The 2020 conversion of Hagia Sophia into a mosque has been decried by the Greek Orthodox Church.

The decision was criticized by Greece and the US, with many seeing it as a move by Erdogan to appease his Islamist supporters.

Hagia Sophia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has a complex history as a Byzantine cathedral and Ottoman mosque.

UNESCO has criticized the conversion of Hagia Sophia into a mosque, citing the need to preserve its cultural and historical significance.

Turkey's conversion of Hagia Sophia into a mosque prioritizes Islam, with artwork of human figures, including Jesus and Mary mosaics, being covered.

The conversion of Hagia Sophia has raised concerns about preserving its cultural and historical heritage amid a surge in visitors.

Erdogan's decision to convert Hagia Sophia into a mosque was influenced by his debt to Anatolia voters and a referendum victory.

Erdogan's conversion of Hagia Sophia aims to strengthen his conservative and religious base.

The Turkish government has implemented a visitor management policy at Hagia Sophia to regulate visitor numbers and prevent site damage.

The policy includes separate entrances and a fee for tourists to access the second-floor gallery.

Tour guides can address tourist concerns by explaining the site's historical and cultural significance and the controversy surrounding its conversion.

Tour guides can focus on Hagia Sophia's Islamic, Byzantine, and Ottoman history and significance.

The Turkish tourism minister wants to preserve Hagia Sophia's historical significance through guided tours.

Istanbul's cultural heritage, including sites like Hagia Sophia, is crucial for the local tourism industry.

Technology, like audio guides and mobile apps, helps tour guides provide accurate information and promote sustainable options.

The 2020 conversion of Hagia Sophia into a mosque has been decried by the Greek Orthodox Church.

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

How did Muslims and Orthodox Christians react to the reconversion?

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

The decision was criticized by Greece and the US, with many seeing it as a move by Erdogan to appease his Islamist supporters.

Title:

Content: >
December 9, 2021

Christian leaders look forward to Turkey's new law on religious foundations

This is an issue of vital importance for local Christian communities whose places of worship are entrusted to and managed by their governing bodies

Religious minorities in Turkey are looking forward to the increasingly Islamo-nationalist government making good its promise of outreach to non-Muslims by giving them freedom to establish and run their religious and social institutions.

The Turkish government is preparing to issue a new regulation on the administrative management of foundations linked to non-Muslim faith communities, which have been paralyzed for years by a legislative impasse that blocks the renewal of their governing bodies.

This is an issue of vital importance for local Christian communities such as Armenians and Assyrians, whose places of worship – many of them historic --, other real estate and public institutions are entrusted to and managed by foundations.

Burhan Ersoy, head of the state-run Directorate of the Foundations, has confirmed that the plan for the drafting of a new regulation concerning the elections for the assignment of offices within the foundations has come into being, Fides reported.

The draft of the text has been drawn up, taking into account requests and proposals from the various minority communities, and it is expected that the new rules, after obtaining government approval, would be implemented by April 2022.

The previous electoral regulation for the top management of foundations had been suspended in 2013, after the government chose to establish new procedures to make the management of real estate more functional and transparent.

This led to some confusion with representatives of the various minority communities unable to come to a consensus to either accept or reject the new electoral rules, Ersoy said.

The Syrian Orthodox Christian Süleyman Can Ustabaşı, current representative of the non-Muslim Foundations within the Assembly of Foundations, has said that the structure of foundations and their membership profiles had changed over time.

The Turkish government already had consultations with the representatives of religious minorities to resolve the dispute over board elections for their foundations.

But Ustabaşı now urges Turkish authorities to carry out another consultation with representatives of minority communities before the new text is to be implemented in 2022.

The legal status of the Foundations is still based on the Peace Treaty of Lausanne, signed in 1923 by Turkey and the Entente powers (British Empire, France and Russian Empire) victorious from the First World War.

The treaty guaranteed equality before the laws and the freedom to promote and manage "religious and social institutions" for non-Muslim communities in Turkey.

However, the state had seized properties run by these foundations and had to contend with litigation as these foundations claimed the rights guaranteed by the Treaty of Lausanne.

Also, starting from 1936, legislative provisions had allowed foundations of non-Muslim communities to acquire new properties. But in 1974, this guarantee was canceled and the state begun seizing assets acquired by these foundations.

Between 2013 and 2018 about 1,084 properties were returned to the foundations linked to non-Muslim communities, and 20 places of worship restored and given back to the foundations, according to official data.

Greek Orthodox Laki Vingas, in a speech published by the Armenian-Turkish newspaper Agos, said that the legislative deadlock on the question of the regulation of the foundations has had a negative effect on the life of the different ecclesial communities.

The block in the processes of renewal of the governing bodies of foundations had led to the expulsion of young people from the institutions linked to their communities, and also that many voluntary activities were "unfortunately interrupted".

Non-Muslim places of worship

Within the general Assembly of the Turkish Foundations are some 167 minority foundations. The Turkish Greek community has 77, the highest number of foundations. The Armenian community has 54 and the Jewish community has 19 foundations.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan after a cabinet meeting held on October 25 announced that authorities had put on the agenda the question of the elections of the directorates of the foundations linked to religious minorities.

He also spoke of fundamental tools for the management of assets and resources destined for non-Muslim places of worship.

The issue of the foundations come at a time when Turkish authorities have expelled more and more Protestant Christians -- foreigners and Turkish converts-- on grounds they constitute a "threat to national security".

Turkey had also recently transformed museums into mosques, such as the Hagia Sophia and the Church of the Holy Saviour in Chora.

Both churches had been turned into museums after the end of the Ottoman Empire and the establishment of modern Turkey.

The Church of the Holy Saviour in Chora was built by the Byzantines in the 5th century. The Ottomans then turned it into a mosque after they captured Constantinople in 1453. And it remained a Muslim worship space until the end of the Second World War when it was transformed into a museum.

The same happened to the Hagia Sophia Museum in Iznik, and the high-profile reconversion of the Hagia Sophia Museum, Istanbul's most identifiable monument.

Many observers believe that President Erdogan, weakened internally by a bad economy and a lack of political perspective, is compensating with erasing part of the country's multiculturalism, aimed at shoring up the ranks of his Islamo-nationalist base.

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

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

Hagia Sophia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has a complex history as a Byzantine cathedral and Ottoman mosque.

Title:

Content: New rules come into force for the visit of Hagia Sophia Mosque in Turkey - Sunrise Gate
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New rules come into effect for visiting Hagia Sophia mosque in Turkey
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Published on: Tuesday 16 January 2024 - 1: 54 PM | Last updated on Tuesday 16 January 2024 - 1: 54 PM
The project for the Hagia Sophia mosque was closest to the heart of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan – but it was also the project that drew international criticism.
In the summer of 2020, Erdogan restored Hagia Sophia to be a mosque after it was originally a church, converted into an Ottoman mosque, converted into a museum.
At the time, Erdogan assured citizens that entry fees would be abolished, adding that the cultural edifice would remain open to everyone – Muslims or non-Muslims alike.
There will be another major change from January 15, with access to the Hagia Sophia restricted and visitors will have to pay fees again.
Turkish Tourism Minister Mehmet Nuri Arsoy hopes this will improve coexistence between religious and tourist visitors.
Arsoy said recently that tourist visitors are making noise and disrupting calm and prayer.
Until recently, visitors and worshippers were allowed to enter the interior of Hagia Sophia together, with barriers and signs keeping a certain distance between them.
However, from now on, worshippers and tourists will be introduced through different entrances.
Although worshippers can use the same entrances as before, tourists will be guided through an upstairs hallway.
According to Arsoy, tour guides will not be allowed to accompany visitors through the corridors, and earphones will be used instead.
“Our priority there is prayer, ” Arsoy said, noting that the building is a world cultural heritage site and should therefore remain open to all visitors around the world.
Zuleiha Duman, 29, who returned to Istanbul from Germany to see Hagia Sophia after it was converted into a mosque, said she found it taking away.
Welcoming the new rules, she said: “As long as the entrance fee isn ’ t too high, I think it ’ s acceptable. ”
“Why shouldn ’ t Turkey and the government take advantage of this place?
These funds can be channeled to preserve more religious places. ”
Hagia Sophia has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List as part of Istanbul ’ s history since 1985.
Built by Emperor Justinian, Hagia Sophia was the largest place of worship in Christianity for nearly a thousand years, it was the main church during the Byzantine Empire, and from the seventh century, the emperor was crowned inside.
After the Ottomans entered Constantinople (now Istanbul) in 1453, the Hagia Sophia was converted into a mosque.
On the orders of the founder of the Turkish Republic Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the building was converted into a museum in 1934 until the summer of 2020.
Hagia Sophia is as symbolically important to Orthodox Christians around the world as St. Peter ’ s Basilica is to Catholics.
After the building was converted into a mosque, criticism poured in from the Greek Orthodox Church.
The UNESCO Foundation also criticized the decision without consultation.
For Erdogan, turning the place into a mosque was his “childhood dream, ” as he himself said, and pleasing to religious voters.
A few external changes were made at the time, for example, a green carpet was placed above the marble floor.
It seems clear that all these things did not detract from the popularity of this teacher.
According to official statistics, some 13.6 million people visited the Hagia Sophia landmark in 2022, not all of them from Europe.
The number of visitors from Indonesia in particular has risen, Hagia Sophia Imam Binyamin Topoglu told Turkey ’ s Anadolu news agency in 2023.
The amount of the fees has not yet been determined.
Tourism Minister Ersoy says the proceeds will be spent on cultural assets, for excavation or preservation of monuments such as the Hagia Sophia.
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How did the role of Hagia Sophia change following the Ottoman conquest?

