RF Ambassador: Turkey to open frescoes of Hagia Sophia for tourists
Hagia Sophia in Istanbul. Photo: mediaalliance.info
Russian Ambassador to Ankara Aleksey Yerkhov said that the unique Byzantine frescoes of the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, turned into a mosque, will soon be opened for tourists.
“We are assured that scheduled renovation works are currently underway in the Hagia Sophia, after which tourists will again be able to visit the galleries and see the unique Byzantine mosaics located there,” reports RIA Novosti. "We sincerely hope that all these promises will be kept."
According to A. Yerkhov, the embassy is receiving many questions from Russians about whether the canvases covering the walls of the temple will be raised so that images of the apse and the narthex can be seen. Many people want to get access to the galleries on the second floor.
Therefore, the Russian Embassy bring these issues before the Turkish authorities, and those, according to A. Yerkhov, demonstrate their readiness to consider all the requirements of UNESCO regarding the access of tourists to the church.
As reported, Erdogan called the change in the status of Hagia Sophia a step towards great Turkey.
Read also
ROCOR Priest Reflects on Trip to Capitol Hill
Archpriest Victor Boldewskul participated in the Society of St. John of Shanghai and San Francisco's Day of Action to raise awareness about the persecution of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church.
Hundreds of Chinese Christians Arrested in Pre-Christmas Crackdown
Hundreds of Chinese Christians face spending Christmas in detention after authorities launched a sweeping pre-holiday crackdown on churches under Beijing’s campaign to control religious life.
Ukraine Adviser: UOC Not Banned, but Offered a 'Choice' of Jurisdictions
A Ukrainian presidential adviser said the UOC is not banned but pressured to choose between joining the OCU, submitting to Constantinople, or remaining unregistered, while dismissing international concerns as propaganda.
Indiana Reports 98% Drop in Abortions Under Stricter Law
Indiana’s latest health report shows a 98% drop in reported abortions under stricter laws, though dozens still occurred under legal exceptions and concerns persist about unreported pill abortions.
Armenian Apostolic Church Pushes Back on Political Encroachment
The Armenian Apostolic Church plans to appeal to international bodies to resist government interference and defend its clergy and sacred relics.
Attempted Takeover at Armenian Etchmiadzin Cathedral Thwarted by Faithful
Supporters of Armenian PM Pashinyan attempted to storm Etchmiadzin Cathedral amid calls for the Catholicos’s resignation but were blocked by parishioners and security.