia.
Mosque activities and conversions
Stressing that Hagia Sophia is not merely a place of worship, Cevlek said that in accordance with Fatih Sultan Mehmet's deed of trust, hadith, Bukhari, and wisdom classes continue throughout the year, a complete recitation of the Quran is performed daily, and on Fridays the tradition of mukabele (reciprocal recitation) is carried out between the sala and the adhan.
Cevlek added that mosque staff also provide individual courses in Quran recitation, qira'at, and religious music, and that guidance personnel from the Directorate of Religious Affairs offer religious guidance services especially to foreign visitors.
Cevlek reported that the spiritual atmosphere of Hagia Sophia has an impact on visitors from different countries, saying, "People who see this place and are influenced by its spiritual atmosphere embrace Islam. We witness conversions on a daily and weekly basis."
Restoration continues
Cevlek said that the ongoing restoration work at Hagia Sophia is being carried out with visitor safety in mind, and visitors are admitted to the mosque in a controlled manner due to the work.
Underlining that more people will be able to visit the mosque simultaneously once the restoration is complete, Cevlek noted that approximately 30 personnel from the Directorate of Religious Affairs and the Turkish Religious Foundation work at the mosque, and together with cleaning, security, and administrative staff from the General Directorate of Foundations, around 120 people serve visitors daily.
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