Erdogan Hagia Sophia is a historical building located in Istanbul, Turkey. It is one of the most iconic monuments of the city, having served as a church, a mosque and now a museum. It has been a part of the world’s heritage since 1985 and is considered to be one of the most important monuments of Byzantine architecture.

History of Hagia Sophia

Hagia Sophia was originally built in the 6th century by the Byzantine emperor Justinian I, who wanted it to be a symbol of the power and grandeur of the Byzantine Empire. The building was completed in 537 AD and was the largest church in the world for almost 1000 years. It served as a church until the fall of Constantinople in 1453, when it was converted into a mosque by the Ottoman Sultan Mehmed II. During the Ottoman period, it underwent several renovations, including the addition of minarets and a large mihrab. It remained a mosque until 1931, when it was closed and converted into a museum.

Erdogan and Hagia Sophia

In July 2020, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan issued a decree converting Hagia Sophia from a museum into a mosque. This move was highly controversial, as it was seen as a way of erasing the city’s multi-cultural history and diminishing its status as a world heritage site. The decision was met with strong opposition from both domestic and international sources, including the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

Impact of Erdogan’s Decision

Erdogan’s decision to convert Hagia Sophia into a mosque has had far-reaching implications. It has drawn criticism from the international community, and has sparked protests in Turkey and around the world. The move has also been seen as a way of increasing the power of Erdogan and his ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP). It has also been seen as an attempt to boost the AKP’s popularity in the lead up to the 2023 Turkish presidential election.

Conclusion

Erdogan’s decision to convert Hagia Sophia into a mosque has been highly controversial and has had far-reaching implications. It has been seen as an attempt to erase the city’s multi-cultural history and diminish its status as a world heritage site. It has also been seen as a way of increasing the power of Erdogan and his ruling AKP party. Whatever the outcome of this decision, it is sure to have a lasting impact on the city of Istanbul and its people.