The decision of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan regarding Hagia Sophia has sparked discussions both within Turkey and around the world.International criticism has been voiced concerning this decision. However, it must be remembered that Hagia Sophia’s preservation and existence owe much to Turkey’s contributions throughout the years as its host.
President Erdoğan’s decision to convert Hagia Sophia from a museum to a mosque, signed on July 10, 2020, holds a character of a manifesto. His speech on this day encompasses responses to international criticisms aimed at this decision. Additionally, it serves as a fundamental indicator that Hagia Sophia, as humanity’s shared heritage, will continue to be embraced and carefully safeguarded.
Esteemed Nation,
I greet you with the most sincere feelings and affection. Today, the Council of State has nullified the Cabinet Decree of 1934 that transformed Hagia Sophia from a mosque into a museum. Based on this, with a Presidential Decree, we have reopened Hagia Sophia for worship as a mosque. Thus, after 86 years, Hagia Sophia will once again serve as a mosque, in accordance with the foundation decree of Fatih Sultan Mehmet Khan. I hope this decision brings goodness to our nation, the Islamic world, and all of humanity. The Ministry of Culture and Tourism has initiated administrative and technical preparations, while the Directorate of Religious Affairs has begun religious-related work.
With the change in status, we are also removing the practice of charging an entrance fee to Hagia Sophia Mosque. Just like all other mosques, the doors of Hagia Sophia, both for locals and foreigners, Muslims and non-Muslims, will remain open wide. As a heritage of all humanity, Hagia Sophia will continue to embrace everyone with its new status, in a more intimate and distinctive manner. With swift preparations, we plan to open Hagia Sophia for worship starting with the Friday prayer on July 24, 2020. This decision may lead to various debates, both domestically and internationally. I invite everyone to respect the decision on Hagia Sophia, taken by our country’s judiciary and executive authorities. We certainly understand and respect all views expressed internationally on this matter.. However, the question of how Hagia Sophia will be used concerns Turkey’s sovereignty. The act of reopening Hagia Sophia for worship through a new regulation is solely about exercising our country’s sovereignty. Just as our flag, capital, call to prayer, language, borders, and 81 provinces belong to Turkey, so does the right to convert Hagia Sophia to a mosque, following its foundation decree. In this matter, any stance or expression beyond expressing an opinion will be considered a violation of our independence. Just as we do not interfere in decisions about places of worship in other countries, we expect the same understanding when it comes to protecting our historical and legal rights. Furthermore, this right has been established for 567 years. If a discussion about beliefs is to be held today, the topic should not be Hagia Sophia, but rather the increasing Islamophobia and foreign hatred observed worldwide. Turkey’s decision is solely about its internal law and historical rights. I express my gratitude to all political parties and leaders who support this decision, to civil society organizations, and every individual of our nation.
Esteemed Nation…
The conquest of Istanbul and the transformation of Hagia Sophia into a mosque constitute one of the most glorious pages in Turkish history. After a prolonged siege, Fatih Sultan Mehmet Khan, who entered Istanbul on May 29, 1453, proceeds directly to Hagia Sophia. The Byzantine population awaits their fate in Hagia Sophia, filled with fear and curiosity. Fatih assures the people who welcome him, guaranteeing their lives and liberties, and enters Hagia Sophia. The Conqueror of Istanbul, planting his standard in the middle of Hagia Sophia, right where the mihrab stands, launches an arrow toward the dome, and himself recites the first call to prayer. This act seals the conquest. Then, in a corner of the sanctuary, he performs a gesture of gratitude and prays two rak’ahs, thus symbolizing the transformation of Hagia Sophia into a mosque. Sultan Fatih meticulously inspects Istanbul and Hagia Sophia, from the ground to the roof. According to historians, upon climbing Hagia Sophia’s dome, Fatih Sultan Mehmet Khan recites the famous Persian couplet upon witnessing the state of the structure and its surroundings:
"PERDEDÂRİ MÎKONED BER KASR-İ KAYSER ANKEBUT BÛM NOVBET MÎZENED DER TAREM-İ EFRÂSİYÂB"
In today's Turkish:
"ÖRÜMCEK KAYSER’İN SARAYINDA PERDEKARLIK YAPIYOR BAYKUŞ EFRASİYAB’IN BURCUNDA NÖBET TUTUYOR"
