Biohacking is a lifestyle approach aimed at optimizing physical and mental health, enhancing longevity, and improving overall well-being through targeted interventions and practices.

Popular biohacking methods include intermittent fasting, which involves restricting food intake to specific time windows, and cold therapy, which is used to stimulate metabolism and reduce inflammation.

Other techniques emphasize improving sleep quality, managing stress, engaging in cognitive stimulation, and conducting diagnostic tests to tailor personalized health programs.

Supplement use is a common biohacking practice, but taking vitamins or medications without proper medical guidance can lead to unintended health risks, including organ damage and increased cancer risk.

For example, some individuals have experienced adverse effects such as headaches, anxiety, and drowsiness from using supplements like metformin or nicotinamide riboside without clear scientific backing.

Extreme exercise regimens, another biohacking method, can lead to overtraining, resulting in fatigue, hormonal imbalances, and increased injury risk, while also straining social relationships.

Ice baths, often used for recovery and inflammation reduction, offer benefits like improved circulation and mood enhancement but carry risks such as hypothermia and cardiovascular strain, especially for vulnerable individuals.

Experts recommend safer biohacking approaches, such as starting with a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins, and using blood tests to identify individual health needs before adopting supplements.

A well-rounded exercise routine with adequate rest and variety is also essential to avoid the negative effects of overtraining and maintain long-term fitness.

Ultimately, biohacking should prioritize preserving health over merely extending life, with personalized strategies based on scientific evidence and physiological understanding.

Biohacking is a lifestyle approach aimed at optimizing physical and mental health, enhancing longevity, and improving overall well-being through targeted interventions and practices.

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Content: Home » biohacking, reprogramming mind and body to live better

biohacking, reprogramming mind and body to live better

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It’s called “biohacking” and it comes from Silicon Valley. Listen: The long life diet: the longevity formula is calorie restriction …

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It’s called “biohacking” and comes from Silicon Valley.

A relatively new word that comes from the union of “biology” and “hacker” and indicates the attempt to positively influence the functioning of the organism, by hacking, ie trying to “force”, one’s genetic heritage. A strategy to live better and longer launched years ago by Californian top managers and which then spread throughout the world. How to upgrade the “operating system” of the human body? No manipulation, here we are talking about “reprogramming” and new lifestyles. “Our genetic heritage has enormous unexpressed potential that can be activated,” he explains Fabio Piccinidoctor and psychoanalyst, researcher of Food Sciences of theMarche Polytechnic University, author of the book “Biohacking Techniques: how to optimize metabolism to increase health and longevity”. “Biohacking aims to activate epigenetic modifications by awakening dormant genes to enhance the body’s resources.” While genetics studies the structure of DNA, epigenetics the way genes express themselves, i.e. how much they are turned on or off. “We’re talking about a set of strategies that aim to strengthen the body from a physical and mental point of view, first of all through nutrition, sleep quality, physical activity, cognitive stimulation”. One of the pillars of biohacking and the intermittent fasting, Piccini adds, which plans to concentrate the diet in a precise time span of the day (to be followed always under medical supervision). «But it is equally important to take care of sleep, we know very well that sleep debt accelerates aging and that 30-40 percent of people sleep too little. Just as it is essential to check thehydration. Physical training must also be intermittent, with recovery periods in place to allow the muscle layers to rebuild. And then, you have to keep learning something at any age, another pillar of biohacking: studying music or a new language, for example, to counteract cognitive degeneration”.

See also  The dashboard of Xbox Series X will have a higher resolution-

THE QUALITY OF LIFE

Sandra Milo is one of the supporters of this well-being and longevity strategy. «I’m lucky, at 90 I’m in full health and I still have a great desire to enjoy life. I don’t know if it’s a matter of genetics, nor do I think there is a “magic formula” of longevity, but I have certainly always been careful to lead a healthy life. There is nothing more beautiful than reaching old age with a smile and in full autonomy », says the actress who baptized the first Biohacking Suite in Rome. “Our mission is not so much to lengthen life but to improve its quality by lowering the rate of morbidity,” explains Dr. Claudio Urbani, specialist in regenerative medicine, neuroscience and stress therapy, head of the longevity center Umb. «Biohacking aims to modify dormant functional responses from non-use, from muscular or cardiovascular function to flexibility. It is about regaining possession of the body and the mind-body axis, starting with stress management». Diagnosing your own state of “aging” involves a series of tests. «The measurement of oxidative stress which measures the quantity of free radicals and indicates any inflammatory states, plethysmography to evaluate the functionality of the microcirculation of the legs, impedancemetry to study body composition, fat and lean mass, nutritional status and hydration level. And only after the check is a tailor-made program created for each person. Among the suggested therapies, there is also that of the cold which stimulates the metabolism and reduces inflammation ».

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Popular biohacking methods include intermittent fasting, which involves restricting food intake to specific time windows, and cold therapy, which is used to stimulate metabolism and reduce inflammation.

Other techniques emphasize improving sleep quality, managing stress, engaging in cognitive stimulation, and conducting diagnostic tests to tailor personalized health programs.

Supplement use is a common biohacking practice, but taking vitamins or medications without proper medical guidance can lead to unintended health risks, including organ damage and increased cancer risk.

Title:

Content: 18 +
• Health
• Health
Health care
Naive biohacking: why is it dangerous to take vitamins “just in case ” and is it true that hacking the body is the way to nowhere (and not to eternal life)
To live longer (for herself and her family), to avoid cancer and heart disease, biohacking enthusiast (now in the past!) and lifestyle podcaster Teresa Skrobanek conducted an experiment and plunged into the world of a thousand and one supplements for longevity.
Whose infectious example was she inspired by?
What was the danger of taking her medicine for diabetes and vitamin B capsules (it is recommended for everyone to calm down!)?
After what biohacking did Teresa really feel better?
Let ’ s share her story.
Master1305
Biohacking experiment
At the end of 2022, Teresa Skrobanek, a responsible mother and grandmother, decided to try to include “longevity ” supplements in her diet.
The general goal is to live as long as possible (for yourself and your family) and avoid breast cancer and heart disease, the risk of which is higher in women over fifty (and Teresa was 57 at the time).
Anti-age drugs were prescribed by a doctor, but, apparently, the specialist was free to relate to the ratio of anamnesis and goals of taking drugs.
In April 2023, Teresa discovered that the capsules in her medicine cabinet were metformin, which is usually prescribed to patients with type II diabetes.
Although the woman did not suffer from this disease, the doctor prescribed the drug due to the fact that the results of the studies were encouraging (but not guaranteed!) - it helps to fight aging
Teresa has also tried over-the-counter drugs, such as nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) supplements, which supposedly, but not proven, speed up metabolism and reduce signs of growing up.
According to the experimentalist, she followed the example of the brightest biohacker – IT billionaire Brian Johnson, who takes about two dozen supplements a day, uses at least 7 skin creams and annually spends $2 million on unusual procedures to restore youth (for example, bowel photos, blood transfusions, weekly acid peels and laser therapy).
20 supplements a day and no rejuvenation
The more and longer Teresa took the drugs, the more she doubted.
Feeling worse, and Skrobanek plunged headlong into the study of dietary supplements - the results were contradictory.
For example, studies have shown that the widely advertised low-age supplements of nicotinamide riboside (a form of vitamin B3) increase the risk of brain cancer.
And the unpleasant consequences of the use of metformin (remember, Teresa took the medicine for diabetes, not being a diabetic!) were headaches, drowsiness and anxiety.
“I started to have a headache.
I felt very tired, although the pills were supposed to give me strength, ” Skrobanek told The New York Post, with whom she shared her entire story.
How do I know that taking these substances will not harm my kidneys or liver and will not cause cancer in 5-10 years? ”
beast01
Errors made by Teresa, which can not be made by biohackers novice
At TikTok, where the hashtag # BioHacking has garnered more than half a billion views, proponents of the biohacking movement boast of swallowing 70 to 150 different rejuvenating dietary supplements every day.
For example, to slow down the aging process, businessman Joe Cohen takes rapamycin, an FDA-approved drug that a 2014 study found could help increase life expectancy.
However, Cohen told The Post that he does not recommend a strict regime to his followers: mindlessly copying from and to the anti-age program of trendsetters is dangerous!
Instead, an experienced biohacker (Joe says he ’ s been studying this phenomenon for 20 years!) encourages newcomers to take blood tests first to determine the body ’ s biological needs and deficiencies, carefully examine the benefits and side effects of any supplements, and take only what seems right.
Cohen clarifies: “By understanding your physiology, you can take certain medications that will boost your energy, mood, and chances of avoiding age-related illnesses.
Preserving health is much more important than simply prolonging existence. ”
According to the businessman, his goal is to live as long and healthy a life as possible (and not necessarily up to 150 years)!
Roman Samborskyi
If not biohacking, then what (spoiler: food)
New York City Nutrition nutritionist Diana Rodriguez agrees with Cohen.
But to start your way to longevity offers still not with tablets, but with a healthy diet: “It is recommended to use food as the first method of preventing dangerous diseases.
Fruits, vegetables, low-fat proteins, nuts and legumes, in which "tons" of vitamins and minerals, can be very useful. "
Increasing nutrient intake through organic whole foods is something Teresa Scrobanek started doing in June 2023, when she gave up the supplement diet once and for all.
And she never felt better:
“If a long life meant that I got it with terrible side effects due to taking supplements, then I would prefer a shorter, but better life, which is based on proper nutrition and training, ” concluded Teresa.
The editors remind that drugs, vitamins, dietary supplements and food products have contraindications.
A specialist consultation is required.
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What are the risks and dangers of taking frequent nutritional supplements without a doctor's supervision?

For example, some individuals have experienced adverse effects such as headaches, anxiety, and drowsiness from using supplements like metformin or nicotinamide riboside without clear scientific backing.

Extreme exercise regimens, another biohacking method, can lead to overtraining, resulting in fatigue, hormonal imbalances, and increased injury risk, while also straining social relationships.

