Controversy over Hagia Sophia ticket revenue in Türkiye
Restoration work ongoing at Hagia Sophia Mosque, Istanbul, Türkiye, December 3, 2024. (IHA Photo)
Istanbul MP Oguz Kaan Salici of the main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) has raised concerns over the revenue generated from Hagia Sophia (Ayasofya) Grand Mosque and directed his criticism at Ministry of Culture and Tourism.
CHP’s MP claimed that Turkish state receive no revenue from Hagia Sophia ticket sales for the museum section.
However, the ministry refused the claims stating, ”The historical monument is managed by the Directorate General of Foundations, its revenue is recorded in our accounts, and all transactions are audited by the Turkish Court of Accounts.”
Salici reacted to reported ₺950 ($26.3) entrance fee required for the museum section of Hagia Sophia, criticizing the ministry over the pricing.
Accusations for Hagia Sophia ticket sales
Salici alleged that DEM Museums, the company selling tickets for Hagia Sophia, has ties with the ministry.
The CHP MP shared the following statement:
“Imagine a minister… He did what no one else thought of in the 1,500-year-old Hagia Sophia. He transformed it into a money-printing source for his relatives and friends.”
Government denies claims on revenue distribution
Following the accusations, the Directorate General of Foundations issued a statement denying claims that no revenue from the gallery section of Hagia Sophia was being transferred to the state.
A statement shared on its social media account read: “The claim that revenue from the gallery section of Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque is not transferred to the state is false. The historical monument is managed by the Directorate General of Foundations, its revenue is recorded in our accounts, and all transactions are audited by the Turkish Court of Accounts.”
