Erdogan’s rant: The biggest dream of my youth was to… liberate Hagia Sophia

Recep Tayyip Erdogan made new provocative statements on the issue of turning the Hagia Sophia into a mosque, noting that it was “the biggest dream of his youth” to “liberate” it from the fetters.

Speaking to reporters after Friday prayer at a mosque, Erdogan described the issue of Hagia Sophia as Turkey’s “national sovereign issue,” while defying international outcry. “None of the reactions from abroad bind us. The process of converting Hagia Sophia into a mosque is a matter for our internal jurisdiction,” he said, as reported by iefimerida, adding that only 1,000 to 1,500 people will enter Hagia Sophia on July 24 for the first Muslim prayer and that all protection measures will be taken due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The change in the Hagia Sophia’s status” signifies its liberation from the shackles of captivity, these shackles have finally been broken, “Erdogan said, as reported by Anadolu Agency, “It was the biggest dream of my youth. We are happy that this dream came true.”

Regarding Turkey’s involvement in Libya, Erdogan said: “We will continue whatever responsibilities we have taken on. We will not leave our brothers in Libya alone. Our relationship with Libya lasts for over 500 years.”