Title:

Content: Create

Striking a Balance: Exploring the Potential Pitfalls of Excessive Exercise

Do you know the cons of excessive exercise? Exercise is often hailed as the cornerstone of a healthy lifestyle, offering numerous physical and mental benefits. However, as with any good thing, there can be too much of it.

While regular physical activity is vital for overall well-being, pushing the limits and engaging in excessive exercise can have negative effects on the body and mind. This article delves into the potential pitfalls of working out excessively, shedding light on the importance of balance and moderation in our fitness routines.

6 Pitfalls of Excessive Exercise

1. The Allure of Extreme Fitness

In today's fitness culture, there is a growing fascination with extreme workouts and pushing one's limits to the edge. The allure of intense physical challenges and the desire to achieve remarkable results can tempt individuals into a mindset that more is always better. However, it is essential to recognize that excessive exercise can lead to adverse consequences that outweigh the potential benefits.

2. The Physical Toll of Overtraining

Excessive exercise can take a toll on the body, leading to a phenomenon known as overtraining. Overtraining occurs when the intensity, duration, or frequency of workouts exceeds the body's capacity for recovery. This can result in a range of physical symptoms, including persistent fatigue, a weakened immune system, an increased risk of injuries, hormonal imbalances, and disrupted sleep patterns.

3. The Mental and Emotional Impact

While exercise is renowned for its positive impact on mental health, excessive workouts can have the opposite effect. Intense exercise regimens can contribute to elevated stress levels, anxiety, and mood disturbances. The constant pressure to achieve unrealistic goals and the fear of losing progress can create a cycle of mental strain and negative self-perception.

4. Strained Relationships and Social Isolation

Engaging in excessive exercise can strain relationships and lead to social isolation. The excessive time and energy devoted to workouts may result in neglecting personal connections, leaving individuals feeling isolated and disconnected from loved ones. The relentless pursuit of extreme fitness goals can also impact one's ability to participate in social activities, further exacerbating feelings of isolation.

5. Adherence Challenges and Burnout

Maintaining a consistent workout routine is crucial for long-term fitness and well-being. However, excessive exercise can lead to burnout and decreased adherence. Pushing the body to its limits without proper rest and recovery can drain motivation, making it increasingly difficult to sustain a healthy exercise routine over time.

6. Imbalanced Priorities and Obsession

Excessive exercise can lead to an imbalance in priorities, with fitness consuming an excessive amount of time, energy, and mental focus. When exercise takes precedence over other important aspects of life, such as career, relationships, and self-care, it can result in an unhealthy obsession that hinders overall well-being and fulfillment.

The Importance of Listening to the Body and Striking a Balance for Optimal Health

Maintaining a balanced approach to exercise requires attentiveness to the body's signals and limitations. It is crucial to recognize the signs of overtraining, such as persistent fatigue, decreased performance, and frequent injuries. Listening to the body's need for rest and recovery is key to avoiding the negative effects of excessive exercise.

Achieving optimal health and fitness requires striking a balance between challenging workouts and adequate rest and recovery. Building a well-rounded exercise routine that includes a variety of activities, proper rest days, and attentive self-care is essential. By embracing moderation and listening to the body's needs, individuals can reap the long-term benefits of exercise without falling into the pitfalls of excessive training.

While exercise is undoubtedly beneficial for physical and mental health, it is crucial to approach it with balance and moderation. Excessive exercise can lead to a range of negative effects, including physical strain, mental exhaustion, strained relationships, and decreased adherence.

By recognizing the potential pitfalls of overtraining and embracing a balanced approach to fitness, individuals can safeguard their well-being, maximize their long-term progress, and cultivate a sustainable and fulfilling exercise routine.

Edited by Babylona Bora

Ice baths, often used for recovery and inflammation reduction, offer benefits like improved circulation and mood enhancement but carry risks such as hypothermia and cardiovascular strain, especially for vulnerable individuals.

Title:

Content: Do Ice Baths Work for Recovery?

You’ve probably seen athletes or other fitness trendsetters on social media taking an ice bath or tried one yourself to reap the benefits of the potential health benefits, including faster recovery, increased metabolism and reduced stress.

“People want to try (an ice bath) usually for three reasons: the physical benefits, the mental benefits or because it’s trendy and they want to know what the hype is about,” says Alex Corbett, a physical therapist with BreakThrough Physical Therapy, with locations throughout North Carolina.

But is that bone-chilling dip worth the purported benefits?

What Is an Ice Bath?

An ice bath is a planned exposure to cold water. It can be water made cold by ice, or it can be water in lakes or oceans that’s seasonally cold. In the latter example, it may be called a cold plunge. Some people even partake in charity cold plunges or ring in the new year with an icy cold shock.

An ice bath temperature is typically below 60 degrees Fahrenheit and often ranges from 50 to 59 degrees. Sometimes, people may want their ice bath temperature to be even lower.

Ice baths are different from cryotherapy, which involve exposure to very cold air (typically -220 to -240 degrees). However, cryotherapy doesn’t involve any submersion in water.

[READ: Tips to Spice Up Your Fitness Routine.]

Ice Bath Benefits

Fans of ice baths claim that they have several potential benefits, including:

— Quicker recovery after intense exercise and reduced muscle soreness.

Fat burning by stimulating the body’s production of brown fat

— Improved circulation

— Improved mood, focus, and stress relief

— Reduced inflammation and pain

A 2023 analysis of 20 studies published in Frontiers of Physiology concluded that cold water immersion performed immediately after exercise could help lower muscle soreness and speed up fatigue recovery. However, despite their initial benefits for muscle recovery, some research has found that ice baths can actually reduce muscle strength and growth over time, Corbett says.

While an ice bath can increase your metabolism and help with fat burning, you’re not likely to see overnight benefits with just one ice bath session. Studies have noted that while researchers have seen decreases in body fat in people who take cold plunges, much more research is needed to recommend ice baths for weight loss.

Beyond physical health benefits, ice baths can also give your mental wellness a boost.

“Ice baths make people feel refreshed and invigorated, leading to a sense of overall well-being,” says Dr. Yoshua Quinones, a board-certified internist with the Medical Offices of Manhattan in New York and a contributor to the website Lab Finder.

[The Afterburn Effect: Tips, Workouts and Recovery]

Dangers of Ice Baths

Before you take the plunge, it’s important to first consider some of the potential dangers of ice baths.

These include:

Frostbite. This is more of a risk if you stay in an ice bath for too long.

Hypothermia. This occurs when the body loses heat faster than it can create heat and can cause confusion, shivering and — in severe cases — organ failure.

Cold shock. Sudden immersion in cold water can cause increased blood pressure, heart rate and breathing, which increases the risk of drowning. This is due to blood vessels contracting when your body is exposed to cold. People who have cardiovascular issues are at higher risk for experiencing this type of response to cold.

Because of the potential dangers of hypothermia or cold shock, make sure there’s someone else keeping an eye on you while you plunge into the cold, no matter how experienced you are with cold temperatures.

[Read: Best Full-Body Workout.]

Who Shouldn’t Take an Ice Bath

For most healthy people, it’s OK to try an ice bath. However, you’ll want to avoid an ice bath or check first with a health care provider if you have:

An open wound or infection. An ice bath could slow healing.

Cardiovascular disease. Immersing yourself in cold water will likely raise your blood pressure and heart rate.

Peripheral neuropathy. A type of nerve damage that may cause tingling and numbness, this condition is often associated with diabetes.

Raynaud’s disease. An ice bath could make your condition worse.

Respiratory issues. Cold water immersion may cause breathing problems.

Uncontrolled high blood pressure. Increased blood pressure can occur during an ice bath.

You should also check with a healthcare provider or avoid ice baths if you are pregnant or hypersensitive to cold.

Ice Bath Tips

If you’re ready to take the plunge with an ice bath, keep these tips in mind:

— Plan to have someone with you or someone nearby who can help in case you need help during the ice bath.

— Start gradually, as you would with an exercise routine. Don’t go too cold or for too long during your first time.

— Aim for water that’s uncomfortably cold but still feels safe.

— Less is more. A few minutes is good, but more than 30 minutes is too long.

— Listen to your body. Exit if you feel dizzy or uncomfortable.

— Plan to warm yourself up gradually after exiting an ice bath.

— Don’t take any medication that might impair you before an ice bath.

— Stay hydrated after an ice bath.

Additionally, consider when is the best time to do an ice bath and how often you’ll incorporate it into your routine.

“If you’re using it for muscle soreness, then doing an ice bath after exercise is the optimal timing. Ten minutes post-exercise may help with delayed onset muscle soreness,” says Dr. Justin Mullner, a primary care sports medicine physician for adults and children with Orlando Health Jewett Orthopedic Institute in Orlando, Florida.

For general mental health benefits, like mood and focus, you can do an ice bath three to four minutes at a time, a couple of times a week for its benefits, he adds.

Ice Bath Alternatives

If you want the benefits of an ice bath but can’t fathom immersing yourself in that frigid water, you still may be able to obtain some of the same benefits in other ways:

— For overall well-being, try activities like listening to music, spending time with a pet or meditating.

— For active recovery after intense exercise, try low-key, easy activities — like slow pedaling on a bike — and making sure to cool down after every workout.

— Consider using a foam roller to help with muscle soreness.

— Use ice packs when needed to target specific areas of the body that need recovery after exercise.

More from U.S. News

Ways to Reduce Inflammation

How to Lose Weight: the Best Foods for Weight Loss

Mind-Blowing Benefits of Exercise: Why Exercise Is Important

Do Ice Baths Work for Recovery? originally appeared on usnews.com

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Experts recommend safer biohacking approaches, such as starting with a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins, and using blood tests to identify individual health needs before adopting supplements.

A well-rounded exercise routine with adequate rest and variety is also essential to avoid the negative effects of overtraining and maintain long-term fitness.

Ultimately, biohacking should prioritize preserving health over merely extending life, with personalized strategies based on scientific evidence and physiological understanding.


Biohacking is a strategy aimed at positively influencing the functioning of the body to live better and longer, often by adopting new lifestyles.

