Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan arrives at Hagia Sophia to attend Friday prayers

After more than eight decades as a museum, Istanbul’s iconic Hagia Sophia is hosting Islamic prayer services for the first time in 86 years.

The restoration ceremony and prayer is being attended by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, as well as politicians from the Justice and Development party and other Turkish political groups.

Leaders and dignitaries from countries, such as Azerbaijan and Qatar, will also be present for the opening ceremony.

Quran recitation programme organised by Presidency of Religious Affairs starts in Hagia Sophia, which is open for worship after 86 years

Thousands of people gather outside Turkey’s Hagia Sophia ahead of its first Friday prayer after it was turned back into a mosque.

Видео Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan arrives at Hagia Sophia to attend Friday prayers канала Haber Lütfen