All you want to know about Istanbul's iconic Hagia Sophia's history

The first prayers in Turkey's Hagia Sophia will be held on July 24, President Tayyip Erdogan said on Friday, after declaring the ancient monument was once again a mosque following a court ruling revoking its status as a museum.

First prayers in Hagia Sophia to be held on July 24, Turkish President Erdogan says

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Saturday rejected worldwide condemnation over Turkey's decision to convert the Byzantine-era monument Hagia Sophia back into a mosque, saying it represented his country's will to use its "sovereign rights".

Turkish President Erdogan rejects criticism over Hagia Sophia's conversion to mosque

A top Turkish court on Friday revoked the Byzantine-era Hagia Sophia's status as a museum, clearing the way for it to be turned back into a mosque, according to reports.

Top Turkey court revokes Hagia Sophia's museum status, paving way for mosque

The UN's cultural agency UNESCO warned Turkey on Friday against converting the Byzantine-era Hagia Sophia museum in Istanbul into a mosque, urging dialogue before any decision is taken.

UNESCO warns Turkey against Hagia Sophia mosque conversion

A Turkish court is likely to announce on Friday that the 1934 conversion of Istanbul's Hagia Sophia into a museum was unlawful, two Turkish officials said, paving the way for its restoration as a mosque despite international concerns.

Turkish court likely to announce verdict on Hagia Sophia

Turkey's famous museum, Hagia Sophia, is at the centre of international political debate. Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan has proposed restoring the mosque status of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, a sixth-century building at the heart of both the Christian Byzantine and Muslim Ottoman empires and now one of Turkey’s most visited monuments.

Erdogan's bid to turn Hagia Sophia museum into a mosque sparks political row

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan wants to turn the iconic Hagia Sophia into a mosque again. Russia says this move would be unacceptable. WION's Palki Sharma tells you why this move has triggered a major controversy.

Gravitas: Politics over Istanbul's Hagia Sophia

Russian officials and the Orthodox church on July 06 urged caution over calls in Turkey to alter the status of Hagia Sophia. Watch report.

Your Story: Russia, US warm Turkey over the conversion of Hagia Sophia

An official from the Russian Orthodox Church feels converting the Hagia Sophia from a museum to a mosque would be an "unacceptable" move and would take them back in time.

Respect feelings of believers: Russian Orthodox Church comments on conversion of Hagia Sophia

The Turkish government is all set to change the religion-neutral status of a century-old structure and a UNESCO world heritage site Hagia Sophia. Watch report.

UNESCO world heritage site Hagia Sophia to be turned into a Mosque

“The conversion of Hagia Sophia into a mosque will disappoint millions of Christians around the world,” said Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew

Turkish court to rule on the fate of iconic Hagia Sophia

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