It involves activating epigenetic modifications to awaken dormant genes and enhance the body's resources.

Key biohacking strategies include optimizing nutrition, improving sleep quality, engaging in physical activity, and cognitive stimulation.

Intermittent fasting is one of the most popular biohacking methods, which involves concentrating food intake within a specific time frame and is ideally practiced under medical supervision.

Sleep quality is another critical focus in biohacking, as sleep debt is known to accelerate aging, and many individuals fail to get adequate rest.

Hydration and intermittent physical training with recovery periods are emphasized to support muscle rebuilding and overall health.

Cognitive stimulation, such as learning music or a new language, is employed as a technique to counteract cognitive degeneration.

Stress management is another integral aspect of biohacking, aiming to improve the mind-body connection and enhance overall well-being.

Diagnostic tests, including measurements of oxidative stress, evaluations of microcirculation, and body composition analyses, are often used to tailor personalized health programs in biohacking.

Cold therapy, such as ice baths, is a biohacking method used to stimulate metabolism and reduce inflammation.

Ice baths involve planned exposure to cold water, typically below 60 degrees Fahrenheit, and are distinct from cryotherapy, which uses very cold air without water immersion.

They are claimed to offer benefits such as quicker recovery after intense exercise, reduced muscle soreness, fat burning, improved circulation, mood enhancement, focus, stress relief, and reduced inflammation.

A 2023 analysis of 20 studies found that cold water immersion immediately after exercise could lower muscle soreness and speed up fatigue recovery, but it may reduce muscle strength and growth over time.

While some studies suggest ice baths may help with fat burning and metabolism, more research is needed to confirm their effectiveness for weight loss.

Ice baths can also provide mental wellness benefits, such as feeling refreshed and invigorated, which can lead to a sense of overall well-being.

However, potential dangers of ice baths include frostbite, hypothermia, and cold shock, which can increase blood pressure, heart rate, and breathing, posing risks for individuals with cardiovascular issues.

People with conditions such as open wounds, infections, cardiovascular disease, peripheral neuropathy, Raynaud’s disease, respiratory issues, or uncontrolled high blood pressure should avoid ice baths or consult a healthcare provider first.

Pregnant individuals or those hypersensitive to cold are also advised to check with a healthcare provider before attempting ice baths.

To use ice baths safely, it is recommended to start gradually, limit time to a few minutes, have someone nearby, and warm up gradually afterward.

Alternatives to ice baths for recovery include using ice packs, foam rollers, or engaging in low-intensity activities like slow pedaling on a bike.

Excessive exercise, another common biohacking practice, can lead to overtraining, resulting in persistent fatigue, a weakened immune system, increased risk of injuries, hormonal imbalances, and disrupted sleep patterns.

Intense exercise regimens can also elevate stress levels, contribute to anxiety, and cause mood disturbances.

Moreover, excessive exercise may strain relationships and lead to social isolation by consuming excessive time and energy, neglecting personal connections, and limiting participation in social activities.

Overtraining can result in burnout and decreased adherence to workout routines, making it difficult to sustain long-term fitness and well-being.

An excessive focus on fitness can lead to imbalanced priorities, where exercise takes precedence over career, relationships, and self-care, potentially resulting in unhealthy obsession.

Recognizing signs of overtraining, such as persistent fatigue, decreased performance, and frequent injuries, is crucial for maintaining a balanced approach to exercise.

A well-rounded exercise routine that includes variety, proper rest days, and attentive self-care is essential for avoiding the negative effects of excessive training.

Naive biohacking practices, such as indiscriminate supplement use, can pose significant health risks.

For instance, Teresa Skrobanek, a former biohacking enthusiast, experimented with longevity supplements to avoid cancer and heart disease but experienced negative side effects.

She took metformin, a diabetes medication, despite not having diabetes, based on studies suggesting it might fight aging, though the results were not guaranteed.

Additionally, she used over-the-counter supplements like nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN), whose benefits in speeding up metabolism and reducing aging signs are not scientifically proven.

Teresa experienced headaches, drowsiness, and anxiety as side effects of metformin, raising concerns about long-term risks to organs like the kidneys and liver.

Studies have also shown that nicotinamide riboside, a form of vitamin B3, may increase the risk of brain cancer despite being marketed as an anti-aging supplement.

Joe Cohen, a biohacking proponent, advises newcomers to take blood tests to identify their body's needs before using supplements and to carefully evaluate their benefits and risks.

He emphasizes that preserving health is more important than simply prolonging life and recommends a personalized approach to biohacking based on physiological understanding.

Nutritionist Diana Rodriguez suggests starting with a healthy diet, including fruits, vegetables, low-fat proteins, nuts, and legumes, as a safer method for disease prevention and longevity.

Teresa eventually abandoned her supplement-heavy biohacking regimen in favor of proper nutrition and exercise, reporting significant improvements in her well-being.

Biohacking is a strategy aimed at positively influencing the functioning of the body to live better and longer, often by adopting new lifestyles.

Title:

Content: Home » biohacking, reprogramming mind and body to live better

biohacking, reprogramming mind and body to live better

by admin

It’s called “biohacking” and it comes from Silicon Valley. Listen: The long life diet: the longevity formula is calorie restriction …

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It’s called “biohacking” and comes from Silicon Valley.

A relatively new word that comes from the union of “biology” and “hacker” and indicates the attempt to positively influence the functioning of the organism, by hacking, ie trying to “force”, one’s genetic heritage. A strategy to live better and longer launched years ago by Californian top managers and which then spread throughout the world. How to upgrade the “operating system” of the human body? No manipulation, here we are talking about “reprogramming” and new lifestyles. “Our genetic heritage has enormous unexpressed potential that can be activated,” he explains Fabio Piccinidoctor and psychoanalyst, researcher of Food Sciences of theMarche Polytechnic University, author of the book “Biohacking Techniques: how to optimize metabolism to increase health and longevity”. “Biohacking aims to activate epigenetic modifications by awakening dormant genes to enhance the body’s resources.” While genetics studies the structure of DNA, epigenetics the way genes express themselves, i.e. how much they are turned on or off. “We’re talking about a set of strategies that aim to strengthen the body from a physical and mental point of view, first of all through nutrition, sleep quality, physical activity, cognitive stimulation”. One of the pillars of biohacking and the intermittent fasting, Piccini adds, which plans to concentrate the diet in a precise time span of the day (to be followed always under medical supervision). «But it is equally important to take care of sleep, we know very well that sleep debt accelerates aging and that 30-40 percent of people sleep too little. Just as it is essential to check thehydration. Physical training must also be intermittent, with recovery periods in place to allow the muscle layers to rebuild. And then, you have to keep learning something at any age, another pillar of biohacking: studying music or a new language, for example, to counteract cognitive degeneration”.

See also  The dashboard of Xbox Series X will have a higher resolution-

THE QUALITY OF LIFE

Sandra Milo is one of the supporters of this well-being and longevity strategy. «I’m lucky, at 90 I’m in full health and I still have a great desire to enjoy life. I don’t know if it’s a matter of genetics, nor do I think there is a “magic formula” of longevity, but I have certainly always been careful to lead a healthy life. There is nothing more beautiful than reaching old age with a smile and in full autonomy », says the actress who baptized the first Biohacking Suite in Rome. “Our mission is not so much to lengthen life but to improve its quality by lowering the rate of morbidity,” explains Dr. Claudio Urbani, specialist in regenerative medicine, neuroscience and stress therapy, head of the longevity center Umb. «Biohacking aims to modify dormant functional responses from non-use, from muscular or cardiovascular function to flexibility. It is about regaining possession of the body and the mind-body axis, starting with stress management». Diagnosing your own state of “aging” involves a series of tests. «The measurement of oxidative stress which measures the quantity of free radicals and indicates any inflammatory states, plethysmography to evaluate the functionality of the microcirculation of the legs, impedancemetry to study body composition, fat and lean mass, nutritional status and hydration level. And only after the check is a tailor-made program created for each person. Among the suggested therapies, there is also that of the cold which stimulates the metabolism and reduces inflammation ».

© breaking latest news

Read the full article
on The Messenger

See also  first portrait of genetic diversity, more effective treatments from cancer to infertility

You may also like

This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Accept Read More

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It involves activating epigenetic modifications to awaken dormant genes and enhance the body's resources.

Key biohacking strategies include optimizing nutrition, improving sleep quality, engaging in physical activity, and cognitive stimulation.

Intermittent fasting is one of the most popular biohacking methods, which involves concentrating food intake within a specific time frame and is ideally practiced under medical supervision.

Sleep quality is another critical focus in biohacking, as sleep debt is known to accelerate aging, and many individuals fail to get adequate rest.

Hydration and intermittent physical training with recovery periods are emphasized to support muscle rebuilding and overall health.

Cognitive stimulation, such as learning music or a new language, is employed as a technique to counteract cognitive degeneration.

Stress management is another integral aspect of biohacking, aiming to improve the mind-body connection and enhance overall well-being.

Diagnostic tests, including measurements of oxidative stress, evaluations of microcirculation, and body composition analyses, are often used to tailor personalized health programs in biohacking.

Cold therapy, such as ice baths, is a biohacking method used to stimulate metabolism and reduce inflammation.

Ice baths involve planned exposure to cold water, typically below 60 degrees Fahrenheit, and are distinct from cryotherapy, which uses very cold air without water immersion.

Title:

Content: Do Ice Baths Work for Recovery?

You’ve probably seen athletes or other fitness trendsetters on social media taking an ice bath or tried one yourself to reap the benefits of the potential health benefits, including faster recovery, increased metabolism and reduced stress.

“People want to try (an ice bath) usually for three reasons: the physical benefits, the mental benefits or because it’s trendy and they want to know what the hype is about,” says Alex Corbett, a physical therapist with BreakThrough Physical Therapy, with locations throughout North Carolina.

But is that bone-chilling dip worth the purported benefits?

What Is an Ice Bath?

