Decision to Convert Hagia Sophia into a Mosque
Hagia Sophia’s museum status was changed into Hagia Sophia Mosque due to Turkish High Court’s decision on 10th of July 2020.
Hagia Sophia which had been a museum since 1934 was converted into a mosque starting from 10th July 2020.
The Association for the Service of Historical Monuments and the Environment for Continuous Foundations filed a lawsuit at the Council of State with the request of the Council of Ministers to cancel the decision of the Council of Ministers to transform Hagia Sophia into a museum. After the hearing, the Council of State, which examined the file, decided on the 10th Department.
The 10th Chamber of the Council of State annulled the decision of the Council of Ministers dated 24 November 1934 on the conversion of Hagia Sophia from a mosque to a museum. Thus, the way of opening Hagia Sophia to worship as a mosque was opened. On the grounds of the Council of State, it was stated that Hagia Sophia was owned by the Fatih Sultan Mehmet Han Foundation and offered to the service of the community as a mosque. In the rationale, “It was concluded that it is not legally possible to use and specific to any other purpose other than the mosque qualification in the foundation deed”.
New Name of Hagia Sophia
The monument which started its life as the Holy Church of Wisdom started to be called Holy Mosque of Grand Hagia Sophia or in Turkish: Ayasofya-yı Kebir Cami-i Şerifi.
Hagia Sophia’s Mosque Visiting Details
Hagia Sophia will be open six days a week except on Mondays. Entrance will be free of charge and people of all religions will be welcomed in the mosque.
News on international media about Hagia Sophia becoming a mosque
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-53366307
https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/turkey-hagia-sophia-court-ruling-1.5644742
