President of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdogan today visited the Hagia Sophia to check and see how the conversion of the Hagia Sofia into a mosque is proceeding, Interfax reports, citing Turkish mass media.

The Turkish leader’s administration released a photo of the President’s visit. Preparations are underway in the cathedral, and Turkish mass media report that it is planned to conceal the symbols of Christianity during prayers.

The first Muslim prayer is expected to take place on July 24 with the participation of nearly 500 Muslims, but it is still unclear whether the President will attend the prayer or not.

In early July, the Turkish court annulled the 1934 decision according to which the Hagia Sophia is granted the status of museum. Afterwards, Erdogan declared that the cathedral will turn into a mosque.

Изображение