An ice bath is a planned exposure to cold water. It can be water made cold by ice, or it can be water in lakes or oceans that’s seasonally cold. In the latter example, it may be called a cold plunge. Some people even partake in charity cold plunges or ring in the new year with an icy cold shock.

An ice bath temperature is typically below 60 degrees Fahrenheit and often ranges from 50 to 59 degrees. Sometimes, people may want their ice bath temperature to be even lower.

Ice baths are different from cryotherapy, which involve exposure to very cold air (typically -220 to -240 degrees). However, cryotherapy doesn’t involve any submersion in water.

[READ: Tips to Spice Up Your Fitness Routine.]

Ice Bath Benefits

Fans of ice baths claim that they have several potential benefits, including:

— Quicker recovery after intense exercise and reduced muscle soreness.

Fat burning by stimulating the body’s production of brown fat

— Improved circulation

— Improved mood, focus, and stress relief

— Reduced inflammation and pain

A 2023 analysis of 20 studies published in Frontiers of Physiology concluded that cold water immersion performed immediately after exercise could help lower muscle soreness and speed up fatigue recovery. However, despite their initial benefits for muscle recovery, some research has found that ice baths can actually reduce muscle strength and growth over time, Corbett says.

While an ice bath can increase your metabolism and help with fat burning, you’re not likely to see overnight benefits with just one ice bath session. Studies have noted that while researchers have seen decreases in body fat in people who take cold plunges, much more research is needed to recommend ice baths for weight loss.

Beyond physical health benefits, ice baths can also give your mental wellness a boost.

“Ice baths make people feel refreshed and invigorated, leading to a sense of overall well-being,” says Dr. Yoshua Quinones, a board-certified internist with the Medical Offices of Manhattan in New York and a contributor to the website Lab Finder.

[The Afterburn Effect: Tips, Workouts and Recovery]

Dangers of Ice Baths

Before you take the plunge, it’s important to first consider some of the potential dangers of ice baths.

These include:

Frostbite. This is more of a risk if you stay in an ice bath for too long.

Hypothermia. This occurs when the body loses heat faster than it can create heat and can cause confusion, shivering and — in severe cases — organ failure.

Cold shock. Sudden immersion in cold water can cause increased blood pressure, heart rate and breathing, which increases the risk of drowning. This is due to blood vessels contracting when your body is exposed to cold. People who have cardiovascular issues are at higher risk for experiencing this type of response to cold.

Because of the potential dangers of hypothermia or cold shock, make sure there’s someone else keeping an eye on you while you plunge into the cold, no matter how experienced you are with cold temperatures.

[Read: Best Full-Body Workout.]

Who Shouldn’t Take an Ice Bath

For most healthy people, it’s OK to try an ice bath. However, you’ll want to avoid an ice bath or check first with a health care provider if you have:

An open wound or infection. An ice bath could slow healing.

Cardiovascular disease. Immersing yourself in cold water will likely raise your blood pressure and heart rate.

Peripheral neuropathy. A type of nerve damage that may cause tingling and numbness, this condition is often associated with diabetes.

Raynaud’s disease. An ice bath could make your condition worse.

Respiratory issues. Cold water immersion may cause breathing problems.

Uncontrolled high blood pressure. Increased blood pressure can occur during an ice bath.

You should also check with a healthcare provider or avoid ice baths if you are pregnant or hypersensitive to cold.

Ice Bath Tips

If you’re ready to take the plunge with an ice bath, keep these tips in mind:

— Plan to have someone with you or someone nearby who can help in case you need help during the ice bath.

— Start gradually, as you would with an exercise routine. Don’t go too cold or for too long during your first time.

— Aim for water that’s uncomfortably cold but still feels safe.

— Less is more. A few minutes is good, but more than 30 minutes is too long.

— Listen to your body. Exit if you feel dizzy or uncomfortable.

— Plan to warm yourself up gradually after exiting an ice bath.

— Don’t take any medication that might impair you before an ice bath.

— Stay hydrated after an ice bath.

Additionally, consider when is the best time to do an ice bath and how often you’ll incorporate it into your routine.

“If you’re using it for muscle soreness, then doing an ice bath after exercise is the optimal timing. Ten minutes post-exercise may help with delayed onset muscle soreness,” says Dr. Justin Mullner, a primary care sports medicine physician for adults and children with Orlando Health Jewett Orthopedic Institute in Orlando, Florida.

For general mental health benefits, like mood and focus, you can do an ice bath three to four minutes at a time, a couple of times a week for its benefits, he adds.

Ice Bath Alternatives

If you want the benefits of an ice bath but can’t fathom immersing yourself in that frigid water, you still may be able to obtain some of the same benefits in other ways:

— For overall well-being, try activities like listening to music, spending time with a pet or meditating.

— For active recovery after intense exercise, try low-key, easy activities — like slow pedaling on a bike — and making sure to cool down after every workout.

— Consider using a foam roller to help with muscle soreness.

— Use ice packs when needed to target specific areas of the body that need recovery after exercise.

More from U.S. News

Ways to Reduce Inflammation

How to Lose Weight: the Best Foods for Weight Loss

Mind-Blowing Benefits of Exercise: Why Exercise Is Important

Do Ice Baths Work for Recovery? originally appeared on usnews.com

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They are claimed to offer benefits such as quicker recovery after intense exercise, reduced muscle soreness, fat burning, improved circulation, mood enhancement, focus, stress relief, and reduced inflammation.

According to the studies, how does intermittent fasting help?

A 2023 analysis of 20 studies found that cold water immersion immediately after exercise could lower muscle soreness and speed up fatigue recovery, but it may reduce muscle strength and growth over time.

While some studies suggest ice baths may help with fat burning and metabolism, more research is needed to confirm their effectiveness for weight loss.

Ice baths can also provide mental wellness benefits, such as feeling refreshed and invigorated, which can lead to a sense of overall well-being.

However, potential dangers of ice baths include frostbite, hypothermia, and cold shock, which can increase blood pressure, heart rate, and breathing, posing risks for individuals with cardiovascular issues.

People with conditions such as open wounds, infections, cardiovascular disease, peripheral neuropathy, Raynaud’s disease, respiratory issues, or uncontrolled high blood pressure should avoid ice baths or consult a healthcare provider first.

Pregnant individuals or those hypersensitive to cold are also advised to check with a healthcare provider before attempting ice baths.

To use ice baths safely, it is recommended to start gradually, limit time to a few minutes, have someone nearby, and warm up gradually afterward.

Alternatives to ice baths for recovery include using ice packs, foam rollers, or engaging in low-intensity activities like slow pedaling on a bike.

Excessive exercise, another common biohacking practice, can lead to overtraining, resulting in persistent fatigue, a weakened immune system, increased risk of injuries, hormonal imbalances, and disrupted sleep patterns.

Title:

Content: Create

Striking a Balance: Exploring the Potential Pitfalls of Excessive Exercise

Do you know the cons of excessive exercise? Exercise is often hailed as the cornerstone of a healthy lifestyle, offering numerous physical and mental benefits. However, as with any good thing, there can be too much of it.

While regular physical activity is vital for overall well-being, pushing the limits and engaging in excessive exercise can have negative effects on the body and mind. This article delves into the potential pitfalls of working out excessively, shedding light on the importance of balance and moderation in our fitness routines.

6 Pitfalls of Excessive Exercise

1. The Allure of Extreme Fitness

In today's fitness culture, there is a growing fascination with extreme workouts and pushing one's limits to the edge. The allure of intense physical challenges and the desire to achieve remarkable results can tempt individuals into a mindset that more is always better. However, it is essential to recognize that excessive exercise can lead to adverse consequences that outweigh the potential benefits.

2. The Physical Toll of Overtraining

Excessive exercise can take a toll on the body, leading to a phenomenon known as overtraining. Overtraining occurs when the intensity, duration, or frequency of workouts exceeds the body's capacity for recovery. This can result in a range of physical symptoms, including persistent fatigue, a weakened immune system, an increased risk of injuries, hormonal imbalances, and disrupted sleep patterns.

3. The Mental and Emotional Impact

While exercise is renowned for its positive impact on mental health, excessive workouts can have the opposite effect. Intense exercise regimens can contribute to elevated stress levels, anxiety, and mood disturbances. The constant pressure to achieve unrealistic goals and the fear of losing progress can create a cycle of mental strain and negative self-perception.

4. Strained Relationships and Social Isolation

Engaging in excessive exercise can strain relationships and lead to social isolation. The excessive time and energy devoted to workouts may result in neglecting personal connections, leaving individuals feeling isolated and disconnected from loved ones. The relentless pursuit of extreme fitness goals can also impact one's ability to participate in social activities, further exacerbating feelings of isolation.

5. Adherence Challenges and Burnout

Maintaining a consistent workout routine is crucial for long-term fitness and well-being. However, excessive exercise can lead to burnout and decreased adherence. Pushing the body to its limits without proper rest and recovery can drain motivation, making it increasingly difficult to sustain a healthy exercise routine over time.

6. Imbalanced Priorities and Obsession

Excessive exercise can lead to an imbalance in priorities, with fitness consuming an excessive amount of time, energy, and mental focus. When exercise takes precedence over other important aspects of life, such as career, relationships, and self-care, it can result in an unhealthy obsession that hinders overall well-being and fulfillment.

The Importance of Listening to the Body and Striking a Balance for Optimal Health

Maintaining a balanced approach to exercise requires attentiveness to the body's signals and limitations. It is crucial to recognize the signs of overtraining, such as persistent fatigue, decreased performance, and frequent injuries. Listening to the body's need for rest and recovery is key to avoiding the negative effects of excessive exercise.

Achieving optimal health and fitness requires striking a balance between challenging workouts and adequate rest and recovery. Building a well-rounded exercise routine that includes a variety of activities, proper rest days, and attentive self-care is essential. By embracing moderation and listening to the body's needs, individuals can reap the long-term benefits of exercise without falling into the pitfalls of excessive training.

While exercise is undoubtedly beneficial for physical and mental health, it is crucial to approach it with balance and moderation. Excessive exercise can lead to a range of negative effects, including physical strain, mental exhaustion, strained relationships, and decreased adherence.