Hagia Sophia became a central Islamic religious site for centuries

Sultan Mehmed II converted Hagia Sophia into a mosque,

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

Served as the central church of Byzantine Christianity,

UNESCO has criticized the conversion of Hagia Sophia into a mosque, citing the need to preserve its cultural and historical significance.

Turkey's conversion of Hagia Sophia into a mosque prioritizes Islam, with artwork of human figures, including Jesus and Mary mosaics, being covered.

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

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

The conversion of Hagia Sophia has raised concerns about preserving its cultural and historical heritage amid a surge in visitors.

Title:

Content: [ditty_news_ticker id="27897"] Video Shows Fragments Falling from the Dome of Hagia Sophia - Orthodox Christian Laity

Video Shows Fragments Falling from the Dome of Hagia Sophia

0

Source: Greek Reporter

A still from a recently released video shows visitors rushing to take cover as fragments fall from the dome of Hagia Sophia. Credit: Daily Motion/BirGün

A video from 2022 that came to light recently shows fragments falling on visitors from the dome of Hagia Sophia, the former epicenter of Christian worship at Constantinople, today’s Istanbul.

The footage released by the Turkish newspaper, BirGün, raises serious questions over the safety of the former Orthodox Christian cathedral, now a mosque.

BirGün notably quoted officials as saying that “pieces are falling from the roof, due to the humidity created by the crowd, but no precautions are being taken”.

The president of the Turkish Art History Association, Serif Yasar, argued for restoration of the monument as soon as possible, suggesting that “If Hagia Sophia is not restored, it will collapse with the first earthquake.”

The monument was restored as a mosque three years ago after serving as a museum from 1935-2020 and has since received 21 million visitors, according to Turkey’s tourism and culture minister.

Yasar added that when the church was a museum, the scientific council overseeing it urged that groups of no more than 25 people should be allowed to enter the building at any one time.

This enormous lift in visitation has likely brought to the forefront the need for repairs and it was indeed reported in September that the Turkish government had decided to start long-term maintenance of Hagia Sophia.

Turkey to implement visitor management policy at Hagia Sophia

In early October Turkish historian Ilber Ortayli expressed fears that the large number of visitors to Hagia Sophia could lead to a catastrophic structural failure if not addressed immediately.

Writing in the Hürriyet daily, Ortayli said that the monument, which attracts three million pilgrims annually apart from tourists, has undergone significant damage since its conversion into a mosque.

He asserted that even a modest number of 20-30 thousand people annually, including scientists, historians, archaeologists, representatives of the Muslim religion, politicians, and public officials, could be considered excessive for the endurance of the monument.

In June 2022 a number of tiles of the ancient marble floors in Hagia Sophia were damaged by heavy machines used to clean the site.

In April 2022, The Turkish Association of Art Historians stated that the historic Imperial Gate in Hagia Sophia had been badly damaged.

The group posted a picture clearly depicting the damage to the oak wood of the 15-century-old gate.

Turkey unveiled plans in late October for a visitor management policy at Hagia Sophia, including charging foreign tourists with an entrance fee to be implemented starting Jan. 15.

Minister of Culture and Tourism Mehmet Nuri Ersoy said that extensive restoration work is underway in various sections of Hagia Sophia, now a mosque, with plans to progress to other parts upon their completion.

He emphasized that, based on UNESCO’s recommendations, a visitor management plan would be enforced to enhance the quality and safety of visits while preserving the historical significance of the site.

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Officials argue for repairs to Hagia Sophia after footage shows fragments falling from the dome – Neos Kosmos

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Erdogan's decision to convert Hagia Sophia into a mosque was influenced by his debt to Anatolia voters and a referendum victory.

Title:

Content: Hagia Sophia must once again become a place of Christian worship, demands the American Council for the Liberation of Hagia Sophia.
For a start, according to the organization, it is possible to allow liturgies in Hagia Sophia, preserving its museum status.
Although Christians still perceive this cathedral captured together with Constantinople in 1453 as one of the most important shrines.
In case of refusal, the “Council ” intends to appeal to the ECHR.
However, the situation around Hagia Sophia is much more complicated; the observer of IA REGNUM Stanislav Stremidlovsky analyzes the recent events around the former main temple of Byzantium.
Erhan Elaldı – Anadolu Agency
The 564th anniversary of the conquest of Constantinople was celebrated by the Hagia Sophia as a museum.
What is the 565th anniversary?
The head of the “Council ”, American politician Chris Spirou, has already been declared a provocateur by the Turkish authorities.
Today, when Erdogan is increasingly moving away from “his overseas partners ” at least in terms of the desired image of the president, and the new owner of the White House pays much more attention to Middle Eastern Christians than Obama, the situation is clearly changing.
There are already hints that Hagia Sophia from the museum will become a mosque.
At the same time, Erdogan ’ s victory in the last referendum made the president a debtor of domestic Anatolia (at least she believes so), who gave him their votes.
The Anatolian Youth Association strongly opposes any manifestations of non-Muslim faith in Turkish society.
For three years now, they have been trying to make Hagia Sophia a mosque.
And although Erdogan is in no hurry to meet, the Association expects decisive measures from him.
Where the Turkish president is inclined and what Hagia Sophia, cathedral or mosque can become, read here: Internal Anatolia, who supported Erdogan, demands to make Hagia Sophia a mosque
Read other articles by Stanislav Stremidlovsky on the relationship of world religions.

Erdogan's conversion of Hagia Sophia aims to strengthen his conservative and religious base.

Title:

Content: Turkey officially opens the Byzantine church and museum "Khora" as a mosque (PHOTOS)
World News
"Kari Mosque" in the Museum and Monastery of "Khora"
Copy Link https: / / www.rt.com / xhpk
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Monday officially opened the Kari Mosque in Istanbul ’ s Byzantine Museum and Monastery of Khora, four years after the church dedicated a mosque to Muslims.
On Monday, Erdogan oversaw the official remote opening of the Khora mosque and a number of restored sites from the conference hall of his residence in Ankara.
Erdogan said during the opening ceremony, which was broadcast on Turkish television, "May it be a good start."
One of the first worshipers at the mosque told Anadolu Agency: “I have been waiting for its opening for four years, and I have been honored to pray in such a place. ”
Anadolu quoted another serum as saying: “Thank God for showing us these days, I hope we come here from time to time and do our prayers. ”
The site near the walls of the old city of Istanbul is famous for its fine mosaics and frescoes.
The church dates back to the 4th century, although the edifice took its present form during the 11th and 12th centuries.
Greece has criticized the Turkish government ’ s decision to return it to use as a mosque, accusing Ankara of “personal insult ” to another World Heritage site, saying the decisions to turn Hagia Sophia and Khora back into mosques are steps aimed at strengthening the support base of conservatives and the religious trend of Erdogan ’ s ruling party amid an economic downturn.
The museum was built "Khora" monastery, in 534, the building was converted into "Kari Mosque" at the beginning of the 16th century, it was used as a mosque for more than four centuries and was converted into a museum in 1945 by a Turkish ministerial decision.
In August 2020, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan signed a decree on the conversion of the Hagia Sophia Cathedral and the Kari Museum, known as a “bottomless church ” in Turkish, into mosques.
The conversion of the two churches into mosques was praised by Muslims, but drew criticism from Greece and other countries that urged Turkey to protect important Byzantine monuments, both of which have been listed as World Heritage Sites by the United Nations.
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What kind of domestic reaction did Erdogan's reconversion of Hagia Sophia receive?

