300,000 tourists in Haya Sophia mosque despite Corona
300,000 tourists in Haya Sophia mosque despite Corona
Hagia Sophia opened its doors as the Grand Mosque on July 24, 2020 in Istanbul, Turkey. In the last one year, various restrictions are in place worldwide to prevent the spread of the epidemic. Still, over 3 million tourists have visited the Hagia Sophia in the past year.
According to the Turkish media Daily Sabah in a report, according to official sources, about 3 million local and foreign tourists have visited the Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque in the past year.
Acting Mufti of Istanbul, Mustafa Yafuz, said that the number of tourists would have been higher if the restrictions on air traffic in different countries were lifted. Locals have great interest and importance in this historical establishment.
Especially after lifting the curfew and various restrictions from July 1, they have started traveling more. Of course, all hygiene rules including social distancing and wearing a mask must be followed for prayer or any visit.
Yafuz also said, ‘As Haya Sophia Mosque, it is a very important place as the Islamic identity of Turkey and Istanbul. Its symbolic value is also very high for Muslims. It is also one of the signs of the Muslim rule of the city after the conquest of Istanbul. ‘
It was used as a Christian church for 916 years until the conquest of Istanbul in 1453. After that it was used as a mosque for about five hundred years till 1934. After 86 years, this historical building remained as a museum.
Then in 2020 it reverted back to the form of a mosque. Although a mosque, it is open to tourists of all religions and beliefs.
On July 10 last year, a Turkish court overturned a 1934 cabinet order that turned the Hagia Sophia into a museum. As a result, after 86 long years, this historical structure is going back to the tradition of the mosque. Then on July 24, the first Friday prayer was held.