Yes, Fatih Sultan Mehmet Khan, in such a worn-out, exhausted, and distressed Istanbul and Hagia Sophia, takes over. In fact, Hagia Sophia, inherited by Fatih, is the third structure built in the same location, as the previous two churches were burned and destroyed during turbulent times. After the conquest, Hagia Sophia is prepared for the first Friday prayer through three days of intense work. Fatih, accompanied by state dignitaries and the military, enters the mosque and is welcomed with loud takbirs and salawats echoing under the domes. Fatih delivers the first Friday sermon at Hagia Sophia and his mentor, Akşemsettin Efendi, leads the prayer. Furthermore, by protecting the Orthodox Church, ostracized by other Christian denominations, Fatih Sultan Mehmet Khan ensures its development. The domes and walls of this grand sanctuary resound with calls to prayer, supplications, takbirs, salawats, recitations of the holy Qur’an, and recitations of the prophetic biography for the next 481 years. Throughout these centuries, despite earthquakes, fires, looting, and neglect, Istanbul, a city on the brink of ruin, is resurrected through the conquest. Hagia Sophia serves as a symbol of this process. Starting from Fatih Sultan Mehmet Khan, every sultan has striven to beautify Istanbul and Hagia Sophia even further. Hagia Sophia, designated as the Grand Mosque of the city, is transformed into a comprehensive complex with additional structures and serves worshippers for centuries. Subjected to extensive renovations almost every century, adorned with additions, Hagia Sophia has always been cherished by our nation. To this day, our nation has preserved its original name, which means “Divine Wisdom,” without any attempt to change it. As evident, this ancient sanctuary, threatened by the collapse of a decaying empire, was not only converted into a mosque by our ancestors, but it was also revitalized and renewed. Therefore, Hagia Sophia has always held a special place in the hearts of all members of this nation in every era. For us as well, a love for Hagia Sophia has been nurtured since our youth. We believe that by reopening this sanctuary for worship, in accordance with its foundation decree, without compromising its cultural heritage identity, we are providing a significant service to our nation.
Esteemed Nation…
While conquest was regarded as “Cihad-ı Asgar” (lesser jihad) for our nation, the true “Cihad-ı Ekber” (greater jihad) was characterized by construction, development, and acts of charity. During the Byzantine era of the Eastern Roman Empire, when Hagia Sophia was being built, materials were transported from various corners of the empire, ranging from Egypt to Izmir and from Syria to Balıkesir. Fatih Sultan Mehmet and the subsequent rulers brought artisans from all parts of Anatolia and Rumelia to Istanbul, effectively renewing both Hagia Sophia and the city itself through reconstruction and redevelopment. In doing so, they made the most of the heritage they inherited. For example, Fatih Sultan Mehmet preserved the fixed mosaics within Hagia Sophia, only removing the movable statues. The mosaics that remained in place for centuries were gradually covered during subsequent repairs, ensuring their protection against external influences and preserving them to the present day.
In essence, looking at adherents of different faiths with tolerance is an inherent aspect of our religion. Prophet Muhammad, during his mission, did not intervene with communities of other faiths that did not attack Muslims or incite discord. When Hazrat Ömer conquered Jerusalem, he safeguarded the rights and places of worship for the Christians and Jews in the city. The rulers of the Ottoman Empire, just like our ancestors who established various states, followed the same path. The actions of Fatih Sultan Mehmet and his successors in Istanbul were a reflection of this ancient tradition. Mimar Sinan, one of the most significant figures in our civilization’s history, contributed significantly to Hagia Sophia. Over 481 years, Hagia Sophia Mosque, with its mihrab, pulpit, minbar, minarets, sultan’s gallery, inscriptions, decorations, candelabras, carpets, ablution fountain, and all other elements, reached its current state. Throughout history, Hagia Sophia has been a place where the largest congregations of Istanbul gathered, offering captivating sights during special occasions like Tarawih prayers, Laylat al-Qadr, and Eid. Hence, the Turkish nation’s right over Hagia Sophia is no less than that of its original builders nearly 1,500 years ago. On the contrary, due to our contributions and strong sense of ownership, our nation’s right over Hagia Sophia—today recognized as one of humanity’s most significant heritage sites—is even greater. With the conquest, Istanbul evolved into a city where Muslims, Christians, and Jews coexisted in peace and harmony. History attests to the great struggles we waged to establish prosperity, security, peace, and tolerance in every place we conquered. Today, throughout every corner of our country, alongside our mosques, stand thousands of historical places of worship representing various faiths. Additionally, churches and synagogues operate in every community with congregations. Currently, there are 435 open churches, synagogues, and chapels in our country. This sight, unlike any other found in other regions, is a manifestation of our understanding that considers our diversities as sources of richness. Nevertheless, as a nation, we have not been able to escape encountering examples to the contrary, even in our recent history. In the territories of Eastern Europe and the Balkans from which the Ottomans were forced to withdraw, very few of the structures constructed by our forebears over centuries remain standing. Guided by the principle “SU-İ MİSAL EMSAL OLMAZ” (One bad example does not set a precedent), we disregard these negative examples and resolutely uphold our stance of building and reviving our civilization.