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

The decision aimed to rally anti-Kemalist voters.

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

The Turkish government has implemented a visitor management policy at Hagia Sophia to regulate visitor numbers and prevent site damage.

The policy includes separate entrances and a fee for tourists to access the second-floor gallery.

Title:

Content: Hagia Sophia gets new furry mascot

Hagia Sophia gets new furry mascot

ISTANBUL

A new cat has sauntered into the Hagia Sophia mosque’s newly opened visiting floor, capturing the hearts of local and foreign tourists in Istanbul and evoking the fond memory of Gli, the beloved feline who passed away in 2020.

As of Jan. 15, the Hagia Sophia was organized as a visiting floor with a gallery and a place of worship, and the entrances were separated. The practice was put forward as a solution to the long queue at the entrance of the historic site.

While the prayer hall of Hagia Sophia is free of charge for worshippers, those who want to see the gallery on the second floor pay 25 euros ($26 dollars).

Visitors of the gallery also get the chance to meet Hagia Sophia’s new mascot; the first cat to enter the visiting floor, likened to the famous Gli of the mosque.

The visitors could not resist petting the friendly cat which quickly became a favorite among locals and tourists alike.

Visitors lined up to pet the cat and have their photos taken with it as the cat's contented mood put a smile on their faces.

Hagia Sophia Museum,

Tour guides can address tourist concerns by explaining the site's historical and cultural significance and the controversy surrounding its conversion.

Tour guides can focus on Hagia Sophia's Islamic, Byzantine, and Ottoman history and significance.

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

Hagia Sophia became a central Islamic religious site for centuries

The Turkish tourism minister wants to preserve Hagia Sophia's historical significance through guided tours.

Istanbul's cultural heritage, including sites like Hagia Sophia, is crucial for the local tourism industry.

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35 Most Visited Countries in the World: 2024 Rankings

In this article, we will look at the 35 most visited countries in the world: 2024 Rankings. We have also looked the the growth projections for global tourism. If you want to skip our detailed analysis, head straight to the 10 Most Visited Countries in the World: 2024 Rankings.

The World Economic Outlook Report has highlighted the important role of tourism in global economic recovery, projecting a 3.0% growth in 2023 and 2.9% in 2024. Despite exceeding previous forecasts, this growth rate falls short of the 3.5% recorded in 2022, indicating ongoing pandemic impacts and geopolitical tensions, notably Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Economies heavily reliant on tourism exhibit greater resilience, with rapid recovery observed in countries where tourism contributes significantly to GDP. For instance, those with large tourism sectors, like France and Spain.

International tourism is set for a robust recovery in 2024, with a projected 2% growth above 2019 levels, according to UNWTO forecasts. In 2023, the sector observed remarkable resilience, with international tourism receipts reaching $1.4 trillion, representing about 93% of pre-pandemic levels, and total export revenues hitting $1.6 trillion, nearly 95% of 2019 figures. The economic contribution of tourism, measured in tourism direct gross domestic product (TDGDP), reached $3.3 trillion in 2023, confirming a close recovery to pre-pandemic levels.

This positive outlook is buoyed by strong industry indicators, with international air capacity and passenger demand already recovering around 90% of pre-pandemic levels by October 2023. Additionally, global occupancy rates in accommodation establishments surpassed November 2022 figures, reaching 65%. To read more about travelling, see 50 places to visit before you die.

Despite persistent economic and geopolitical challenges, including inflation and trade disruptions, the tourism sector remains resilient and poised for continued growth, driven by factors such as visa facilitation measures and robust travel demand from key source markets like China and the United States.

Istanbul claimed the title of the world's most visited city in 2023 with 20.2 million international arrivals, surpassing popular destinations like London and Paris. With relaxed visa requirements and a rich cultural heritage blending Asian and European influences, Istanbul's popularity continues to increase in 2024. Efforts to preserve its historic sites, like the iconic Hagia Sophia, are underway despite the challenges posed by mass tourism. It is worth noting that Istanbul is one of the cities with most beautiful women.

Expedia Group, Inc (NASDAQ:EXPE)’s Travel Agent Affiliate Program (TAAP) has seen remarkable growth, with over 35,000 travel agencies and more than 100,000 advisors globally utilizing its services. Despite initial challenges during the pandemic, Expedia Group, Inc (NASDAQ:EXPE)’s investment in TAAP has increased, with a major boost in staff and technology. This strategic desision has propelled Expedia Group, Inc (NASDAQ:EXPE)’s B2B revenue, witnessing a 26% increase year-over-year, as stated during the company's third-quarter earnings call in 2023. TAAP's platform is evolving to cater specifically to advisors' needs, with plans for a revamped user interface and enhanced payment capabilities slated for rollout in 2024. While exploring innovative technologies like generative AI, Expedia remains cognizant of advisors' indispensable role in personalized travel planning, aiming to integrate AI as a complementary tool rather than a replacement for human expertise.

Speaking of AI, Expedia Group, Inc (NASDAQ:EXPE) aims to leverage AI to reshape its trip-planning business, aiming to shift users away from starting their travel searches on Google. With a vast data repository of 70 petabytes, Expedias Group, Inc (NASDAQ:EXPE) plans to deploy AI to offer personalized travel recommendations based on users' preferences and past trips. By streamlining the travel planning process, Expedia Group, Inc (NASDAQ:EXPE) seeks to become the go-to platform for users, reducing reliance on external search engines like Alphabet Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG).

On the other hand, Marriott International Inc (NASDAQ:MAR) projects stable revenue growth, forecasting a 3% to 6% annualized increase in global revenue per available room (RevPAR) by 2025. This optimistic outlook is fueled by a resurgence in international travel following the easing of pandemic restrictions, supported by a strong dollar and rise of remote work encouraging travel abroad.

In 2023, Marriott International Inc (NASDAQ:MAR) marked its 500th luxury hotel opening with The St. Regis Riyadh. With 5 more luxury properties to debut by year-end and 24 planned for 2024, Marriott's portfolio, spanning brands like The Ritz-Carlton, St. Regis, W Hotels, EDITION, The Luxury Collection, and JW Marriott, continues to grow.

Their notable additions include the second Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection vessel, Ilma, and new St. Regis locations in Los Cabos, Cap Cana, and Longboat Key. Additionally, EDITION Hotels plans to open The Jeddah EDITION in Saudi Arabia. Marriott International Inc (NASDAQ:MAR)’s expansion reaffirms its commitment to delivering unparalleled luxury experiences worldwide.

To read more about luxury experiences, see the largest cruise ships in the world.

A freight train rolling through the countryside carrying a full load of products.

Our Methodology

For our most visited countries in the world in 2024 list, we have relied on datapanda.org’s database on number of arrivals by country. The list is presented in ascending order of number of arrivals.

By the way, Insider Monkey is an investing website that uses a consensus approach to identify the best stock picks of more than 900 hedge funds investing in US stocks. The website tracks the movement of corporate insiders and hedge funds. Our top 10 consensus stock picks of hedge funds outperformed the S&P 500 stock index by more than 140 percentage points over the last 10 years (see the details here). So, if you are looking for the best stock picks to buy, you can benefit from the wisdom of hedge funds and corporate insiders.

