Erdogan calls Hagia Sophia a symbol of Turkish era

Hagia Sophia. Photo: romfea.gr

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan stated that the decision to convert Hagia Sophia from a museum into a mosque is a symbol of the Turkish era.

During an awards ceremony established in memory of the Turkish poet-Islamist Necip Fazıl Kısakürek, who was a fervent advocate for turning Hagia Sophia into a mosque, Erdogan said that he fulfilled the poet's dream:

"After 37 years since his (the poet's) death, we had the honour of opening Hagia Sophia, which was his biggest dream. Glory be to Allah. After 80 years of longing, we together broke the chains and restored Hagia Sophia to its original state, following the poet's desire," said the President of Turkey.

According to Erdogan, the conversion of the church into a mosque is the 'end of the captivity of Hagia Sophia,' and 'to be remembered for generations as the president who reopened Hagia Sophia is the greatest honour in the world of our hearts.'

Erdogan assured that 'the sounds of the Quran from the domes of Hagia Sophia and the call to prayer from its minarets will never cease,' and the Grand Mosque of Hagia Sophia will forever appeal to the hearts of believers as a symbol of the Turkish era.

Earlier, the Turkish President stated that the current events in Gaza are 'revenge for Muslims for the conquest of Constantinople in 1453’.

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