Istanbuls

Huge crowds gather for the first Friday prayers at Istanbul’s Hagia Sophia

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Huge crowds gather for the first Friday prayers at Istanbul’s Hagia Sophia since Turkey’s President Erdogan sparked Christian anger by turning it back into a mosque The prayers, which are first in 86 years at the structure, saw thousands of worshippers travel across country Mr Erdogan is scheduled to attend alongside 500 dignitaries as he … Read more

Istanbul’s iconic Hagia Sophia former cathedral transformed into a mosque by President Erdogan

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Turkey’s President Erdogan has transformed the former cathedral Hagia Sophia into a mosque to drum up support for his Islamic-rooted party – sparking fury from Christian groups and the US.  On Friday Turkey’s highest administrative court issued a landmark ruling that will pave the way for the government to convert the sixth century building, which currently … Read more