35. Switzerland

Number of Arrivals: 11.8m

Swiss tourism anticipates a 1.6% increase in overnight stays during the 2023/24 winter season, totaling 17.7 million stays, surpassing pre-pandemic levels. European guests, especially from Germany, are expected to boost numbers. Chinese visitors, though still below pre-Covid levels, are projected to rise in 2024.

34. Taiwan

Number of Arrivals: 11.9m

The Tourism Bureau within Taiwan's Ministry of Transportation and Communications oversees matters related to tourism. It is one of the top 50 most visited countries in the world.

Taiwan is forging ahead with its commitment to catering to senior travelers, revealing plans for a comprehensive Golden Years Tour certification system. Launched after the success of the Golden Years tourism brand in 2023, this initiative focuses on creating senior-friendly travel experiences across various hospitality sectors, including F&B, accommodation, sightseeing, shopping, and transportation. With a keen eye on the needs of older citizens, the program focuses on slow travel and age-appropriate itineraries.

33. Morocco

Number of Arrivals: 12.9m

Morocco has a stable tourism sector and is known for its coastal attractions, rich cultural heritage, and deep history. With the establishment of the Ministry of Tourism in 1985, the country has prioritized this industry. In 2018, Morocco welcomed 12.3 million tourists and since 2023, has had the highest number of arrivals out of the countries in Africa.

32. Denmark

Number of Arrivals: 13.3m

In 2018, Denmark attracted 30 million international arrivals, with tourists from neighboring Germany, Norway, and Sweden forming the majority. Overnight stays have gradually risen since 2014, reaching 16.6 million in 2018.

31. Saudi Arabia

Number of Arrivals: 13.6m

Saudi Arabia aims to welcome 30 million overnight tourists in 2024, with a revised 2030 target of 150 million visitors. The tourism sector's growth aligns with a broader economic expansion, with Saudi Arabia's GDP expected to rise by 4.1% in 2024. ATM 2024 will focus on innovation and sustainability, reflecting global trends towards net-zero travel.

30. Ukraine

Number of Arrivals: 14.2m

In January-June 2023, Ukraine collected UAH 85.471 million ($2.27 million) from tourist taxes, up from UAH 69.453 million ($1.85 million) in 2021. The tax, paid by hotel guests, contributed to the regional budget.

29. Czech Republic

Number of Arrivals: 14.3m

There is a long history of tourism in the Czech Republic. Prague is one of the most visited cities of the world, with 6–8 million visitors per year.  Czech Republic is definitely one of the top 10 tourist countries in Europe.

It is also one of the top countries for dental tourism

28. Singapore

Number of Arrivals: 15.1m

In 2019, Singapore welcomed 19.1 million international tourists, exceeding its population threefold. With English as the predominant among its four official languages, tourists find it convenient to communicate with locals, particularly during activities like shopping.

27. Indonesia

Number of Arrivals: 15.5m

From the paradisiacal beaches of Bali to the lush jungles of Borneo, and the ancient temples of Borobudur, Indonesia offers a tapestry of experiences with vibrant cuisine and warm hospitality.

26. United Arab Emirates

Number of Arrivals: 16.7m

In 2018, the tourist industry contributed over 164.7 billion dirhams to the country's GDP. The United Arab Emirates also has the most prosperous tourist industry among Gulf countries and has maintained its position as the leading tourist destination in the GCC. Dubai is expected to be one of the most visited cities in the world in 2024. As of 2018, tourism provided employment to more than 604,300 individuals in the United Arab Emirates.

25. Hungary

Number of Arrivals: 16.9m

Over 98% of Hungary's tourist demographic consists of visitors from Europe, with Austria, Germany, and Slovakia contributing the highest numbers of tourists to the country. The majority of tourists opt for car travel and typically have short stays.

24. Croatia Number of Arrivals: 17.4m

The tourism sector contributes to nearly 20% of Croatia's gross domestic product (GDP) as of 2021. Presently, Croatia has become a tourist hotspot in the Mediterranean as it welcomed an influx of 11.2 million tourists in the year 2021.

23. South Korea

Number of Arrivals: 17.5m

Seoul is a top spot for tourists. Other popular places in South Korea include Busan, a big city by the sea, Seorak-san National Park with its beautiful nature, Gyeongju, an old city with lots of history, and Jeju Island, which has a warm climate. It is one of the countries with highest number of international tourists

22. India

Number of Arrivals: 17.9m

India's tourism sector is set for a major upswing fueled by religious travel, with the opening of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya expected to attract an additional 50-100 million tourists annually. This increase surpasses the annual visitation rates of iconic global landmarks like the Taj Mahal and Mecca. Indian carriers have responded to the anticipated demand by ordering over 1,100 planes, indicating a stable growth trajectory.

21. Vietnam

Number of Arrivals: 18.0m

Vietnam's tourism sector has seen significant growth, with 18 million international arrivals in 2019 compared to 2.1 million in 2000. The Vietnam National Administration of Tourism is implementing strategies to diversify the industry.

20. Netherlands

Number of Arrivals: 20.1m

Tourism in the Netherlands contributes 5.4% to GDP and 9.6% to employment. In 2017, it hosted 17 million foreign tourists, predominantly from Germany, ranking it 20th globally for visitor numbers. It is one of the top countries visited by foreigners in 2024

19. Canada

Number of Arrivals: 22.1m

Canada has a flourishing tourism industry, drawing visitors with its diverse landscapes and cultural attractions. Key destinations include Toronto, Montreal, Quebec City, Vancouver, Niagara Falls, Vancouver Island, the Canadian Rockies, Okanagan Valley, Churchill, and Ottawa-Gatineau. Canada is also home to some of the most attractive people

18. Poland

Number of Arrivals: 22.1m

Since joining the European Union in 2004, Poland has seen a notable increase in tourism, boasting over 21 million international arrivals in 2019. The country's diverse attractions range from southern mountains to northern beaches, with Kraków, the most visited city.

17. Hong Kong

Number of Arrivals: 23.8m

During Hong Kong's Lunar New Year holiday from February 10 to 17, over 1 million mainland Chinese visitors are expected, constituting 80-85% of pre-pandemic levels. The Immigration Department anticipates 7.5 million trips by Hong Kong residents and tourists during this period, with 6 million trips through land boundary control points. It is one of the top 20 most visited countries in the world in 2024.

16. Russia

Number of Arrivals: 24.4m

In 2022, Russian tourism experienced a huge decline, with only 200,100 foreign visitors, with a 96.1% drop from pre-pandemic and pre-2022 invasion of Ukraine levels. This downturn contrasts sharply with the rapid growth Russia had seen since the late Soviet era, initially in domestic tourism and later in international visits.

15. Portugal

Number of Arrivals: 24.6m

Portugal attracts millions of tourists annually, drawn to its cities, historic landmarks, beaches, and religious sites. In 2019, it welcomed 27 million visitors, with popular destinations including Lisbon, Porto, the Algarve, the Portuguese Riviera, Madeira, Sintra, Óbidos, and Fátima.

Portugal is also one of the best countries to live and work in 2024.

14. Malaysia

Number of Arrivals: 26.1m

Tourist arrivals from Türkiye to Malaysia increased by 10.8% in Jan-Nov 2023, totaling 15,623 visitors compared to 2019 figures. This growth is attributed to the efforts Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture campaigns. Malaysia is one of the most popular travel destinations for honeymoon in 2024.

13. Greece

Number of Arrivals: 31.3m

Tourism in Greece has been a cornerstone of its economy owing to its rich cultural heritage and scenic beauty. With 18 UNESCO World Heritage Sites and stunning coastlines, Greece has been a magnet for tourists since the 1970s.

On a side note, Greece is one of the countries with the highest labor shortages in the world

12. Austria

Number of Arrivals: 31.9m

Vienna remains a primary draw for tourists throughout the year, attracting significant numbers both in the summer and winter seasons. Salzburg, while receiving about one-fifth of the tourist overnight stays compared to Vienna, still holds the second position in popularity during the summer.

11. Japan

Number of Arrivals: 32.3m

Japan's tourism industry is vital to its economy, drawing 31.88 million international visitors in 2019. There are 21 World Heritage Sites in Japan like Himeji Castle and Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto and Nara. It is 11th in our list of most visited countries in the world 2024 rankings by country.

It is also one of the most respected countries in Asia.