By recognizing the potential pitfalls of overtraining and embracing a balanced approach to fitness, individuals can safeguard their well-being, maximize their long-term progress, and cultivate a sustainable and fulfilling exercise routine.

Edited by Babylona Bora

Intense exercise regimens can also elevate stress levels, contribute to anxiety, and cause mood disturbances.

Moreover, excessive exercise may strain relationships and lead to social isolation by consuming excessive time and energy, neglecting personal connections, and limiting participation in social activities.

Overtraining can result in burnout and decreased adherence to workout routines, making it difficult to sustain long-term fitness and well-being.

An excessive focus on fitness can lead to imbalanced priorities, where exercise takes precedence over career, relationships, and self-care, potentially resulting in unhealthy obsession.

Recognizing signs of overtraining, such as persistent fatigue, decreased performance, and frequent injuries, is crucial for maintaining a balanced approach to exercise.

A well-rounded exercise routine that includes variety, proper rest days, and attentive self-care is essential for avoiding the negative effects of excessive training.

Naive biohacking practices, such as indiscriminate supplement use, can pose significant health risks.

Title:

Content: 18 +
• Health
• Health
Health care
Naive biohacking: why is it dangerous to take vitamins “just in case ” and is it true that hacking the body is the way to nowhere (and not to eternal life)
To live longer (for herself and her family), to avoid cancer and heart disease, biohacking enthusiast (now in the past!) and lifestyle podcaster Teresa Skrobanek conducted an experiment and plunged into the world of a thousand and one supplements for longevity.
Whose infectious example was she inspired by?
What was the danger of taking her medicine for diabetes and vitamin B capsules (it is recommended for everyone to calm down!)?
After what biohacking did Teresa really feel better?
Let ’ s share her story.
Master1305
Biohacking experiment
At the end of 2022, Teresa Skrobanek, a responsible mother and grandmother, decided to try to include “longevity ” supplements in her diet.
The general goal is to live as long as possible (for yourself and your family) and avoid breast cancer and heart disease, the risk of which is higher in women over fifty (and Teresa was 57 at the time).
Anti-age drugs were prescribed by a doctor, but, apparently, the specialist was free to relate to the ratio of anamnesis and goals of taking drugs.
In April 2023, Teresa discovered that the capsules in her medicine cabinet were metformin, which is usually prescribed to patients with type II diabetes.
Although the woman did not suffer from this disease, the doctor prescribed the drug due to the fact that the results of the studies were encouraging (but not guaranteed!) - it helps to fight aging
Teresa has also tried over-the-counter drugs, such as nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) supplements, which supposedly, but not proven, speed up metabolism and reduce signs of growing up.
According to the experimentalist, she followed the example of the brightest biohacker – IT billionaire Brian Johnson, who takes about two dozen supplements a day, uses at least 7 skin creams and annually spends $2 million on unusual procedures to restore youth (for example, bowel photos, blood transfusions, weekly acid peels and laser therapy).
20 supplements a day and no rejuvenation
The more and longer Teresa took the drugs, the more she doubted.
Feeling worse, and Skrobanek plunged headlong into the study of dietary supplements - the results were contradictory.
For example, studies have shown that the widely advertised low-age supplements of nicotinamide riboside (a form of vitamin B3) increase the risk of brain cancer.
And the unpleasant consequences of the use of metformin (remember, Teresa took the medicine for diabetes, not being a diabetic!) were headaches, drowsiness and anxiety.
“I started to have a headache.
I felt very tired, although the pills were supposed to give me strength, ” Skrobanek told The New York Post, with whom she shared her entire story.
How do I know that taking these substances will not harm my kidneys or liver and will not cause cancer in 5-10 years? ”
beast01
Errors made by Teresa, which can not be made by biohackers novice
At TikTok, where the hashtag # BioHacking has garnered more than half a billion views, proponents of the biohacking movement boast of swallowing 70 to 150 different rejuvenating dietary supplements every day.
For example, to slow down the aging process, businessman Joe Cohen takes rapamycin, an FDA-approved drug that a 2014 study found could help increase life expectancy.
However, Cohen told The Post that he does not recommend a strict regime to his followers: mindlessly copying from and to the anti-age program of trendsetters is dangerous!
Instead, an experienced biohacker (Joe says he ’ s been studying this phenomenon for 20 years!) encourages newcomers to take blood tests first to determine the body ’ s biological needs and deficiencies, carefully examine the benefits and side effects of any supplements, and take only what seems right.
Cohen clarifies: “By understanding your physiology, you can take certain medications that will boost your energy, mood, and chances of avoiding age-related illnesses.
Preserving health is much more important than simply prolonging existence. ”
According to the businessman, his goal is to live as long and healthy a life as possible (and not necessarily up to 150 years)!
Roman Samborskyi
If not biohacking, then what (spoiler: food)
New York City Nutrition nutritionist Diana Rodriguez agrees with Cohen.
But to start your way to longevity offers still not with tablets, but with a healthy diet: “It is recommended to use food as the first method of preventing dangerous diseases.
Fruits, vegetables, low-fat proteins, nuts and legumes, in which "tons" of vitamins and minerals, can be very useful. "
Increasing nutrient intake through organic whole foods is something Teresa Scrobanek started doing in June 2023, when she gave up the supplement diet once and for all.
And she never felt better:
“If a long life meant that I got it with terrible side effects due to taking supplements, then I would prefer a shorter, but better life, which is based on proper nutrition and training, ” concluded Teresa.
The editors remind that drugs, vitamins, dietary supplements and food products have contraindications.
A specialist consultation is required.
Follow our news in Telegram
Comments (0)

For instance, Teresa Skrobanek, a former biohacking enthusiast, experimented with longevity supplements to avoid cancer and heart disease but experienced negative side effects.

She took metformin, a diabetes medication, despite not having diabetes, based on studies suggesting it might fight aging, though the results were not guaranteed.

Additionally, she used over-the-counter supplements like nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN), whose benefits in speeding up metabolism and reducing aging signs are not scientifically proven.

Teresa experienced headaches, drowsiness, and anxiety as side effects of metformin, raising concerns about long-term risks to organs like the kidneys and liver.

Studies have also shown that nicotinamide riboside, a form of vitamin B3, may increase the risk of brain cancer despite being marketed as an anti-aging supplement.

What are the risks and dangers of taking frequent nutritional supplements without a doctor's supervision?

Joe Cohen, a biohacking proponent, advises newcomers to take blood tests to identify their body's needs before using supplements and to carefully evaluate their benefits and risks.

He emphasizes that preserving health is more important than simply prolonging life and recommends a personalized approach to biohacking based on physiological understanding.

Nutritionist Diana Rodriguez suggests starting with a healthy diet, including fruits, vegetables, low-fat proteins, nuts, and legumes, as a safer method for disease prevention and longevity.

Teresa eventually abandoned her supplement-heavy biohacking regimen in favor of proper nutrition and exercise, reporting significant improvements in her well-being.


The Hagia Sophia, originally a Byzantine Christian cathedral and later an Ottoman mosque, was converted back into a mosque in 2020 by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan after serving as a museum for nearly 85 years.

Its prior designation as a museum under the secular Turkish Republic symbolized coexistence and multi-faith practices, reflecting its layered historical significance.

The Greek Orthodox Church criticized the reconversion as undermining Turkey’s commitment to religious tolerance, while others argued it prioritized the Islamic past over diverse historical traditions, including Greek Orthodox, Armenian, and Jewish heritage.

Critics, including Greece and the U.S. State Department, expressed concerns over the impact on religious freedom and the preservation of cultural heritage, highlighting the global sensitivity surrounding the site.

The reconversion also led to changes in the site’s accessibility, with tourists restricted from the upper level and the main floor reserved for Muslim worshippers, alongside the reimposition of entrance fees.

Observers have noted damage to the structure under the Turkish Directorate of Religion’s management, raising concerns about its long-term preservation compared to its previous caretaking by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.

Erdogan framed the decision as a symbol of Istanbul’s conquest and a significant moment in Turkish and Islamic history, appealing to religio-nationalist sentiments amid political and economic challenges.

This move marked a shift from Erdogan’s earlier resistance to calls for reconversion, suggesting a strategic alignment with his political base to bolster electoral support.

For tour guides, addressing the controversy diplomatically may involve emphasizing the site’s rich historical layers and its continued accessibility to visitors, while acknowledging the diverse perspectives surrounding its reconversion.

The Hagia Sophia, originally a Byzantine Christian cathedral and later an Ottoman mosque, was converted back into a mosque in 2020 by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan after serving as a museum for nearly 85 years.

Title:

Content: After Hagia Sophia, Turkey converts a second ancient Byzantine church into a mosque

Hundreds of worshippers filled the narrow streets of Istanbul's Fatih district on Friday to hear the sounds of Friday prayers ringing out from the newly inaugurated Kariye Mosque.

Once known as the Chora Church, the site spent the last 79 years as a museum. But it is now the latest structure to be converted back into a mosque by the government of Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, following the conversion of Hagia Sophia in 2020. While viewed as a triumph by many Turkish Muslims, the Greek Orthodox Church has decried it as an "ill-advised decision" that "makes a mockery of the Turkish government's commitment to religious tolerance and religious freedom."

Chora's conversion was announced shortly after Hagia Sophia's, but its opening for prayer was delayed by years of restoration work.

The showing for the first Friday prayers at Kariye was relatively quiet compared to Hagia Sophia, which drew hundreds of thousands who filled the streets with prayer rugs for blocks and blocks away from the building. By contrast, the crowd on Friday was relatively average for a mosque in one of Istanbul's more religiously conservative neighborhoods, where Friday worshippers frequently spill out onto the streets.

Both the Chora Church and Hagia Sophia are 4th-century Byzantine constructions. They spent nearly a millennium as Christian holy sites before being converted to mosques by the Ottomans after their conquest of Constantinople in the 15th century. Despite their conversions, they remained revered by Orthodox Christians. After the founding of a secular Turkish Republic in the early 20th century, the decision was made for both to be neither mosque nor church but simply museums.