Esteemed Nation…
With the decision to reopen it for worship, the debates surrounding Hagia Sophia have once again captured our attention.These debates have a history spanning nearly a century. Discussions regarding the conversion of Hagia Sophia into a church took place during the occupation years of Anatolia and Istanbul. As the first step towards this intention, a fully equipped occupational unit stationed itself at the doors of Hagia Sophia. The French commander leading the unit informed an Ottoman officer stationed at Hagia Sophia that they intended to settle there and that Turkish soldiers should vacate the mosque. Captain Tevfik Bey, who was protecting Hagia Sophia alongside his troops, responded with the following words:
"You cannot enter here, and you will not enter. Because this place is our place of worship. If you attempt to enter by force, the heavy machine guns will give you the first answer, and then the demolition molds we placed at the four corners of the mosque will follow. If you are willing to risk the collapse of Hagia Sophia upon yourselves, then go ahead, try to enter."
Thus, this statement thwarts the invaders’ hopes of capturing Hagia Sophia. Foreign interest in Hagia Sophia continues in the following years under pretexts like mosaic restoration. During this time, the single-party government issues a decree stipulating that mosques should be at least 500 meters apart, effectively closing Hagia Sophia for worship. Later, on February 1, 1935, Hagia Sophia is declared a museum and opened for visits. During the years it was closed for worship, this heritage from our ancestors suffered significant damage. The nearby Ayasofya Medrese, the first Ottoman university in Istanbul, constructed by Fatih, is demolished without reason. The precious carpets laid on Hagia Sophia’s floor are cut and distributed. Antique candelabras are taken to the foundry to be melted down. The magnificent panels that still remain in place are too large to pass through the doors and are consequently stored in storage. These panels were later reinstalled during the era of the Democrat Party. The damage inflicted on Hagia Sophia was not limited to these instances. Those who wanted to erase all traces of its time as a mosque nearly succeeded in demolishing its minarets as well. Indeed, the minaret of Küçük Ayasofya, which had been converted into a mosque during the reign of Sultan Bayezid II, was demolished overnight without any legal basis. Historian, journalist, and museum curator İbrahim Hakkı Konyalı realized that Hagia Sophia was next and quickly wrote a report to publish. In his report, the late Konyalı wrote that it was said, “These minarets are the support of the dome; if the minarets are destroyed, Hagia Sophia will also collapse.” This assertion led to the decision to abandon the plan to demolish the minarets. During the same period, similar calamities befell many mosques, madrasas, and heritage sites throughout our country. Essentially, the decision made during the single-party era was not only a betrayal of history but also contrary to the law. This is because Hagia Sophia does not belong to the state or any institution; it is a waqf property. When Fatih conquered Istanbul, he also took on the title of Roman Emperor, and