Click here to see the 10 Most Visited Countries in the World: 2024 Rankings.

Suggested Articles:

Disclosure: None. 35 Most Visited Countries in the World: 2024 Rankings is originally published on Insider Monkey.

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

made Hagia Sophia a major tourist attraction.

Technology, like audio guides and mobile apps, helps tour guides provide accurate information and promote sustainable options.

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Content: Turkey’s iconic Hagia Sophia mosque to charge $28 entry fee for tourists

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Turkey’s Hagia Sophia mosque began charging tourists nearly $28 on Monday for entrance to the landmark site.

The UNESCO World Heritage site, renowned for its blue-tiled interior, will no longer allow free admission to foreigners, the Turkish tourism ministry announced.

For the latest headlines, follow our Google News channel online or via the app.

The former museum-turned mosque has a new entrance in front of the Topkapi Palace Museum open for tourists.

Tunnel entrance at Turkey's Hagia Sophia. (File photo)

The Hagia Sophia was a museum space from 1934 until 2020 when Turkey decided to change it to a mosque. Various historical reports say the mosque with byzantine architecture was an Orthodox cathedral decades ago.

“With the new application that will start on January 15 at the Hagia Sophia Mosque, tourists will be able to visit the mosque without disturbing the prayer environment,” the ministry said in a statement.

The entrance to the mosque will be “provided in a controlled manner through the tunnel and entrance ramp where visitors will be transported to the gallery floor and exited via the ramp in the northeast direction,” the statement said.

“Tourists who come to the gallery section will be able to see the sanctuary floor of the mosque and the Ottoman Period annexes, pass through the heaven-hell gate, and examine the Byzantine Period mosaics in this section,” it added.

Security cameras, fire detection and emergency announcement systems were reportedly installed in the mosque along the tour route. Cleaning and conservation work on the marble coverings and wooden railings on the gallery floor of the mosque was also carried out by restorers and conservators.

Visitors will also have access to a headset guide with QR codes where information on the sight is available in 23 languages.

People visit the Hagia Sophia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, in Istanbul, Turkey, July 10, 2020. (Reuters)

Read more:

Ramadan prayers return to Istanbul’s Hagia Sophia mosque after 88 years

Turkey says UNESCO criticism of Hagia Sophia conversion ‘biased and political’

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Top Content Trending


The conversion of Hagia Sophia into a mosque in 2020 has sparked controversy globally, with many criticizing the decision as a political move by President Erdogan to appease his Islamist supporters and undermine the site's cultural and historical significance.

The Hagia Sophia is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and its conversion into a mosque has raised concerns about the preservation of its cultural and historical significance, as well as its potential impact on Turkey's relations with the European Union and other Western countries.

As a tour guide in Istanbul, it is essential to be aware of the complex history and cultural significance of Hagia Sophia, as well as the current rules and regulations for visiting the site, including the separate entrances for tourists and worshippers, and the use of earphones for guided tours instead of accompanying visitors through corridors.

To diplomatically answer questions about the conversion, tour guides can provide factual information about the site's history and cultural significance, while also being sensitive to the different perspectives and emotions of their audience.

It is also important for tour guides to be aware of the UNESCO recommendations for the site's management and restoration, and to provide information to tourists in a respectful and professional manner.

The conversion of Hagia Sophia into a mosque has also raised concerns about the erosion of secularism and the promotion of religious intolerance, and tour guides must be sensitive to these concerns when addressing questions from tourists.

The use of headset guides with QR codes in 23 languages can be an effective way for tour guides to communicate with tourists and provide a more informative experience, while also being respectful of the different cultural and religious backgrounds of the visitors.

Overall, the conversion of Hagia Sophia into a mosque has significant economic and social implications for local tourism and tour guide businesses, and it is essential to monitor the situation and adapt to the changes.

Tour guides must balance the need to provide accurate historical information with the need to be respectful of different cultural and religious perspectives, and they must be trained to do so in a respectful and sensitive manner.

The importance of cultural sensitivity and respect for different perspectives cannot be overstated, and tour guides must be trained to prioritize these values in their work.

By being aware of the complex history and cultural significance of Hagia Sophia, as well as the current rules and regulations for visiting the site, tour guides can provide a respectful and informative experience for tourists, while also promoting cross-cultural understanding and respect.

The conversion of Hagia Sophia into a mosque in 2020 has sparked controversy globally, with many criticizing the decision as a political move by President Erdogan to appease his Islamist supporters and undermine the site's cultural and historical significance.

Title:

Content: On the 564 anniversary of the conquest of Constantinople by the Ottomans, the American Council for the Liberation of Hagia Sophia (CALHSC) called for the Hagia Sophia Museum to return to its original significance, that is, it should once again hear Christian prayers and Christian services.
Such a statement, reports the Austrian Catholic news agency KATHPRESS, was made by the president of CALHSC, an American politician of Greek origin Chris Spirou.
According to the agency, he has already appealed to the Turkish government with a proposal to start negotiations on this issue.
As a first step, it is proposed to allow regular liturgical services while maintaining the status of Hagia Sophia as a museum.
All Christians still perceive the cathedral as a shrine, Spira argues, so if the Turkish authorities raise the issue of returning it to the status of a cult place of worship, Ankara should hear the voices of Christians, not just Muslims.
In the event that the Turkish leadership does not go to negotiations, the “American Council for the Liberation of Hagia Sophia ” is going to file a lawsuit in the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg.
Erhan Elaldı – Anadolu Agency
The 564th anniversary of the conquest of Constantinople was celebrated by the Hagia Sophia as a museum.
What is the 565th anniversary?
This is not the first time Spirou has taken such an initiative.
His organization, registered in 2005, but not particularly famous, has already announced its intention to celebrate the liturgy in the cathedral museum.
The Turkish government then called the words of the American politician a provocation, and he himself was denied entry to the country.
But a lot of things are changing in the Middle East, Europe and the United States today.
Ankara is no longer the “best ally ” it used to be, and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is moving further and further away from the familiar image of the head of state for Western colleagues, with whom you can deal.
Washington even under the previous administration with a squeak, but went on to recognize the importance of protecting Christian minorities in the Middle East, and the current Trump administration puts this at the forefront.
Cracks went on the sarcophagus, which until now protected the secular museum of Hagia Sophia from degeneration into a religious object.
And not at all in the church, in the mosque, which Hagia Sophia became after the conquest by the Ottomans of the capital of the Orthodox Byzantine Empire in May 1453.
The intensification of this process is associated today with the rebirth of Erdogan himself, although it is difficult to be completely sure that there is no political conjuncture here, which, as you know, is changeable.
Alexxx1979
View of St. Sophia Cathedral
Recall that in early April this year, a number of Turkish newspapers reported that the President was going on Friday, April 14, together with the leadership of the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) and religious leaders of Istanbul to visit the Hagia Sophia Museum to pray in it as Muslims.
The timing of Muslim prayer in the former church was not accidental.
On April 14 this year was Holy Friday, which is dedicated to the memory of the condemnation to death, the suffering of the cross and the death of Jesus Christ, as well as the removal of His body from the cross and burial.
Considering also that Easter is now the Orthodox and Catholics coincided, the message was sent powerful and significant.
All this seemed to be a continuation of playing the religious card on the eve of the referendum on April 16, which decided whether Turkey should be a parliamentary or presidential republic.
On April 18, it became clear that Erdogan had won.
But I lost at the same time.
In September 2015, during the parliamentary elections, the ruling party received 51% of the vote, and the nationalist Nationalist Action Party received about 20%.
When the AKP merged with the nationalists in the course of lobbying for constitutional amendments, it expected that the addition of 50% and 20% would give 70% or more in the referendum.
Only 51% of Turks supported the union of the two parties.
In this regard, many Turkish experts, analyzing the current situation, pointed out that the Justice and Development Party, having entered into an alliance with the Nationalist Action Party, made a strategic mistake, creating not only the impression of a synthesis of “soft Islamism ” with nationalists, but also began to cultivate a hybrid ideology of neo-Ottomanism, which was not supported by almost half of the citizens of Turkey..
However, there is another thing – the conservative and religious inner Anatolia, whose votes went to Erdogan, began to realize that from now on she has the right to present her demands to him.
This directly affects Saint Sophia.
An observer for the Turkish newspaper Hurriyet Daily News points out in this regard that on the eve of the 564 anniversary of the conquest of Constantinople, the space around the Hagia Sophia Museum is again filled, but not by tourists, but by members of the Anatolian Youth Association (AGD), whose motto is the words of the late Islamist politician, former Prime Minister of Turkey Necmettin Erbakan: “Life is faith and jihad ”.
These passionately believing people are actively opposed to everything that testifies to the presence of the non-Muslim faith in Turkish society.
And not just Santa Claus for the New Year.
For the past three years, they have focused on making Hagia Sophia “free from shackles ” and converted into a mosque.
Erdogan is slow.
However, the impatient members of the AGD are even more demanding for action this year.
After the referendum, Turkish politics entered a difficult phase of implementing the new constitution, and after May 29, the question arises whether these loud signals from Anatolia will now be ignored.
The Turkish president himself, during a speech in the ancient capital during the celebration of the conquest of Constantinople, according to the government news agency Anadolu, emphasized that “Istanbul, which since its foundation has been the capital of different states and cultures, has become a center of peaceful coexistence and tolerance during the just rule of Sultan Mehmed Fatih [also known as Mehmed the Conqueror]. ”
This part of Erdogan ’ s rhetoric looks tolerant.
But what will follow?
If suddenly the Turkish president decided to allow the Hagia Sophia Museum to serve the liturgy, then this, at least, made us think about the prospects of a possible return of Turkey to the path of improving relations with the Christian world, in particular with the European Union, which Erdogan has repeatedly sarcastic called “the Christian club ”.
However, this will require from the president not only personal courage, but also reliance on new political and social forces, the search for new allies in the country and abroad.
The problem is that even in Turkey itself, an opinion is beginning to take shape that Erdogan is becoming a hostage of internal Anatolia.
This means that the Hagia Sophia Museum, under pressure from this part of the country and society, would rather become a mosque than a church.

