Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque Welcomes 25 Million Visitors Since Reopening

The Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque, a prominent attraction in Istanbul, has welcomed approximately 25 million visitors in the four years since its reopening for worship on July 24, 2020, Daily Sabah reported yesterday.

Originally a church for 916 years, it became a mosque in 1453 and was converted to a museum in 1934. A court ruling in July 2020 reversed this decision, allowing the mosque to reopen.

Local officials note that it attracts around 50,000 visitors daily, including both Muslims and non-Muslims.

The mosque hosts various activities, including lectures and Quran graduation ceremonies, and reports one or two conversion ceremonies each day. With a dedicated team of 50 staff members, Hagia Sophia continues to offer guidance and hospitality to its diverse visitors.