Erdoğan prayed in Hagia Sophia and recited Quran

The Dhaka Times Desk The 1500-year-old Hagia Sophia, which was converted from a church to a mosque to a museum, held Friday prayers for the first time yesterday (Friday) after it was declared a mosque again.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan participated in Friday prayers held in this historical mosque of Turkey after 86 years. He recited the Quran.

Thousands of worshipers offered Friday prayers inside and outside the Hagia Sophia. Everyone came from different parts of the country to be a part of this historic moment. For the first time since 1934, the President of the country Erdoğan read the Quran to the Muslims who came to the mosque to participate in the Friday prayers.

Hagia Sophia was established as the main church (cathedral) of Orthodox Christians about one and a half thousand years ago. Centuries later, the Ottoman rulers converted it into a mosque. In 1934, it was converted into a museum by the then ruling secular government of Turkey. In 1985, UNESCO declared Hagia Sophia as a World Heritage Site.

That is, after it was established in 537 AD, this historical building Hagia Sophia was a church for 921 years and a mosque for 482 years. Later in 1934 it was declared as a museum. After 86 years, yesterday Friday (July 24), this historic structure turned into a mosque through Friday prayers.

It should be noted that on July 10, the Turkish court canceled the status of Hagia Sophia as a museum and ordered it to be converted into a mosque. The court also declared its use as anything other than a mosque illegal.

According to international media sources, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan came to Hagia Sophia with senior officials and ministers to participate in Friday prayers. President Erdoğan recited the Qur'an to the present worshipers before the start of the azan from the four minarets of the mosque.

Later, Ali Erbas, head of the country's religious welfare department, delivered a sermon at this time; Which has been broadcast live on the country's television channels.

Meanwhile, extensive security measures were taken around this historical place in Istanbul on the occasion of this Friday prayer. The worshipers got the opportunity to enter the mosque after crossing several police checkpoints. Due to the corona virus epidemic, the worshipers have to participate in prayers by wearing masks while maintaining distance. Medical personnel are also kept ready to provide emergency health care.

The country's flag is also seen in the hands of many Turks; Allah made the mosque and its surrounding areas resound with the sound of Akbar.

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