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?

The Hagia Sophia is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and its conversion into a mosque has raised concerns about the preservation of its cultural and historical significance, as well as its potential impact on Turkey's relations with the European Union and other Western countries.

Title:

Content: New rules come into force for the visit of Hagia Sophia Mosque in Turkey - Sunrise Gate
Tuesday 16 January 2024 2: 04 PM Cairo Cairo 24 °
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New rules come into effect for visiting Hagia Sophia mosque in Turkey
DBA
Published on: Tuesday 16 January 2024 - 1: 54 PM | Last updated on Tuesday 16 January 2024 - 1: 54 PM
The project for the Hagia Sophia mosque was closest to the heart of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan – but it was also the project that drew international criticism.
In the summer of 2020, Erdogan restored Hagia Sophia to be a mosque after it was originally a church, converted into an Ottoman mosque, converted into a museum.
At the time, Erdogan assured citizens that entry fees would be abolished, adding that the cultural edifice would remain open to everyone – Muslims or non-Muslims alike.
There will be another major change from January 15, with access to the Hagia Sophia restricted and visitors will have to pay fees again.
Turkish Tourism Minister Mehmet Nuri Arsoy hopes this will improve coexistence between religious and tourist visitors.
Arsoy said recently that tourist visitors are making noise and disrupting calm and prayer.
Until recently, visitors and worshippers were allowed to enter the interior of Hagia Sophia together, with barriers and signs keeping a certain distance between them.
However, from now on, worshippers and tourists will be introduced through different entrances.
Although worshippers can use the same entrances as before, tourists will be guided through an upstairs hallway.
According to Arsoy, tour guides will not be allowed to accompany visitors through the corridors, and earphones will be used instead.
“Our priority there is prayer, ” Arsoy said, noting that the building is a world cultural heritage site and should therefore remain open to all visitors around the world.
Zuleiha Duman, 29, who returned to Istanbul from Germany to see Hagia Sophia after it was converted into a mosque, said she found it taking away.
Welcoming the new rules, she said: “As long as the entrance fee isn ’ t too high, I think it ’ s acceptable. ”
“Why shouldn ’ t Turkey and the government take advantage of this place?
These funds can be channeled to preserve more religious places. ”
Hagia Sophia has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List as part of Istanbul ’ s history since 1985.
Built by Emperor Justinian, Hagia Sophia was the largest place of worship in Christianity for nearly a thousand years, it was the main church during the Byzantine Empire, and from the seventh century, the emperor was crowned inside.
After the Ottomans entered Constantinople (now Istanbul) in 1453, the Hagia Sophia was converted into a mosque.
On the orders of the founder of the Turkish Republic Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the building was converted into a museum in 1934 until the summer of 2020.
Hagia Sophia is as symbolically important to Orthodox Christians around the world as St. Peter ’ s Basilica is to Catholics.
After the building was converted into a mosque, criticism poured in from the Greek Orthodox Church.
The UNESCO Foundation also criticized the decision without consultation.
For Erdogan, turning the place into a mosque was his “childhood dream, ” as he himself said, and pleasing to religious voters.
A few external changes were made at the time, for example, a green carpet was placed above the marble floor.
It seems clear that all these things did not detract from the popularity of this teacher.
According to official statistics, some 13.6 million people visited the Hagia Sophia landmark in 2022, not all of them from Europe.
The number of visitors from Indonesia in particular has risen, Hagia Sophia Imam Binyamin Topoglu told Turkey ’ s Anadolu news agency in 2023.
The amount of the fees has not yet been determined.
Tourism Minister Ersoy says the proceeds will be spent on cultural assets, for excavation or preservation of monuments such as the Hagia Sophia.
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As a tour guide in Istanbul, it is essential to be aware of the complex history and cultural significance of Hagia Sophia, as well as the current rules and regulations for visiting the site, including the separate entrances for tourists and worshippers, and the use of earphones for guided tours instead of accompanying visitors through corridors.

To diplomatically answer questions about the conversion, tour guides can provide factual information about the site's history and cultural significance, while also being sensitive to the different perspectives and emotions of their audience.

Title:

