Istanbul: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Sunday paid a visit to the historic Hagia Sophia after turning it back to a mosque.
During the sudden visit, the president reviewed the construction and renovation work at the mosque.
He was briefed on the ongoing renovation and construction work at the mosque.
On the occasion, Erdogan took pictures of himself at the historic Hagia Sophia.
The regular five time prayers will begin at the mosque from July 24 (Friday). Turkish President Erdogan will offer the Friday prayer at the mosque.
Earlier on July 10, Turkish president Erdogan had signed the presidential decree to convert the historic Hagia Sophia museum into a mosque.
Erdogan had signed the presidential order soon after the Turkey’s Council of State gave decision to convert Hagia Sophia into a mosque.
In its verdict, the Turkey’s highest court said that on November 24, 1934, the decision of the then government to convert the Hagia Sophia building from a mosque into a museum does not conform to the law.