as a result, he owned all the properties registered under the Byzantine dynasty. Based on this legal basis, Hagia Sophia was registered on the foundation established by Fatih and his waqf. In the Republican era, an official copy of this title deed was prepared with the new alphabet, confirming its legal status. If Hagia Sophia were not a property owned by Fatih Sultan Mehmet Han, there would be no right to establish a waqf on it. In his waqf decree of hundreds of pages, which also includes Hagia Sophia and dates back to June 1, 1453, Fatih Sultan Mehmet Han says the following:
"WHOEVER ALTERS THIS VAKFIYE (WAQF DOCUMENT) THAT TRANSFORMS HAGIA SOPHIA INTO A MOSQUE, CHANGES A PART OF IT, CANCELS IT, OR ALTERS IT THROUGH DECEPTION, AND ASSISTS THOSE WHO PERFORM ANY OF THESE ACTIONS... TRIES TO UNLAWFULLY INTERFERE WITH IT, REMOVE IT FROM MOSQUE STATUS, ISSUES FALSE DOCUMENTS TO CLAIM RIGHTS LIKE MUTAWALLISHIP (FOUNDATION MANAGEMENT)... OR RECORDS IT IN THEIR FALSE BOOKS, OR ILLEGALLY ATTRIBUTES IT TO THEMSELVES... I DECLARE BEFORE YOU THAT THEY WOULD COMMIT THE GREATEST SIN AND ACQUIRE A SIN. WHOEVER CHANGES THIS VAKFIYE; GOD'S, THE PROPHET'S, ANGELS', ALL LEADERS', AND EVEN ALL MUSLIMS' ETERNAL CURSE BE UPON THEM... MAY THEIR PUNISHMENT NOT BE LIGHTENED, MAY THEIR FACES NOT BE LOOKED UPON ON THE DAY OF RECKONING. WHOEVER, AFTER HEARING THESE WORDS, CONTINUES TO ENGAGE IN THESE CHANGES, THEIR SINS WILL BELONG TO THE ONE WHO MADE THE CHANGES. THE PUNISHMENT IS UPON THEM. GOD HEARS, GOD KNOWS."
Yes… Today’s decision has also allowed us to escape from the heavy curse Fatih placed upon us with these words. Although, even today, the same mentality might suggest not only alleviating the sorrow of Hagia Sophia but also transforming Istanbul’s prominent Sultan Ahmet Mosque into a museum. This same mindset in the past considered turning Sultan Ahmet Mosque into an art gallery, Yıldız Palace into a casino, and even turning Hagia Sophia into a jazz club. Some of these were realized. As in every era, this perspective is the manifestation of an outdated understanding masked as modernity. Demanding the closure of Vatican and its conversion into a museum is akin to insisting on Hagia Sophia remaining a museum. The next step is to request the conversion of the oldest sanctuary in humanity, the Kaaba, and the ancient Al-Aqsa Mosque into museums. I pray to God to forever protect our country and humanity from this mindset. I pray that our nation will not be tested again with those who oppose its values.
Esteemed Nation…
There are certain works that symbolize nations and states. Hagia Sophia is one of these symbols. In an article written in 1922, Yahya Kemal says:
"THIS STATE HAS TWO SPIRITUAL FOUNDATIONS: THE ADHAN RECITED FROM THE MINARET OF HAGIA SOPHIA BY FATIH, WHICH IS STILL BEING RECITED... THE QUR'AN RECITED IN FRONT OF THE CLOAK OF THE PROPHET BY SELIM, WHICH IS STILL BEING RECITED..."
“Again, according to the expression of Yahya Kemal, the significance of Hagia Sophia for our nation can be described as follows:
"I ONCE THOUGHT IT WAS A MONUMENT MADE OF STONES; WHEN I LOOKED AT THIS REPUBLIC UNDER THE DOME, NOW, I FEEL LIKE I HAVE ENTERED THE CLIMATE OF FORGIVENESS OF ANCESTORS THAT I HAVE BEEN SEEING AND LONGING FOR YEARS."
