In his statement, Erdoğan expressed his congratulations on the anniversary, highlighting the significance of the mosque as a symbol of the Conquest of Istanbul. He emphasized that the reopening aligns with the vision of Fatih Sultan Mehmet Khan.

Erdoğan concluded his message with a prayer for the continued prosperity and significance of the Hagia Sophia, stating, "Praise be to Allah, may the resurrection of Hagia Sophia be auspicious again."

Originally a church for 916 years until the conquest of Istanbul, the Hagia Sophia was converted into a mosque in 1453. In 1934, it was transformed into a museum by government decree, where it remained for 86 years.

On July 10, 2020, a court case filed by the Association for the Service of Historical Monuments and the Environment challenged the 1934 Cabinet decision converting the Hagia Sophia into a museum. The Council of State's 10th Chamber ruled unanimously to annul the 1934 decision, paving the way for its return to a place of worship.

On the same day, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan signed a decree to reopen the Hagia Sophia for worship. This decree, transferring the Hagia Sophia to the Presidency of Religious Affairs (Diyanet) and authorizing its reopening, was published in a supplementary issue of the Official Gazette.

The Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque reopened for worship on July 24, 2020, with the first Friday prayer held after 86 years, attended by President Erdoğan. (ILKHA)