Hagia Sophia marks sixth anniversary, draws over 30 million visitors

More than 30 million people have visited Istanbul's Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque since it reopened for worship six years ago, underscoring its status as one of Türkiye's most visited landmarks. Interest in the site has remained strong, with visitors continuing to come from across the country and abroad.

A Monumental History

Originally built as a church, Hagia Sophia served as a place of Christian worship for 916 years until the Ottoman conquest of Istanbul in 1453, when Sultan Mehmed II converted it into a mosque. It remained a mosque until 1934, when a Cabinet decree turned it into a museum for 86 years. On July 10, 2020, Türkiye's Council of State annulled the decree, paving the way for it to reopen as a mosque.

A Place of Worship and Learning

Istanbul Deputy Mufti Arif Çevlek said the reopening fulfilled a longing that had lasted for many years. The mosque serves as both a place of worship and religious learning, offering classes and Quran recitations. Pilgrimage tours from Uzbekistan, Malaysia and Indonesia have increasingly included the site, while around 120 personnel provide daily services. Restoration work continues under controlled conditions.