"Both Hagia Sophia and Chora embodied Byzantine and Ottoman pasts, and they became symbols of co-existence and multi-faith living practices. Their conversion fundamentally implies a hierarchy, prioritizing the Islamic past over all other layers, Greek Orthodox, Armenian, Jewish, Syriac, et al," Dr. Özgür Kaymak, a lecturer and researcher on minority rights at Istanbul's MEF University, told Religion News Service in an email.

Rededicating the sites as mosques is more than just a status change. According to Islamic tradition, artwork of human figures are forbidden in places of prayer, while in Orthodox Churches, icons of Christ, saints and other biblical figures are a defining feature.

In Hagia Sophia, the mosaics of Jesus and Mary have been covered with curtains since the conversion. While Erdoğan promised Hagia Sophia would remain fully accessible and free to all visitors, Turkey reneged on that earlier this year, reimposing an entrance fee on tourists and relegating them to the upper level, while the main floor is exclusive to Muslim worshippers.

Observers have also criticized the Turkish Directorate of Religion's caretaking of the site, noting damage that did not exist when it was under the purview of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.

Though Chora is significantly smaller than Hagia Sophia, it is home to some of the best-preserved examples of late-Byzantine art, including mosaics, icons and frescoes, and is considered a UNESCO World Heritage site.

"For us it's a very important place because it remembers our culture and our traditions here," Father Evangelos Markantonis, an Orthodox priest who was leading a group of theology students to Chora on Friday, told Religion News Service.

"Though we cannot venerate as Orthodox Christians, we have to try to find things we can be united on. Only with dialogue and good deeds can we continue our lives," Markantonis, who is also a professor at the University of Athens, said when asked about the controversy.

Erdoğan had long refused calls from his right to convert churches like Hagia Sophia and Chora, telling supporters in 2018 to fill the nearby Sultan Ahmet Mosque (also known in English as the Blue Mosque) before they talked about needing to pray in Hagia Sophia.

Nonetheless, he made an about-turn in 2020.

"My dear nation, the conquest of Istanbul and the conversion of the Hagia Sophia into a Mosque are among the most glorious chapters in Turkish history," Erdoğan said at the time in a speech inaugurating the Hagia Sophia as a mosque.

"This is the most honorable day that Islam has been looking forward to, Greek Constantinople has become Turkish Istanbul," he added, quoting the Turkish poet Nazim Hikmet.

"The resurrection of Hagia Sophia heralds the liberation of the al-Aqsa Mosque. The resurrection of Hagia Sophia is the footsteps of the will of Muslims across the world to come out of the interregnum," Erdoğan said in his concluding remarks.

Chora's opening as the Kariye Mosque comes just weeks after Erdoğan's Justice and Development Party (AKP) suffered its largest electoral defeat in two decades during Turkey's nationwide municipal elections.

"The recent conversion of Chora into a mosque may be due to Erdoğan's many problems, including his geopolitical power politics, his appeal to religio-nationalism to revive his electoral popularity after the March elections or his tactic to divert attention from Turkey's economic downturn," Kaymak said.

Many analysts have attributed the loss to AKP bleeding votes to the more Islamist-leaning New Welfare Party, which has pressured Erdogan over his response to the Israel-Hamas war and humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip.

Muslim worshippers at the mosque on Friday said they viewed its rededication as an Islamic site to be a national win for Turkey.

"This mosque is one of the symbols of the Conquest. We are proud and happy. There are very beautiful frescoes inside. They were also nicely renovated before they were closed. May it be good for our country and our nation," a bystander, Ahmet Öteyüzoğlu, told Turkish media.

"Thank God for these days. Not everyone has the opportunity in their lifetime," another bystander named Mehmet Çelik told the Turkish news service Anadolu Agency, in reference to having been able to pray at both the rededicated Hagia Sophia and Kariye Mosques.

However, Greece, the U.S. State Department and Orthodox Christian institutions worldwide have all criticized the decision to revert the structure into a mosque.

"I want to publicly express my intense dissatisfaction, interpreting the feelings of all Greek women and men, for the completely unnecessary conversion of a historic Byzantine temple, the Monastery of Chora, into a mosque. It is, I believe, an action that offends the rich history of Istanbul itself as a crossroads of cultures," Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said shortly before leaving for Turkey for a planned meeting with Erdogan.

"We encourage the Turkish government to preserve and ensure access to sites and buildings that have hosted different religious communities in a way that respects their diverse histories," a State Department spokesperson said in response to questions from Greek media.

"The Turkish government's appropriation of both as the property of one faith group not only constitutes yet another sign of that government's contempt for Turkey's rich Orthodox Christian heritage but further imperils the religious freedom of the Ecumenical Patriarchate and the remaining Christians of that land," the Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate said in a statement.

© Religion News Service

What was the original historical and cultural significance of Hagia Sophia in the Byzantine Empire?

Served as the central church of Byzantine Christianity,

Its prior designation as a museum under the secular Turkish Republic symbolized coexistence and multi-faith practices, reflecting its layered historical significance.

What was the significance of Hagia Sophia's conversion into a museum in 1934?

Symbolized Turkey's secular reforms under Ataturk

repositioned Hagia Sophia as a global cultural landmark.

The Greek Orthodox Church criticized the reconversion as undermining Turkey’s commitment to religious tolerance, while others argued it prioritized the Islamic past over diverse historical traditions, including Greek Orthodox, Armenian, and Jewish heritage.

How did Muslims and Orthodox Christians react to the reconversion?

What political motivations influenced Erdogan's decision to reconvert Hagia Sophia?

Erdogan's decision was influenced by Turkey's Islamic resurgence.

Who was angered by the reconversion of Hagia Sophia in July 2020?

Critics, including Greece and the U.S. State Department, expressed concerns over the impact on religious freedom and the preservation of cultural heritage, highlighting the global sensitivity surrounding the site.

Who was angered by the reconversion of Hagia Sophia in July 2020?

The reconversion also led to changes in the site’s accessibility, with tourists restricted from the upper level and the main floor reserved for Muslim worshippers, alongside the reimposition of entrance fees.

Observers have noted damage to the structure under the Turkish Directorate of Religion’s management, raising concerns about its long-term preservation compared to its previous caretaking by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.

Erdogan framed the decision as a symbol of Istanbul’s conquest and a significant moment in Turkish and Islamic history, appealing to religio-nationalist sentiments amid political and economic challenges.

What kind of domestic reaction did Erdogan's reconversion of Hagia Sophia receive?

What political motivations influenced Erdogan's decision to reconvert Hagia Sophia?

Erdogan's decision was influenced by Turkey's Islamic resurgence.

This move marked a shift from Erdogan’s earlier resistance to calls for reconversion, suggesting a strategic alignment with his political base to bolster electoral support.

What kind of domestic reaction did Erdogan's reconversion of Hagia Sophia receive?

What political motivations influenced Erdogan's decision to reconvert Hagia Sophia?

Erdogan's decision was influenced by Turkey's Islamic resurgence.

The decision aimed to rally anti-Kemalist voters.

For tour guides, addressing the controversy diplomatically may involve emphasizing the site’s rich historical layers and its continued accessibility to visitors, while acknowledging the diverse perspectives surrounding its reconversion.

What did the CALHSC president urge regarding decisions on Hagia Sophia?

Consider both Muslim and Christian voices


The Hagia Sophia was converted back into a mosque by the government of Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in 2020, following nearly 85 years as a museum.

Originally constructed as a Byzantine Christian holy site, the Hagia Sophia was converted into a mosque by the Ottomans after the conquest of Constantinople in the 15th century.

In the early 20th century, following the establishment of the secular Turkish Republic, the Hagia Sophia was designated as a museum to symbolize coexistence and multi-faith practices.

The Greek Orthodox Church criticized the 2020 reconversion of Hagia Sophia into a mosque, describing it as an 'ill-advised decision' that undermines the Turkish government's commitment to religious tolerance and freedom.

Critics have argued that the conversion prioritizes the Islamic past of the Hagia Sophia over its other historical layers, including its significance to Greek Orthodox, Armenian, Jewish, and Syriac traditions.

Since the reconversion, mosaics of Jesus and Mary within the Hagia Sophia have been covered with curtains in accordance with Islamic traditions that prohibit human figures in places of prayer.

International criticism, including from Greece and the U.S. State Department, has highlighted concerns over the implications of the conversion for religious freedom and the preservation of cultural heritage.

The reconversion has also raised concerns about accessibility for tourists, as Turkey reimposed an entrance fee and restricted access to the upper level, reserving the main floor for Muslim worshippers.

Observers have noted that damage to the Hagia Sophia has occurred under the Turkish Directorate of Religion's management, which was not evident when it was overseen by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.

President Erdogan described the reconversion of the Hagia Sophia as a symbol of the conquest of Istanbul and a significant moment in Turkish and Islamic history.

This decision marked a departure from Erdogan's earlier stance, where he had resisted calls from his political base to convert the Hagia Sophia into a mosque.

Analysts have linked the reconversion to Erdogan's broader strategy of appealing to religio-nationalism and reviving electoral support amid political and economic challenges.

The Hagia Sophia was converted back into a mosque by the government of Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in 2020, following nearly 85 years as a museum.

Title:

Content: After Hagia Sophia, Turkey converts a second ancient Byzantine church into a mosque

Hundreds of worshippers filled the narrow streets of Istanbul's Fatih district on Friday to hear the sounds of Friday prayers ringing out from the newly inaugurated Kariye Mosque.

Once known as the Chora Church, the site spent the last 79 years as a museum. But it is now the latest structure to be converted back into a mosque by the government of Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, following the conversion of Hagia Sophia in 2020. While viewed as a triumph by many Turkish Muslims, the Greek Orthodox Church has decried it as an "ill-advised decision" that "makes a mockery of the Turkish government's commitment to religious tolerance and religious freedom."

