First call to prayer in 79 years! Kariye Mosque opens for prayers in Istanbul

The restoration of Istanbul’s Kariye Mosque has concluded, marking a significant milestone in the mosque’s rich history.

The Kariye Mosque will be officially opened for prayers on Monday, following a presidential decree restoring its status as a mosque on Aug. 21, 2020.

President Erdogan to attend opening ceremony

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is also scheduled to attend the opening ceremony.

The mosque, set to reopen for worship under President Erdogan’s auspices, will adopt the Hagia Sophia Mosque’s operational model, according to recent updates.

President Erdogan is expected to attend the mass inauguration ceremony of 201 monuments restored by the General Directorate of Foundations, to be held Monday at the Presidency’s Bestepe National Congress and Culture Center.

This ceremony will be broadcast live at the Kariye Mosque, where 33 of these works will be revealed as part of the Foundations Week celebration program.

The conversion of the Kariye Mosque, property of the Directorate General of Foundations of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, from a museum to a place of worship has drawn considerable attention.

Monday’s opening follows extensive restoration efforts that began after the mosque was reclassified.

Throughout the restoration process, meticulous measures were taken to protect the areas reserved for worship in the Kariye Mosque.

Protective measures and QR codes for multilingual information

Protective covers were installed to preserve the intricate paintings that adorn the walls and ceilings. In addition, designated zones for guided tourist visits facilitated a seamless exploration of the mosque’s historical significance.

Comprehensive information on the mosque’s artifacts will be available in multiple languages to enhance accessibility and inclusivity.

Visitors can access details about each artifact through QR codes, providing a convenient and informative experience regardless of language.

Rich history of Kariye Mosque

The journey of the Kariye Mosque is intertwined with the rich history of Istanbul.

Originally built as a church, it was converted into a mosque by Grand Vizier Hadim Ali Pasha (Atik Ali Pasha) during the reign of Sultan Bayezid II.

The mosque, which was used as a museum for a while, was reopened to worship in accordance with the original Presidential Decree dated Aug. 1, 2020.

Following years of wear and tear, the mosque has finally reopened its doors after a comprehensive four-year restoration project.