The Hagia Sophia is undoubtedly one of the most fascinating buildings in the world. Built as the largest church in Christendom in the 6th century by the Byzantine Emperor Justinian, it was converted into a mosque after the conquest of Constantinople by the Ottoman Sultan Mehmet in 1453. After initial restorations by the Swiss Fossati brothers in the mid-19th century, it was declared a museum by Atatürk in 1935. Further extensive investigations, security and restoration work followed.
Religious conservative circles in Turkey have revoked the museum status with the aim of converting this unique World Heritage site back into a mosque with the help of President Erdogan! Despite worldwide opposition, they (unfortunately) won their case before the Supreme Court. Initial changes have already been made (including covering mosaics and covering the entire floor with a prayer rug), and on Friday, July 24, 2020, Friday prayers took place in the Ayasofya for the first time in 85 years.
See also "Byzantine Architekture in Turkey"
