Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque decorated for Muslim fasting month of Ramadan

By Busra Nur Cakmak

ANKARA (AA) - The Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque has been decorated for the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan.

The video of the decorated mosque was shared by Istanbul Governor Ali Yerlikaya on Twitter.

“We are happy to meet the blessed month of Ramadan. The minarets of Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque will illuminate both our Istanbul and our hearts with #mahya, reading 'La Ilahe Illallah' this year. Welcome, Ramadan,” said Yerlikaya.

Hagia Sophia was built in the year 532 CE. It was turned into a mosque in 1453 after the conquest of Istanbul.

It served as a church for 916 years and 86 years as a museum. But for most of its existence – from 1453 to 1934, or nearly 500 years – it served as a mosque.

In 1985, Hagia Sophia was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Hagia Sophia is also among Türkiye's top tourism destinations and remains open for domestic and foreign visitors.

Last year, Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque held its first tarawih prayer in 88 years, a special evening prayer during the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan.

The mosque regained its status as a mosque in 2020, when it was opened for worship on July 24 of that year.