Erdogan carries out inspections of works for conversion of Hagia Sophia into mosque 

The President of Turkey, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, visited Hagia Sophia today, where -as reported by the Turkish media – he was briefed on the works and preparations at the historic monument in view of the first prayer that will be held next Friday, on the 24th of July, as the Turkish Council of State decided to convert Hagia Sophia into a mosque.

The Turkish president was accompanied by Minister of Culture and Tourism Mehmet Nuri Ersoy and the president of the Directorate of Religious Affairs. Hagia Sophia will remain closed until the first prayer takes place, while over the last few days changes are being carried out in the historic church. Hagia Sophia will be open to the public, as it was before, and guided tours will be allowed.