Content: Istanbul Tour: Old City + Bosphorus
See the main attractions and take a ferry ride
4.8
8 reviews
Description
A photo
Reviews
About guide
Choose a day
Answers to questions
I invite you to a personal acquaintance with Istanbul!
You will see the symbols of the city: the Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque and the Basilica Cistern.
You will hear about the history of these places and the intricacies of Byzantine architecture.
Take a walk in a luxurious park, go to a bustling bazaar and finally admire Istanbul from the water, riding along the Bosphorus.
Such a busy day is ideal for the first meeting with the city!
Upcoming dates:
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Book now, cancel if necessary If you decide to cancel a reservation 48 hours before the start of the event - you will be refunded 100% of the amount paid
Description
What awaits you
To better understand and experience Istanbul, we will visit its heart and explore the most iconic sights.
You will see:
• Hippodrome Square, where horse competitions were once held.
• St. Sophia Cathedral - a former Orthodox church and a sample of Byzantine architecture.
The Blue Mosque is the largest mosque in Istanbul.
The Basilica Cistern is an underground reservoir of Constantinople called the "Sunken Palace".
• Gulhane Park - the oldest park in Istanbul, which belonged to the outer gardens of the main Sultan residence - Topkapi Palace.
• Sirkeci Railway Station, built as the terminus of the Orient Express.
• Egyptian bazaar - the famous market of spices, as well as sweets, dried fruits and oriental products.
At the end of the tour, we will go for a walk along the Bosphorus by ferry and admire the beauty of the Istanbul landscapes from the water.
Organizational details
• Closed clothing and a headscarf are required to enter the mosque
• On Fridays, we will be able to see the Haya Sophia and the Blue Mosque only from the outside
Additional costs
Ticket to the Basilica Cistern – 450 lire per person
Ferry ticket – 150 lire per person
daily at 09: 00
🔥 This tour is popular now
It's been booked 10 times in the next few days.
Book this tour
Answers to questions
Place of start and end?
in Sultanahmet district
When and how long does it last?
When: Daily at 09: 00
The tour lasts about 5.5 hours
You need to book in advance, at least 1 hour before the start
Who else will be with me?
This is a group tour, along with you will be the same and other people who have booked for your time.
Group of up to 10 people.
Do I have to pay everything at once?
No, you do not need to pay immediately - it is enough to pay 20% of the cost, and the rest is already on the spot.
It is necessary that the date and number of people are reserved for you, and the guides begin to prepare for the tour.
Before payment, you can
Can I ask a question before booking?
Of course, the guide will be happy to answer your questions.
Just go to this form and.
It is not necessary to pay, you just make a request for a reservation without payment, but with a question, and if then something does not suit you, just do not pay or click the cancel button.
Reviews and rating
4.8
Based on 8 reviews
Write a review can only tourists who attended the event
5
6
4
2
3
2
1
7 Oct 2023
It's a beautiful tour.
Jewher is an excellent narrator!
In addition, he studied in Russia and is well aware of the culture of both countries.
This is an interesting symbiosis!
N
6 Oct 2023
I liked everything, the route is excellent, but I would like more information, historical materials
T
3 Oct 2023
I think this walk should be without children, with children will be difficult.
Ability to change locations by time from the program +.
There may be queues during peak hours.
Cevher has information on the city, on the history of the city, goes to meet tourists on questions and requests.
Attentive.
The walk itself is quite comfortable and interesting.
2 Oct 2023
The tour was very pleasant, the guide Dzhevher has excellent information, gave good advice.
Definitely recommend!
🏻
30 Sep 2023
Awesome walk with Jewher!!!
I really liked it!
I enjoyed listening to the story of Istanbul, because Jevher was also a talented storyteller!
The Russian language is perfect.
Submission of information - at a height.
The route could not be better.
Sensitive and attentive attitude.
And most importantly - an amazing sense of humor!
And this is expensive!
Thank you from the bottom of my heart!
100% recommend!
D
27 Sep 2023
I was with my wife on a tour of Istanbul + Bosphorus.
Impressions are beautiful.
Jevher is a very good-natured and erudite person, an interesting storyteller.
So we were very pleased with his work.
The wife at first did not really want to go with a stranger, but in the end she admitted that we did not examine all this ourselves in three days, especially with such professional comments.
In general, we recommend it to everyone.
Dimitri and Antonida.
Oh.
26 Sep 2023
Before the start of the tour, it was very exciting how everything will go, I usually do not use the services of a guide.
In this big city, I decided to take a tour to cover all the famous places quickly, without wasting time on my own search for attractions.
The guide made the best impression on me!
I was surprised how well a person learned the Russian language.
Jewher is very attentive, polite, tactful.
As a guide, Jewher is a professional.
The tour was held in one breath, it is easy to listen, despite the large amount of information.
These few days in Istanbul will be remembered for a long time, and one of the memories will remain this excursion.
E
24 Sep 2023
Many thanks for a wonderful tour to our guide Dzhevher!
I liked everything: an interesting story, knowledge of the history of the city, and it was very heartfelt.
We have seen so much for this tour!
On your own, without a guide, you will never have time to see so much!
Jewher also knows cool places for atmospheric photos.
Thank you very much, I loved this city with all my heart in a big way thanks to Jewher.
I recommend!!
My expectations were met by 1000%.
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What did the CALHSC president urge regarding decisions on Hagia Sophia?

Consider both Muslim and Christian voices

It is also important for tour guides to be aware of the UNESCO recommendations for the site's management and restoration, and to provide information to tourists in a respectful and professional manner.

Title:

Content: Events
Entrance to Hagia Sophia will again be paid, but not for everyone
Minister of Culture and Tourism of Turkey Mehmet Nuri Ersoy said that visiting the Ayia Sophia mosque for foreign citizens from January 15 will be paid.
Ersoy, who held a press conference at the Ataturk Cultural Center (AKM), said that according to the first 9 months of tourism, the total number of visitors, which last year amounted to 40.2 million people, increased to 45.2 million at the end of September.
Noting that Ayia Sophia and Sultanahmet Square are included in the UNESCO permanent heritage list, Ersoy said that they listened to the advice and opinions of UNESCO and implemented the decisions on the restoration of the Ayia Sophia Mosque.
Minister Ersoy stressed that from January 15, 2024, they will move to the management plan of the visitors of Agia Sofya on the recommendation of UNESCO, and said:
“In this management plan, the quality of visits and safety will be improved.
Density will be regulated by distributing it along different routes.
Again, our precious mosque will be incorporated into a very ideal ecosystem focused on protecting and promoting the "Common Heritage of Humanity".
According to Ersoy, the entrance for worshippers will remain the same, but the tourist entrance will change, so that these two streams will not change. that information about Hagia Sophia will be provided in 16 languages through an application with a QR code and headphones.
Ersoy added: “From now on, visitors will be able to complete the process by receiving detailed information about the entire history and iconography of Hagia Sophia in a quiet environment without disturbing the faithful. ”
Noting that from January 15, 2024, foreign tourists visiting the mosque will be charged a ticket fee, Ersoy said: “Visits by our Turkish citizens for the purpose of worship will be free as before.
This practice also exists in many countries. "
In general, judging by the words of Ersoy, the Hagia Sophia mosque will partially return to the function of a museum.
The most important question that may concern us now is whether the mosque will become accessible to believers from other countries?
Ersoy said that free entrance will remain only for Turkish citizens, but perhaps here he was simply referring to those who come to the mosque for the purpose of prayer, since it is obvious that the absolute majority of those praying are Turks.
In any case, we hope for this, because if passports are checked at the entrance to the mosque, and the descendants of Bosniaks or Albanians are asked to pay money so that they can pray in the mosque that their ancestors conquered in the army of Sultan Fatih Mehmed, any neo-Ottomanism can be put a bold end to.
Author: Jakub Hadžić
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The conversion of Hagia Sophia into a mosque has also raised concerns about the erosion of secularism and the promotion of religious intolerance, and tour guides must be sensitive to these concerns when addressing questions from tourists.

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

The use of headset guides with QR codes in 23 languages can be an effective way for tour guides to communicate with tourists and provide a more informative experience, while also being respectful of the different cultural and religious backgrounds of the visitors.

Title:

Content: Turkey’s iconic Hagia Sophia mosque to charge $28 entry fee for tourists

Published: Updated:
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Turkey’s Hagia Sophia mosque began charging tourists nearly $28 on Monday for entrance to the landmark site.

The UNESCO World Heritage site, renowned for its blue-tiled interior, will no longer allow free admission to foreigners, the Turkish tourism ministry announced.

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The former museum-turned mosque has a new entrance in front of the Topkapi Palace Museum open for tourists.

Tunnel entrance at Turkey's Hagia Sophia. (File photo)

The Hagia Sophia was a museum space from 1934 until 2020 when Turkey decided to change it to a mosque. Various historical reports say the mosque with byzantine architecture was an Orthodox cathedral decades ago.

“With the new application that will start on January 15 at the Hagia Sophia Mosque, tourists will be able to visit the mosque without disturbing the prayer environment,” the ministry said in a statement.

The entrance to the mosque will be “provided in a controlled manner through the tunnel and entrance ramp where visitors will be transported to the gallery floor and exited via the ramp in the northeast direction,” the statement said.

“Tourists who come to the gallery section will be able to see the sanctuary floor of the mosque and the Ottoman Period annexes, pass through the heaven-hell gate, and examine the Byzantine Period mosaics in this section,” it added.

Security cameras, fire detection and emergency announcement systems were reportedly installed in the mosque along the tour route. Cleaning and conservation work on the marble coverings and wooden railings on the gallery floor of the mosque was also carried out by restorers and conservators.

Visitors will also have access to a headset guide with QR codes where information on the sight is available in 23 languages.

People visit the Hagia Sophia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, in Istanbul, Turkey, July 10, 2020. (Reuters)

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Overall, the conversion of Hagia Sophia into a mosque has significant economic and social implications for local tourism and tour guide businesses, and it is essential to monitor the situation and adapt to the changes.

Tour guides must balance the need to provide accurate historical information with the need to be respectful of different cultural and religious perspectives, and they must be trained to do so in a respectful and sensitive manner.