Chora's conversion was announced shortly after Hagia Sophia's, but its opening for prayer was delayed by years of restoration work.

The showing for the first Friday prayers at Kariye was relatively quiet compared to Hagia Sophia, which drew hundreds of thousands who filled the streets with prayer rugs for blocks and blocks away from the building. By contrast, the crowd on Friday was relatively average for a mosque in one of Istanbul's more religiously conservative neighborhoods, where Friday worshippers frequently spill out onto the streets.

Both the Chora Church and Hagia Sophia are 4th-century Byzantine constructions. They spent nearly a millennium as Christian holy sites before being converted to mosques by the Ottomans after their conquest of Constantinople in the 15th century. Despite their conversions, they remained revered by Orthodox Christians. After the founding of a secular Turkish Republic in the early 20th century, the decision was made for both to be neither mosque nor church but simply museums.

"Both Hagia Sophia and Chora embodied Byzantine and Ottoman pasts, and they became symbols of co-existence and multi-faith living practices. Their conversion fundamentally implies a hierarchy, prioritizing the Islamic past over all other layers, Greek Orthodox, Armenian, Jewish, Syriac, et al," Dr. Özgür Kaymak, a lecturer and researcher on minority rights at Istanbul's MEF University, told Religion News Service in an email.

Rededicating the sites as mosques is more than just a status change. According to Islamic tradition, artwork of human figures are forbidden in places of prayer, while in Orthodox Churches, icons of Christ, saints and other biblical figures are a defining feature.

In Hagia Sophia, the mosaics of Jesus and Mary have been covered with curtains since the conversion. While Erdoğan promised Hagia Sophia would remain fully accessible and free to all visitors, Turkey reneged on that earlier this year, reimposing an entrance fee on tourists and relegating them to the upper level, while the main floor is exclusive to Muslim worshippers.

Observers have also criticized the Turkish Directorate of Religion's caretaking of the site, noting damage that did not exist when it was under the purview of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.

Though Chora is significantly smaller than Hagia Sophia, it is home to some of the best-preserved examples of late-Byzantine art, including mosaics, icons and frescoes, and is considered a UNESCO World Heritage site.

"For us it's a very important place because it remembers our culture and our traditions here," Father Evangelos Markantonis, an Orthodox priest who was leading a group of theology students to Chora on Friday, told Religion News Service.

"Though we cannot venerate as Orthodox Christians, we have to try to find things we can be united on. Only with dialogue and good deeds can we continue our lives," Markantonis, who is also a professor at the University of Athens, said when asked about the controversy.

Erdoğan had long refused calls from his right to convert churches like Hagia Sophia and Chora, telling supporters in 2018 to fill the nearby Sultan Ahmet Mosque (also known in English as the Blue Mosque) before they talked about needing to pray in Hagia Sophia.

Nonetheless, he made an about-turn in 2020.

"My dear nation, the conquest of Istanbul and the conversion of the Hagia Sophia into a Mosque are among the most glorious chapters in Turkish history," Erdoğan said at the time in a speech inaugurating the Hagia Sophia as a mosque.

"This is the most honorable day that Islam has been looking forward to, Greek Constantinople has become Turkish Istanbul," he added, quoting the Turkish poet Nazim Hikmet.

"The resurrection of Hagia Sophia heralds the liberation of the al-Aqsa Mosque. The resurrection of Hagia Sophia is the footsteps of the will of Muslims across the world to come out of the interregnum," Erdoğan said in his concluding remarks.

Chora's opening as the Kariye Mosque comes just weeks after Erdoğan's Justice and Development Party (AKP) suffered its largest electoral defeat in two decades during Turkey's nationwide municipal elections.

"The recent conversion of Chora into a mosque may be due to Erdoğan's many problems, including his geopolitical power politics, his appeal to religio-nationalism to revive his electoral popularity after the March elections or his tactic to divert attention from Turkey's economic downturn," Kaymak said.

Many analysts have attributed the loss to AKP bleeding votes to the more Islamist-leaning New Welfare Party, which has pressured Erdogan over his response to the Israel-Hamas war and humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip.

Muslim worshippers at the mosque on Friday said they viewed its rededication as an Islamic site to be a national win for Turkey.

"This mosque is one of the symbols of the Conquest. We are proud and happy. There are very beautiful frescoes inside. They were also nicely renovated before they were closed. May it be good for our country and our nation," a bystander, Ahmet Öteyüzoğlu, told Turkish media.

"Thank God for these days. Not everyone has the opportunity in their lifetime," another bystander named Mehmet Çelik told the Turkish news service Anadolu Agency, in reference to having been able to pray at both the rededicated Hagia Sophia and Kariye Mosques.

However, Greece, the U.S. State Department and Orthodox Christian institutions worldwide have all criticized the decision to revert the structure into a mosque.

"I want to publicly express my intense dissatisfaction, interpreting the feelings of all Greek women and men, for the completely unnecessary conversion of a historic Byzantine temple, the Monastery of Chora, into a mosque. It is, I believe, an action that offends the rich history of Istanbul itself as a crossroads of cultures," Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said shortly before leaving for Turkey for a planned meeting with Erdogan.

"We encourage the Turkish government to preserve and ensure access to sites and buildings that have hosted different religious communities in a way that respects their diverse histories," a State Department spokesperson said in response to questions from Greek media.

"The Turkish government's appropriation of both as the property of one faith group not only constitutes yet another sign of that government's contempt for Turkey's rich Orthodox Christian heritage but further imperils the religious freedom of the Ecumenical Patriarchate and the remaining Christians of that land," the Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate said in a statement.

© Religion News Service

Originally constructed as a Byzantine Christian holy site, the Hagia Sophia was converted into a mosque by the Ottomans after the conquest of Constantinople in the 15th century.

How did the role of Hagia Sophia change following the Ottoman conquest?

Sultan Mehmed II converted Hagia Sophia into a mosque,

Hagia Sophia became a central Islamic religious site for centuries

What was the original historical and cultural significance of Hagia Sophia in the Byzantine Empire?

Served as the central church of Byzantine Christianity,

In the early 20th century, following the establishment of the secular Turkish Republic, the Hagia Sophia was designated as a museum to symbolize coexistence and multi-faith practices.

What was the significance of Hagia Sophia's conversion into a museum in 1934?

Symbolized Turkey's secular reforms under Ataturk

The Greek Orthodox Church criticized the 2020 reconversion of Hagia Sophia into a mosque, describing it as an 'ill-advised decision' that undermines the Turkish government's commitment to religious tolerance and freedom.

How did Muslims and Orthodox Christians react to the reconversion?

Who was angered by the reconversion of Hagia Sophia in July 2020?

Critics have argued that the conversion prioritizes the Islamic past of the Hagia Sophia over its other historical layers, including its significance to Greek Orthodox, Armenian, Jewish, and Syriac traditions.

How did Muslims and Orthodox Christians react to the reconversion?

What political motivations influenced Erdogan's decision to reconvert Hagia Sophia?

Erdogan's decision was influenced by Turkey's Islamic resurgence.

Who was angered by the reconversion of Hagia Sophia in July 2020?

Since the reconversion, mosaics of Jesus and Mary within the Hagia Sophia have been covered with curtains in accordance with Islamic traditions that prohibit human figures in places of prayer.

How did the role of Hagia Sophia change following the Ottoman conquest?

Sultan Mehmed II converted Hagia Sophia into a mosque,

Hagia Sophia became a central Islamic religious site for centuries

International criticism, including from Greece and the U.S. State Department, has highlighted concerns over the implications of the conversion for religious freedom and the preservation of cultural heritage.

Who was angered by the reconversion of Hagia Sophia in July 2020?

The reconversion has also raised concerns about accessibility for tourists, as Turkey reimposed an entrance fee and restricted access to the upper level, reserving the main floor for Muslim worshippers.

Observers have noted that damage to the Hagia Sophia has occurred under the Turkish Directorate of Religion's management, which was not evident when it was overseen by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.

President Erdogan described the reconversion of the Hagia Sophia as a symbol of the conquest of Istanbul and a significant moment in Turkish and Islamic history.

How did the role of Hagia Sophia change following the Ottoman conquest?

Hagia Sophia became a central Islamic religious site for centuries

What political motivations influenced Erdogan's decision to reconvert Hagia Sophia?

Erdogan's decision was influenced by Turkey's Islamic resurgence.

This decision marked a departure from Erdogan's earlier stance, where he had resisted calls from his political base to convert the Hagia Sophia into a mosque.

What kind of domestic reaction did Erdogan's reconversion of Hagia Sophia receive?

What political motivations influenced Erdogan's decision to reconvert Hagia Sophia?

Erdogan's decision was influenced by Turkey's Islamic resurgence.

The decision aimed to rally anti-Kemalist voters.

Analysts have linked the reconversion to Erdogan's broader strategy of appealing to religio-nationalism and reviving electoral support amid political and economic challenges.

What kind of domestic reaction did Erdogan's reconversion of Hagia Sophia receive?

What political motivations influenced Erdogan's decision to reconvert Hagia Sophia?

Erdogan's decision was influenced by Turkey's Islamic resurgence.

The decision aimed to rally anti-Kemalist voters.


The Hagia Sophia, originally a Byzantine cathedral and later an Ottoman mosque, was reconverted into a mosque by the Turkish government in 2020 after serving as a museum for nearly 85 years.

This decision marked a significant departure from the secular Turkish Republic's earlier designation of Hagia Sophia as a museum, which symbolized coexistence and multi-faith practices.

The reconversion has drawn sharp criticism from religious groups, including the Greek Orthodox Church, which labeled it an 'ill-advised decision' that undermines religious tolerance and freedom.

Critics argue that prioritizing Hagia Sophia's Islamic past disregards its other historical and religious layers, such as Greek Orthodox, Armenian, Jewish, and Syriac traditions.

The Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate expressed concerns that the reconversion disrespects Turkey's Orthodox Christian heritage and imperils religious freedom.

In line with Islamic tradition, the mosaics of Jesus and Mary inside Hagia Sophia were covered with curtains, raising questions about the preservation of its religious art.

