– The Turkish Presidency’s Communications Directorate has denounced a string of fraudulent news and misinformation circling on social media, countering allegations of Istanbul’s famous Hagia Sophia Mosque being ‘sold’ to the Vatican. In its most recent bulletin dedicated to fighting
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has appointed Yılmaz Akçil, previously of the Council of State, to the Constitutional Court. Akçil notably signed the decision that converted the Hagia Sophia from a museum to a mosque, as well as approving the legality
From January 2024, visitors to Hagia Sophia, in Istanbul, must pay an entrance fee, says the Turkish Minister. The ancient cathedral, now a mosque, plans a new system to manage the 3.5 million annual visitors for a safer experience. Worshippers
The iconic Hagia Sophia, an ancient architectural marvel in Istanbul, is set to undergo extensive restoration and preservation works, following the discovery of significant deterioration both internally and externally on this 6th-century Byzantine relic. This comprehensive and intricate project, expected
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
A social media storm has ensued following the Turkish government’s surprising decision to transform Istanbul’s distinguished Hagia Sophia back into a mosque. The decision has drawn diverse reactions both domestically and internationally. On Friday, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan declared
