Theater Actor Yaşam Kaya: 'What kind of ignorance is it to install a shutter on Hagia Sophia?'

Following the 2020 decision to convert it into a mosque, the Hagia Sophia, which has been the subject of ongoing controversy, has faced backlash on social media over a new door installed as part of efforts to separate worship and tourist visits.

An industrial shutter, typically used for garages and storefronts, was installed at the entrance of the Hagia Sophia.

'IT DOES NOT FIT THE TEXTURE OF HISTORY'

Renowned theater actor Yaşam Kaya criticized the installation of the shutter at the entrance of the Hagia Sophia with the following words:

"The mentality that puts a shutter on the beautiful Hagia Sophia needs to have that shutter put on its own brain. What kind of ignorance is this? While doing this, did not even one person say 'it does not fit the texture of history' and 'it is contrary to history'? I truly cannot comprehend it."

STATEMENT RELEASED

The Presidency's Directorate of Communications Center for Combating Disinformation issued a statement regarding claims that the Hagia Sophia Mosque was being converted back into a museum.

The statement included the following: "Within the scope of the arrangements, there is no question of converting the Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque into a museum. No fee is charged to those visiting the mosque for worship purposes. Fees will only be collected from foreign tourists who wish to visit for cultural purposes."

The statement also emphasized that with the headphone system implemented via a QR code application, visitors will be able to receive information in 23 languages in a quiet environment, either through their own mobile phones or with provided disposable headphones, without disturbing those who are worshipping.