The 2020 conversion of Hagia Sophia into a mosque by Turkish President Erdogan has sparked international criticism as a political move to appeal to religio-nationalism.

The Greek Orthodox Church has criticized the conversion, deeming it ill-advised and harmful to the site's cultural and historical significance.

UNESCO criticized the Hagia Sophia's conversion for being made without consultation.

The Turkish government has implemented separate entrances and fees for worshippers and tourists at the Hagia Sophia.

Tour guides are not allowed in corridors, so earphones will be used to guide tourists.

The Hagia Sophia's mosaics are covered with curtains, as human figures are forbidden in mosques.

The site's Byzantine architecture and historical significance make it a unique cultural site.

Tour guides can address tourist concerns about Hagia Sophia's conversion to a mosque using respectful language.

Tour guides should listen and provide historical context diplomatically.

Tour guides can address tourist concerns by focusing on shared cultural heritage.

Tour guides should avoid taking sides when discussing Hagia Sophia's conversion.

Empathy is key to understanding customer needs, especially when handling sensitive topics like the Hagia Sophia conversion.

Anticipating problems can save trouble, especially when addressing potential controversies.

Clear and respectful communication is crucial to customer satisfaction.

Informing customers of intentions is important, especially when it comes to sites like Hagia Sophia with significant historical and cultural value.

The Turkish government's decision to convert Hagia Sophia into a mosque is seen as undermining its cultural and historical significance.

The site's significance to various religious groups, including Orthodox Christians, must be respected and protected.

Ministries and institutions can provide awareness services and promote activities about the site's cultural and historical significance.

Registers and restoration work can be used to preserve a site's cultural assets and prevent structural failure.

The Hagia Sophia's conversion has raised safety concerns due to falling fragments and a need for restoration to prevent collapse.

Tour guides can balance controversy by focusing on factual information and avoiding sensitive topics.

Tour guides use digital technology, like multilingual headset guides, to provide visitors with accurate information about the Hagia Sophia.

Tour guides can promote respect for the site's cultural and historical significance and encourage considerate behavior.

New regulations may impact how tour guides discuss the Hagia Sophia.

The new regulation, expected by April 2022, may impact non-Muslim cultural institutions.

The Treaty of Lausanne allows non-Muslim communities to manage institutions, potentially influencing tour guides' information about the Hagia Sophia.

Tour guides at Hagia Sophia must provide accurate, unbiased information while promoting respect for the site's cultural and historical significance.

Tour guides can address the complex controversy surrounding Hagia Sophia's conversion by providing factual information and avoiding simplistic language.

Tour guides can create a welcoming environment by using neutral language, acknowledging the complexities surrounding Hagia Sophia's conversion.

Tour guides can respect the Turkish Tourism Minister's priority on prayer at Hagia Sophia by restricting tourist access to prayer areas and using earphones.

Tour guides can emphasize Hagia Sophia's cultural and historical importance, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and that entry fees support preservation.

Entrance fees, to fund cultural assets and preservation, will be implemented for foreign tourists starting January 15.

The new visitor management policy aims to regulate visitor density by distributing them along different routes to address long queues.

UNESCO recommended a visitor management plan to regulate hours and routes for quality and safety.

Hagia Sophia will partially return to being a museum, offering information in 16 languages.

Tourism companies are prohibited from dealing in foreign currency and are monitored for compliance.

Tour guides must use licensed vehicles or risk losing their license.

Tour guides are dissatisfied with the new regulations, objecting to the Chamber's right to withdraw licenses.

The regulations aim to control tourist visits, affecting tour guides.

The conversion of Hagia Sophia into a mosque is seen as a political move by Turkish President Erdogan, despite being a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1985.

There are no guidelines for tour guides discussing sensitive topics like Hagia Sophia's conversion.

The Turkish government has implemented separate entrances and fees for worshippers and tourists at the Hagia Sophia.

Tour guides are not allowed in corridors, so earphones will be used to guide tourists.

UNESCO has recommended a visitor management plan and Turkey has introduced an entrance fee for foreign tourists.

The Turkish Tourism Minister aims to improve coexistence between visitors and worshippers.

The site's conversion into a mosque led to the covering of mosaics of Jesus and Mary with curtains, following Islamic tradition.

The Greek Orthodox Church and others have criticized Turkey's conversion of historical sites like Hagia Sophia and Chora Church into mosques.

Turkey has implemented measures to regulate visitor density at the Hagia Sophia.

