The reopening of Hagia Sophia as a mosque generated two opposing reactions across the world. On one side, there was strong criticism of the decision, while on the other, Muslims widely welcomed its restoration as a place of worship.

Hagia Sophia is not merely a historic building. It holds immense historical, religious, cultural, social and political significance. Equally important is understanding the political context in which Recep Tayyip Erdoğan decided to restore its status as a mosque.

The Early Hagia Sophia History

Hagia Sophia first opened as a church in 360 AD. After being destroyed during riots, it was rebuilt between 405 and 415 AD, only to be burned again during another uprising.

Following the Nika Riots of 532 AD, the Byzantine Emperor Justinian I ordered the construction of a magnificent new church on the same site. The building that stands today, although altered over centuries, was inaugurated as a church in 537 AD.

A Witness to the Rise and Fall of Empires

Few buildings in world history have witnessed as many major historical events as Hagia Sophia.

It saw the glory and decline of the Byzantine (Eastern Roman) Empire, and eventually witnessed its fall. Later, it became part of the rise, expansion and eventual decline of the Ottoman Empire.

Originally built as a Christian place of worship, Hagia Sophia gradually became one of the world’s most symbolic monuments, representing shifting political and religious power over many centuries.

From Church to Mosque

For more than 900 years, Hagia Sophia remained one of Christianity’s most important churches.

A historic turning point came in 1453, when Sultan Mehmed II (Mehmed the Conqueror) captured Constantinople (modern-day Istanbul), bringing an end to the Byzantine Empire and establishing Ottoman rule.

Following the conquest, Sultan Mehmed ordered Hagia Sophia to be converted into a mosque. It became one of the most important mosques of the Ottoman Empire and a symbol of Ottoman victory.

The End of the Ottoman Empire

Like every empire, the Ottoman Empire eventually entered a period of decline.

Continuous wars, internal rebellions, territorial losses, defeat in the First World War, and Arab uprisings gradually weakened the empire.

In 1922, the Ottoman Sultanate officially came to an end, and in 1923, the Republic of Türkiye was established under the leadership of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, who became its first president.

Atatürk and the Creation of a Secular Türkiye

Mustafa Kemal Atatürk introduced sweeping reforms aimed at transforming Türkiye into a modern secular republic.

He separated religion from state administration and introduced numerous reforms designed to modernize the country. Many of these reforms were controversial because they challenged long-standing religious and cultural traditions.

In 1935, Hagia Sophia was converted from a mosque into a museum. Historians have discussed various motivations behind this decision, including Atatürk’s secular vision, international diplomacy, and preservation of the monument.

Whatever the reasons, Hagia Sophia’s conversion into a museum became one of the defining symbols of secular Türkiye and represented the country’s departure from the Ottoman era.

Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Turkish Politics

Under Türkiye’s constitution, the country remained officially secular, and for decades the military regarded itself as the guardian of that constitutional order.

Whenever political developments were perceived as threatening secularism, military intervention became a recurring feature of Turkish politics. However, this pattern changed during the political rise of Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.

Erdoğan began his political career through student politics and later became Mayor of Istanbul in 1994. During his political journey, he also served a prison sentence related to a public speech.

In 2001, he founded the Justice and Development Party (AK Party), marking the beginning of a new political era in Türkiye. After serving three terms as Prime Minister and later becoming President, Erdoğan oversaw constitutional reforms that introduced an executive presidential system.

The Long Campaign to Reopen Hagia Sophia

The demand to reopen Hagia Sophia as a mosque had existed among many Turkish Muslims for decades.

A prolonged legal campaign eventually resulted in a Turkish court annulling the museum status. Following that decision, President Erdoğan announced that Hagia Sophia would once again function as a mosque.

For many Turkish Muslims, Hagia Sophia represents not only a place of worship but also an important symbol of Ottoman history and identity.

International Reaction

The decision received widespread support among many Muslims both within Türkiye and internationally.

At the same time, it attracted criticism from various governments, Christian religious leaders, international organizations, and secular groups, who expressed concern over the change in Hagia Sophia’s status.

The Turkish government maintained that the issue was an internal matter and rejected external pressure.

During the public debate, claims also resurfaced that Sultan Mehmed II had personally purchased the building through a legal endowment before converting it into a mosque. Various historical documents relating to this claim have been discussed by scholars, though interpretations differ.

Religion, Politics and Public Sentiment

The restoration of Hagia Sophia as a mosque carries both religious and political significance.

After many years in power, President Erdoğan has faced growing domestic political challenges. Many observers viewed the decision as one that also appealed to religious and national sentiment among a significant section of Turkish society.

The restoration strengthened Erdoğan’s support among many conservative voters. However, whether such symbolic decisions can secure long-term political success remains a matter for history to judge.

Hagia Sophia Remains a Global Symbol

Today, Hagia Sophia remains one of the world’s most significant historical monuments.

Its journey—from church to mosque, from museum back to mosque—reflects centuries of religious transformation, imperial history, political change, and cultural identity.

Regardless of differing political opinions, Hagia Sophia continues to stand as one of humanity’s most remarkable architectural and historical landmarks, carrying the legacy of civilizations that shaped both Europe and Asia.