Tourism has also been affected, as Turkey imposed an entrance fee for visitors and restricted their access to the upper level, reserving the main floor for Muslim worshippers.

Observers have noted damage to the structure under the Turkish Directorate of Religion's care, contrasting with its better preservation under the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.

International criticism has been widespread, with Greece, the U.S. State Department, and Orthodox Christian institutions condemning the move for undermining religious diversity and heritage.

Turkish President Erdoğan framed the reconversion as a 'glorious chapter' in Turkish history, linking it to broader Islamic aspirations, including the liberation of the al-Aqsa Mosque.

Analysts suggest that Erdoğan's decision was politically motivated, aiming to appeal to religio-nationalist sentiments and revive his electoral popularity amid economic challenges.

The Hagia Sophia, originally a Byzantine cathedral and later an Ottoman mosque, was reconverted into a mosque by the Turkish government in 2020 after serving as a museum for nearly 85 years.

Title:

Content: After Hagia Sophia, Turkey converts a second ancient Byzantine church into a mosque

Hundreds of worshippers filled the narrow streets of Istanbul's Fatih district on Friday to hear the sounds of Friday prayers ringing out from the newly inaugurated Kariye Mosque.

Once known as the Chora Church, the site spent the last 79 years as a museum. But it is now the latest structure to be converted back into a mosque by the government of Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, following the conversion of Hagia Sophia in 2020. While viewed as a triumph by many Turkish Muslims, the Greek Orthodox Church has decried it as an "ill-advised decision" that "makes a mockery of the Turkish government's commitment to religious tolerance and religious freedom."

Chora's conversion was announced shortly after Hagia Sophia's, but its opening for prayer was delayed by years of restoration work.

The showing for the first Friday prayers at Kariye was relatively quiet compared to Hagia Sophia, which drew hundreds of thousands who filled the streets with prayer rugs for blocks and blocks away from the building. By contrast, the crowd on Friday was relatively average for a mosque in one of Istanbul's more religiously conservative neighborhoods, where Friday worshippers frequently spill out onto the streets.

Both the Chora Church and Hagia Sophia are 4th-century Byzantine constructions. They spent nearly a millennium as Christian holy sites before being converted to mosques by the Ottomans after their conquest of Constantinople in the 15th century. Despite their conversions, they remained revered by Orthodox Christians. After the founding of a secular Turkish Republic in the early 20th century, the decision was made for both to be neither mosque nor church but simply museums.

"Both Hagia Sophia and Chora embodied Byzantine and Ottoman pasts, and they became symbols of co-existence and multi-faith living practices. Their conversion fundamentally implies a hierarchy, prioritizing the Islamic past over all other layers, Greek Orthodox, Armenian, Jewish, Syriac, et al," Dr. Özgür Kaymak, a lecturer and researcher on minority rights at Istanbul's MEF University, told Religion News Service in an email.

Rededicating the sites as mosques is more than just a status change. According to Islamic tradition, artwork of human figures are forbidden in places of prayer, while in Orthodox Churches, icons of Christ, saints and other biblical figures are a defining feature.

In Hagia Sophia, the mosaics of Jesus and Mary have been covered with curtains since the conversion. While Erdoğan promised Hagia Sophia would remain fully accessible and free to all visitors, Turkey reneged on that earlier this year, reimposing an entrance fee on tourists and relegating them to the upper level, while the main floor is exclusive to Muslim worshippers.

Observers have also criticized the Turkish Directorate of Religion's caretaking of the site, noting damage that did not exist when it was under the purview of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.

Though Chora is significantly smaller than Hagia Sophia, it is home to some of the best-preserved examples of late-Byzantine art, including mosaics, icons and frescoes, and is considered a UNESCO World Heritage site.

"For us it's a very important place because it remembers our culture and our traditions here," Father Evangelos Markantonis, an Orthodox priest who was leading a group of theology students to Chora on Friday, told Religion News Service.

"Though we cannot venerate as Orthodox Christians, we have to try to find things we can be united on. Only with dialogue and good deeds can we continue our lives," Markantonis, who is also a professor at the University of Athens, said when asked about the controversy.

Erdoğan had long refused calls from his right to convert churches like Hagia Sophia and Chora, telling supporters in 2018 to fill the nearby Sultan Ahmet Mosque (also known in English as the Blue Mosque) before they talked about needing to pray in Hagia Sophia.

Nonetheless, he made an about-turn in 2020.

"My dear nation, the conquest of Istanbul and the conversion of the Hagia Sophia into a Mosque are among the most glorious chapters in Turkish history," Erdoğan said at the time in a speech inaugurating the Hagia Sophia as a mosque.

"This is the most honorable day that Islam has been looking forward to, Greek Constantinople has become Turkish Istanbul," he added, quoting the Turkish poet Nazim Hikmet.

"The resurrection of Hagia Sophia heralds the liberation of the al-Aqsa Mosque. The resurrection of Hagia Sophia is the footsteps of the will of Muslims across the world to come out of the interregnum," Erdoğan said in his concluding remarks.

Chora's opening as the Kariye Mosque comes just weeks after Erdoğan's Justice and Development Party (AKP) suffered its largest electoral defeat in two decades during Turkey's nationwide municipal elections.

"The recent conversion of Chora into a mosque may be due to Erdoğan's many problems, including his geopolitical power politics, his appeal to religio-nationalism to revive his electoral popularity after the March elections or his tactic to divert attention from Turkey's economic downturn," Kaymak said.

Many analysts have attributed the loss to AKP bleeding votes to the more Islamist-leaning New Welfare Party, which has pressured Erdogan over his response to the Israel-Hamas war and humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip.

Muslim worshippers at the mosque on Friday said they viewed its rededication as an Islamic site to be a national win for Turkey.

"This mosque is one of the symbols of the Conquest. We are proud and happy. There are very beautiful frescoes inside. They were also nicely renovated before they were closed. May it be good for our country and our nation," a bystander, Ahmet Öteyüzoğlu, told Turkish media.

"Thank God for these days. Not everyone has the opportunity in their lifetime," another bystander named Mehmet Çelik told the Turkish news service Anadolu Agency, in reference to having been able to pray at both the rededicated Hagia Sophia and Kariye Mosques.

However, Greece, the U.S. State Department and Orthodox Christian institutions worldwide have all criticized the decision to revert the structure into a mosque.

"I want to publicly express my intense dissatisfaction, interpreting the feelings of all Greek women and men, for the completely unnecessary conversion of a historic Byzantine temple, the Monastery of Chora, into a mosque. It is, I believe, an action that offends the rich history of Istanbul itself as a crossroads of cultures," Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said shortly before leaving for Turkey for a planned meeting with Erdogan.

"We encourage the Turkish government to preserve and ensure access to sites and buildings that have hosted different religious communities in a way that respects their diverse histories," a State Department spokesperson said in response to questions from Greek media.

"The Turkish government's appropriation of both as the property of one faith group not only constitutes yet another sign of that government's contempt for Turkey's rich Orthodox Christian heritage but further imperils the religious freedom of the Ecumenical Patriarchate and the remaining Christians of that land," the Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate said in a statement.

© Religion News Service

No--In 1934, Ataturk turned it into a museum, making it a major tourist attraction and secular symbol in Turkey.

This decision marked a significant departure from the secular Turkish Republic's earlier designation of Hagia Sophia as a museum, which symbolized coexistence and multi-faith practices.

No--In 1934, Ataturk turned it into a museum, making it a major tourist attraction and secular symbol in Turkey.

Why did Erdogan restore Hagia Sophia as a mosque in 2020?

Because he wanted to end its 86-year museum status to return it to its original role as a mosque.

The reconversion has drawn sharp criticism from religious groups, including the Greek Orthodox Church, which labeled it an 'ill-advised decision' that undermines religious tolerance and freedom.

How did Muslims and Orthodox Christians react to the reconversion?

Who was angered by the reconversion of Hagia Sophia in July 2020?

Critics argue that prioritizing Hagia Sophia's Islamic past disregards its other historical and religious layers, such as Greek Orthodox, Armenian, Jewish, and Syriac traditions.

No--In 1934, Ataturk turned it into a museum, making it a major tourist attraction and secular symbol in Turkey.

What did the CALHSC president urge regarding decisions on Hagia Sophia?

Consider both Muslim and Christian voices

Who was angered by the reconversion of Hagia Sophia in July 2020?

The Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate expressed concerns that the reconversion disrespects Turkey's Orthodox Christian heritage and imperils religious freedom.

How did Muslims and Orthodox Christians react to the reconversion?

Who was angered by the reconversion of Hagia Sophia in July 2020?

In line with Islamic tradition, the mosaics of Jesus and Mary inside Hagia Sophia were covered with curtains, raising questions about the preservation of its religious art.

Tourism has also been affected, as Turkey imposed an entrance fee for visitors and restricted their access to the upper level, reserving the main floor for Muslim worshippers.

Observers have noted damage to the structure under the Turkish Directorate of Religion's care, contrasting with its better preservation under the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.

International criticism has been widespread, with Greece, the U.S. State Department, and Orthodox Christian institutions condemning the move for undermining religious diversity and heritage.

How did Muslims and Orthodox Christians react to the reconversion?

Who was angered by the reconversion of Hagia Sophia in July 2020?

Turkish President Erdoğan framed the reconversion as a 'glorious chapter' in Turkish history, linking it to broader Islamic aspirations, including the liberation of the al-Aqsa Mosque.

What political motivations influenced Erdogan's decision to reconvert Hagia Sophia?

Erdogan's decision was influenced by Turkey's Islamic resurgence.

Analysts suggest that Erdoğan's decision was politically motivated, aiming to appeal to religio-nationalist sentiments and revive his electoral popularity amid economic challenges.

What kind of domestic reaction did Erdogan's reconversion of Hagia Sophia receive?

What political motivations influenced Erdogan's decision to reconvert Hagia Sophia?

Erdogan's decision was influenced by Turkey's Islamic resurgence.