Hagia Sophia information will be provided in 16 languages through a QR code application.

Hagia Sophia will partially return to its function as a museum.

The conversion of the Hagia Sophia has sparked controversy, with the Greek Orthodox Church calling it "ill-advised".

Tour guides can address tourists' concerns about Hagia Sophia by focusing on its historical and cultural significance.

Tour guides can emphasize respecting religions and cultures by highlighting unique blends like Hagia Sophia's Byzantine and Ottoman architecture.

Tour guides can stick to verifiable facts, such as Hagia Sophia's transitions from church to mosque to museum and back to mosque.

Tour guides can acknowledge the concerns of different religious groups, saying they respect diverse perspectives on sensitive topics like Hagia Sophia's conversion.

Tour guides should be mindful of their language to avoid offending any religious group.

Tour guides can create a welcoming environment by using neutral language, acknowledging the complexities surrounding Hagia Sophia's conversion.

Tour guides can respect the Turkish Tourism Minister's priority on prayer at Hagia Sophia by restricting tourist access to prayer areas and using earphones.

Tour guides can emphasize Hagia Sophia's cultural and historical importance, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and that entry fees support preservation.

Tour guides can address the complex controversy surrounding Hagia Sophia's conversion by providing factual information and avoiding simplistic language.

Hagia Sophia now has separate entrances for worshippers and visitors, effective January 15.

Worshippers and tourists will have separate entrances, with Turkish citizens entering for free.

Visitors will be required to pay a fee to enter the Hagia Sophia, with the amount to be determined.

Entrance fees, to fund cultural assets and preservation, will be implemented for foreign tourists starting January 15.

The new visitor management policy aims to regulate visitor density by distributing them along different routes to address long queues.

UNESCO recommended a new visitor.

The 2020 conversion of Hagia Sophia into a mosque by Turkish President Erdogan has sparked international criticism as a political move to appeal to religio-nationalism.

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?

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 Greek Orthodox Church has criticized the conversion, deeming it ill-advised and harmful to the site's cultural and historical significance.

How did Muslims and Orthodox Christians react to the reconversion?

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

UNESCO criticized the Hagia Sophia's conversion for being made without consultation.

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 °
Most Read
You might like it, too.
Share your opinion
Do you support calls to boycott some restaurants that have been proven to support the occupation soldiers?
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.
You might like it, too.
Share your comment

What was UNESCO's main complaint about the reconversion?

The Turkish government has implemented separate entrances and fees for worshippers and tourists at the Hagia Sophia.

Tour guides are not allowed in corridors, so earphones will be used to guide tourists.

The Hagia Sophia's mosaics are covered with curtains, as human figures are forbidden in mosques.

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

Sultan Mehmed II converted Hagia Sophia into a mosque,

The site's Byzantine architecture and historical significance make it a unique cultural site.

Title:

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

Published: Updated:
Read Mode
100% Font Size

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’

Erdogan names ex-environment minister as his party’s Istanbul mayor candidate

Top Content Trending

What architectural and artistic features impress visitors to Hagia Sophia?

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

Served as the central church of Byzantine Christianity,

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

repositioned Hagia Sophia as a global cultural landmark.

Why is Hagia Sophia considered an architectural milestone in world history?

It became a landmark of architectural innovation

Tour guides can address tourist concerns about Hagia Sophia's conversion to a mosque using respectful language.

Tour guides should listen and provide historical context diplomatically.

Tour guides can address tourist concerns by focusing on shared cultural heritage.

Tour guides should avoid taking sides when discussing Hagia Sophia's conversion.

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

Consider both Muslim and Christian voices

Empathy is key to understanding customer needs, especially when handling sensitive topics like the Hagia Sophia conversion.

Title:

