Visitors are seen to be taking small fragments from the walls of Hagia Sophia as mementoes. The ancient cathedral-turned-mosque, a UNESCO world heritage site dating back to the 6th century, built under the rule of Byzantine Emperor Justinian in what is now Istanbul, is experiencing damages, including vandalism and neglect.
Security measures have been increased by Turkish authorities, with around 70 guards on shifts and the tourist police now patrolling the monument, in response to a recent breakout of vandalism. It’s now reported that nearly 40,000 individuals are flocking to Hagia Sophia daily.