Unfortunately, this sanctuary has been deprived of the call to prayer and the recitation of the Quran for a long time. While the royal gallery of Hagia Sophia was opened for worship in 1980 and then in 1991, in terms of its main structure, this monument has always remained in a state of sorrow. Almost all of our intellectuals and artists have discussed the orphanhood of Hagia Sophia in their writings and speeches. The late Necip Fazıl Kısakürek expressed his belief by saying, “Those who doubt whether Turkey will remain in this land also doubt whether Hagia Sophia will be reopened.” We are responding to the call of the Master, who said, “Hagia Sophia must be reopened; it must be reopened alongside Turkey’s closed fortune.” This is the most anticipated and honorable day of Islam, It transformed Constantinople of the Romans into Turkish Istanbul,
The owner of an army that stood against the world, The Sultan of the Turks, as if the sky was split, He entered through Edirne Gate, riding a horse, Conquered Istanbul in eight weeks and three days, Oh, how blessed and fortunate was he, a servant of Allah, The Sultan who conquered the blessed city, He fulfilled the divine will, the greatest aspiration, He performed the afternoon prayer at Hagia Sophia.
When another historian and poet Nihal Atsız was asked, “If you were to come into the world again, what would you want to be?” his answer was, “I would want to be an imam at Hagia Sophia.” Our globally renowned historian Halil İnalcık stated, “The West has never forgotten the conquest of Istanbul and Hagia Sophia,” which actually aimed to convey to us that this issue is a matter beyond politics. While writing about turning Hagia Sophia into a museum, Peyami Safa, a leading figure in our literature, stated, “Turning Hagia Sophia into a museum has not thwarted Christianity’s ambitions over Istanbul; on the contrary, it has increased its courage, incited it, and stirred it up.” Osman Yüksel Serdengeçti’s article titled “Hagia Sophia,” which led to his trial and execution, concludes with these lines:
"HAGIA SOPHIA! O MAGNIFICENT SANCTUARY... DON'T WORRY, THE GRANDCHILDREN OF FATIH WILL TURN YOU INTO A MOSQUE AFTER TOPPLING ALL THE IDOLS. THEY WILL PERFORM WUDU (ABLUTION) WITH TEARS AND PROSTRATE IN PRAYER. THE TAKBIR AND TAHLEEL CALLS WILL FILL YOUR EMPTY DOMES AGAIN, AND THERE WILL BE A SECOND CONQUEST. THE BARD WILL WRITE THE EPIC OF THIS, AND THE CALL TO PRAYER WILL PROCLAIM IT. THE TAKBIR SOUNDS RISING FROM SILENT AND ORPHANED MINARETS WILL RESOUND THROUGH THE FEZZES AGAIN. THE HONORS WILL SHINE BRIGHTLY IN THE HONOR OF ALLAH AND THE PROPHET. THE WHOLE WORLD WILL THINK THAT FATIH HAS RISEN AGAIN. THIS WILL HAPPEN, HAGIA SOPHIA, THIS WILL HAPPEN. A SECOND CONQUEST, A NEW RESURRECTION... THAT'S FOR SURE... THESE DAYS ARE NEAR... PERHAPS TOMORROW, PERHAPS EVEN SOONER..." Thankfully, we have reached those days. One of the greatest poems about the sadness of Hagia Sophia belongs to Arif Nihat Asya: “GREAT MABED, HOW DID YOU LOOK INTO FATIH'S AGE, TELL A FEW! YESTERDAY, YOU WERE PURE SAFTIK INVITATION IN THE DOWN OF FIVE TIMES. THOSE WHO CLOSED YOU O MY STORY AND WHO DOES NOT OPEN!”
Today, Türkiye got rid of such a dimension. Today, Hagia Sophia has experienced one of the resurrections it has witnessed since its construction.
The entry of Hagia Sophia into service as a mosque after 70 years since the restoration of the original call to prayer is a delayed resurgence. This scene is the most beautiful response given to the ruthless attacks on the symbolic values of the Islamic geography all around the world. With every step Turkey has taken in recent times, it demonstrates that it is no longer an object of time and space but rather a subject. With the historical struggle we have undertaken as a nation, we are building a bridge that embraces all of humanity from the past to the future, in the name of the bright future of the civilization we represent. God willing, we will continue on this blessed path, without stopping, without faltering, with determination, sacrifice, decisiveness, until we reach our destination. Once again, I hope that the court decision and the Presidential regulation that have led to Hagia Sophia’s return to being a mosque will be auspicious. I would like to emphasize once again that we will reopen Hagia Sophia as a mosque while preserving its status as humanity’s shared cultural heritage. I send you my love and respect.
Kind Regards…