Title:

Content: Thursday 26 January 2023 Abu Dhabi United Arab Emirates
Prayer times
News Highlights
Today 's Issue
Today 's Issue
A culture
Cultural tourism.
A mirror of civilizational dialogue
Cultural tourism.
A mirror of civilizational dialogue
January 26, 2023 00: 58
Nouf Al Mousa
Reading the concept of cultural tourism raised many fundamental questions about the extent to which people are aware of their personal experiences with the history of various places and civilizations, and how public knowledge spaces, with their museum dimensions, the spontaneity of their popular markets, the extension of their landscape environment, the depth of their literature, music, folkloric songs, and the rhythms of their people ’ s side talks, while wearing their national dress, and the architecture of their old houses. Cultural tourism, in its original essence, is a mirror of the local community in which the world reflects the opportunities to recognize the other, discover difference and diversity, and accept it as richness and aesthetic pluralism, what can be achieved by human beings in different countries of the world. Through it, it builds the possibility of understanding the common, at the level of emotional and sensory creativity, and turning it into a language capable of communication, awareness and development.
No one can visit a new place on the planet without being guided by the keys to its doors and secrets, not only through the artifacts discovered, but in a continuous chain of interaction of each country with its cultural experience throughout history, with all its births and artefacts, up to its current challenges and opportunities, most notably the data of cultural tourism in the age of digital technology.
In the journey of « Cultural Union », to learn about the experience of cultural tourism in the UAE, it was necessary to think about the different paths and support to build an integrated knowledge system, based on optimal human values, which formed a major part of the national strategy of the United Arab Emirates, most notably enhancing the value of multiple society, scientific work to document the material and oral heritage in official forums and organizations, Sustainable infrastructure in its growth, with the continuous expansion of cities, where it is linked by a network of cultural and recreational destinations with its heritage and contemporary dimensions at the level of the country, all pillars that support the tourist presence, and stimulate the development of a clear cultural tourism path, preparing the local community of Emiratis and residents, for community participation in supporting the cultural tourism movement.
Hence the qualitative questions of specialists and field experience on the components of cultural tourism logistics, the impact of the establishment of artistic centers and destinations in Dubai as a model, and how rural communities, being a direct extension of the impact of the natural environment, whether in mountainous, marine, agricultural or desert areas, affect the development of cultural tourism, as a community practice, and have a direct contribution to the GDP of the UAE.
Interactive environments
On thinking about the tourist ’ s path and experience in cultural environments, Nasser Juma bin Sulaiman, a specialist in the management of heritage sites, said that building integrated logistical mechanisms to support cultural tourism projects requires the collective efforts of teams from various local government institutions: “We are talking about roads and streets leading to the cultural destination, as well as car parks, public transport, and guest reception councils. Gradually, you first understand the heritage site, study its historical impact on the region, and look at the opportunities and challenges, especially since we are in the midst of an accelerating world of changes, so the heritage site may seem to many as fixed, but in the cultural experience it is considered variable, that is, at the level of the tourist awareness of the place, everyone sees it differently according to the time of visit. Cultural spaces are interactive living environments, able to communicate with the momentary awareness of the tourist. ”
Dubai has witnessed a remarkable development in the development of cultural sites, such as Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood, Al Shindagha Neighborhood, Museum of the Future, Dubai Opera and other cultural and entertainment destinations.
Nasser Juma bin Sulaiman shows that the tour guide today is the main interface of the narrations of the place and its historical stories, and the bet is on the creative ability of the guide to weave the relationship between the tourist and the place, and promote the concept of cultural experience, not only to give and correct information, but to provide a real sense of these places.
Nasser Jomaa continued: « Attention to strategic partnership with tourism companies, and the training and rehabilitation of tour guides, is the point of the transition that can be achieved in the culture of tourism or culture tourism, both reflect ways of thinking of the contents of awareness of the importance of the human experience in local tourism, you are once you tell the story of the place, and draw hundreds of lives in the imagination of the tourist, you are certainly working to revive ».
Art Tourism
As for the visual artist Khalil Abdul Wahid, the possibility of distinguishing between the concept of “cultural tourism ” and“ art tourism ”, so to speak, explaining that he tends more to consider the arts as a specialized track in the cultural tourism system as a whole, because the arts in the UAE have two main dimensions.
Khalil lists several examples, including Art Dubai, which includes the commercial part, through the acquisition of works of art, and the knowledge part associated with workshops, seminars and artistic discussions, while at the Sharjah Biennial, the focus is clearly on the cognitive dimension and social and cultural awareness through the arts, so that the domestic visitor and the tourist coming to the UAE have different options according to his interests.
Khalil explains that the arts are by nature able to enhance the status of cultural tourism, as they create an interactive situation with places, and indirectly market the cultural dimensions of the city, providing an example of the Guggenheim Museum of Contemporary Art Bilbao, in Spain.
Youth Creations
One of the qualitative experiences regarding cultural tourism in natural rural areas is the “Hatta Cultural Nights ” event, which included cultural, heritage, musical and theatrical events in the Hatta area, which raises questions about the specificity of the natural environment and its impact on the experience of tourists in the UAE. She explained that the event has already turned into a platform to discover the cultural interests of the people of the region, including the remarkable demand for theatrical performances, where the audience asked for the possibility of holding them again in future occasions, which provides them with an important indication of the presence of the cultural act in the Hatta community.
She added that Hatta Cultural Nights contributed to the provision of youth creativity through the participation of volunteers, who expressed their potential and desire to be part of any event that serves their region, thus making cultural tourism an active contributor to the knowledge development of the people of the region in how to manage cultural projects and their mechanism of work.
“Hatta Cultural Nights ” included educational workshops in various cultural, heritage and entertainment disciplines, making the event a space to discover talented people, develop their skills and transfer them to an advanced level, which suggests the role played by cultural tourism in supporting creativity in the artistic, performance, literary and social sectors in local communities.
And how the tourism development plans of the region will establish a sustainable cultural infrastructure, through which the Hatta area will move to be a cultural destination for cultural meetings and activities of the most important community initiatives and events in the creative and cultural sectors.
What we need during this phase is to make the best use of the picturesque nature of the region, and to embed its presence in the cultural experience of those who come to it. What distinguishes Hatta is mainly the mountain overlap with the homes of citizens close to each other, which suggests social intimacy, capable of being a quality experience for the region ’ s explorers coming from different countries of the world.
All rights reserved to Al Ittihad Newspaper 2023 ©

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

Consider both Muslim and Christian voices

The importance of cultural sensitivity and respect for different perspectives cannot be overstated, and tour guides must be trained to prioritize these values in their work.

Title:

Content: Response
Interchange: Our social cohesion must stand the test
Font Size:
I have read the letter of Yao Qiliu, published in Lianhe Zaobao · Exchange Station on March 2, “Is the conflict between Israel and Kazakhstan suitable for guiding students to respect diverse views? ” I agree with Mr. Yao ’ s view that religious beliefs, culture, customs and habits are very subjective emotional sustenance of human beings, and humans can kill each other because of these differences in concepts.
A multicultural, ethnic and religious country, how to properly handle the differences and conflicts of different ideas, is a very serious test for national leaders.
Tolerance to each other is only a slogan shouted together when the contradiction of each other's interests can be balanced.
Once this balance is broken, conflicts between different groups are inevitable in order to protect their interests.
As Mr. Yao said: "Many teachers have their own religious beliefs, they are asked to put their own beliefs aside to teach the curriculum prescribed by the Ministry of Education, if the content and their own beliefs, can they objectively do it?" Not only teachers, politicians face the same problem, they must not only objectively do it, but also let the people feel that they are doing it from the heart.
The peaceful coexistence of the various races and religions in our country is now possible thanks to the effective governance and control of the Government.
However, this is only a surface phenomenon that can be seen now, and whether the cohesion of our society is really so strong has yet to be truly tested when incidents such as the Israeli-Kazakh conflict occur.
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What did the CALHSC president urge regarding decisions on Hagia Sophia?

Consider both Muslim and Christian voices

By being aware of the complex history and cultural significance of Hagia Sophia, as well as the current rules and regulations for visiting the site, tour guides can provide a respectful and informative experience for tourists, while also promoting cross-cultural understanding and respect.