Hagia Sophia celebrates 4 years as mosque with 25 million visitors

Hagia Sophia, a historic landmark in Istanbul, has attracted an impressive number of visitors since its reopening for worship four years ago.

On July 24, 2020, the Turkish Council of State annulled the 1934 cabinet decision that had turned the mosque into a museum. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan signed the decree to reopen Hagia Sophia for prayer, ending its 86-year stint as a museum.

Visitor surge to Hagia Sophia

From its reopening until now, Hagia Sophia has welcomed approximately 25 million visitors. This number surpasses the population of 21 European countries. Istanbul Deputy Mufti Ahmet Akturkoglu stated, “Hagia Sophia has been one of Istanbul’s most important symbols since its conversion back into a mosque.” He emphasized the steady stream of both Muslim and non-Muslim visitors from around the world.

Akturkoglu detailed the varied activities held at Hagia Sophia, noting, “We have regular classes and special programs, including Sahih al-Bukhari and Irfan lessons on weekends, and special ceremonies during religious nights. Additionally, we conduct Quran memorization certificate ceremonies in collaboration with the Ministry of Education.”

Visitor experience at Hagia Sophia

Hagia Sophia originally served as a church for 916 years and then as a mosque following the Ottoman conquest in 1453. It became a museum in 1934 and served as such until its recent conversion back into a place of worship.

This decision has sparked renewed interest and reverence for Hagia Sophia, resulting in an average of 50,000 visitors per day, amounting to an annual visitation rate of 6 million-7 million people.

Akturkoglu mentioned that Hagia Sophia has seen a significant number of conversion ceremonies, with one or two people converting to Islam daily at the mosque. To accommodate the influx of visitors and ensure proper conduct within the mosque, a team of 50 personnel, including religious guides who provide cultural and religious information, works diligently.