Is Hagia Sophia a new tool for Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan?

After 86 years an all-faiths museum once again echoed to the sound of Islamic prayers in Turkey. For Turkish Islamists, there-conversion is a landmark moment as it was a long-awaited restoration of the symbol of Ottoman might.

However, for many others in Turkey and around the world, itis a setback to one of the world's greatest cultural landmarks.

The Hagia Sophia has nothing to do with religion, or Jesus Christ or Prophet Muhammad. It is revered by Christians and Muslims alike, but is not sacred to either of them.

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The structure was constructed by one sovereign as a church and was then converted into a mosque by another sovereign. The process went on for centuries as there were crusades and wars.

While it is a symbol of religious pride and of the conquest mentality, there is nothing particularly sacred about this monument's heritage.

In a picture posted on Instagram of TRT World of the cathedral of Cordoba, the caption read, "Over the centuries, hundreds of mosques across Europe have been turned into churches as part of an attempt to erase the Muslim identity."

The cathedral, popularly known asthe cathedral of our lady of the assumption, is located in Cordoba, Spain. It was previouslyan Islamic place of worship, but was converted into a cathedral the 13th century.

The caption on the picturereads, "An attempt to erase Muslim identity".This media network is using a 13th century conquest to justify Erdogan's current decision. The post used one wrong to justify another and istrying to blur the lines between ancient empires and modern-day republics.

Although, itexpected from the TRT World as the media house is considered to be Erdogan's propaganda arm.

Have a look:How Turkey marked Hagia Sophia's first Friday prayers post reconversion

However, what TRT World does not highlight is Erdogan'sauthoritarianism.

Not once did Erdogan consult any of the stakeholders in the Turkish parliament before taking this decision anddid not allow any deliberation on his decision.

Indoing so, he has reversed the very secular and democratic credentials of Turkey. Hiscountry anyway does not have an impressive record of tolerance for Christians, andmost of them have escaped to Europe. Only about a hundred thousand Christians are said to be living in the Turkey,as of today.

This decision carries the danger of causing more frictions between the Christian and Islamic communities as critics believe thatErdogan is using the Hagia Sophia as a tool to legitimise his ambitions.