Content: Alert
Hey, Universal Studios!
Chicken Steak Girl smashed the "80,000 VIP" package out of the box super crazy 3 service: experience capitalism
From NT $4,930
Beating Gao Jiayu … Lin Bingshu reported to the police today to issue a motion “will not only be detained for 17 days ”
The travel agency selected by the company abroad is unknown and expensive? She was shocked after her experience: the winning details are "tour guide and leader"
"There are so many well-known travel agencies, and their prices are not relatively cheap, why choose this one?"
"No matter how the staff travel every year, our colleagues are worried, but we have to ask for a long time, only to hear that this travel agency is small, but the service is very good, I hope to satisfy all the big brothers and sisters."
The words of the members of the Committee were sour, but they did not convince Nana at all, and they muttered in their hearts: "The service items of the travel agency are not like that, how good can they be."
It is not that you should choose a well-known travel agency to be more secure, or choose a cheap price to save your budget.
"But the contract has been signed, and it is useless to say more.
On the day of the staff trip, it was already two months later, and Nana had long forgotten the conversation she had with the Welfare Commission.
Anyway, participating in the staff travel is used to express the centripetal force of the company, in addition, it is also convenient to socialize with colleagues who are not familiar with the ordinary.
How much fun will it be? Nana has no expectations, especially this time it's hot and deadly Thailand.
A group of nearly 40 people arrived in Bangkok, in addition to the leader handling the business, there is a tour guide to introduce the local scenery.
Entrusted by the Welfare Commission, on the way to the city by the tour bus, the tour guide prepared Thai specialty fruits: mangosteen, mandarin, durian, so that everyone's eyes and ears can enter the country first.
In order to make it easier for everyone to pack the fruit peels, the leader specially sent everyone a plastic bag.
Two female colleagues wore a light-colored lower body, and the leader gave one more plastic bag to lining her thighs so that the fruit spray would not dirty the skirt or pants.
"Huh ~ this travel agency is a little different." The leader's intimate little action, let Nana think of the blessing committee's previous good evaluation of this travel agency, she decided to observe carefully, in the case of the same service, in addition to eating well, living well this kind of budget-related things, how can you make the difference?
How can you win a good reputation?
After a day of travel, when I came to the hotel, it was 10: 30 p.m., and I went out to take a plane at 3 or 4 a.m., at which time everyone was tired and paralyzed.
Thinking of this large group of people to check in, can not wait for a while, the legs are so sore Nana, hurry to grab a seat in the hotel lobby sofa area first, this ass just sat down, immediately heard the leader in the hair room card
"Why so fast?" Nana was surprised!
According to past experience, such a large group of people check in, fast is 20 minutes, slow is more than 30 minutes is not too much.
While delivering the room card to Nana, the leader explained to her: "I want to help everyone go out in the early morning, and walk the day's trip, it should be very tired."
In order to let everyone into the room early to rest, as soon as the last trip was over, I separated from the tour guide, and he stayed at the scene to gather everyone, and I rushed to the hotel to check in first. 」
Such a person first to the hotel to check in, in a country that is not very remote and inconvenient to transport, it should not be too difficult, but few people do.
Nana, who has always been picky, walked happily to the door after unexpectedly quickly getting the room card.
The next day, from Bangkok to Hua Hin, the tour guide and tour leader chose a rest stop at a relay point for everyone to make a stop.
"Want to go to the toilet conveniently, the mouth to buy food, backache to move bones."
The guide jokingly said, but also special reminder: "This rest station toilet does not have street paper, everyone should bring it themselves."
However, don ’ t worry if you don ’ t have toilet paper. The leader has prepared a box next to the door, so you can take it by yourself. ”
Nana said in her heart: "Good to have a reminder in the tour guide, the leader is prepared."
Because she doesn ’ t have a toilet paper on her.
Otherwise, go to the toilet in the middle, only to find that there is no toilet paper, can be embarrassed.
This trivial little thing, let Nana give this travel agency a lot of points.
Everyone just got in the car, and the tour guide suddenly asked around: "Who has clothes in the balcony?"
It turns out that there are signs of drizzle in the area of the hotel. In order to avoid drizzle, the guide asked the hotel staff to help collect the clothes.
As a result, there are many people who have dirty clothes and drying clothes. Thanks to this initiative, everyone has clean and dry clothes to replace the next day.
The next afternoon, at the end of the trip to the water market, everyone's cheeks were red.
However, everyone is very much looking forward to the next attraction, that is, dinner at the famous online restaurant, which is famous for its delicious and good photos.
"I'll start with the statistics, wait a minute, who wants to drink Thai milk tea? Who wants to drink lemon black tea?"
It ’ s 20 minutes away from the glass house restaurant, so what are you doing so early?
The leader explained: “Whether it ’ s Thai milk tea or lemon black tea, it ’ s a cup of ready-to-drink.
We are a group of nearly 40 people, if you arrive at the restaurant and then do the statistics, I am afraid you will have to wait a long time.
We are now counting to inform the restaurant first, so that the restaurant can prepare early.
Sure enough, not long after entering the restaurant, a glass of cold and cool Thai style drinks is immediately presented, which is really the best way to eliminate the heat!
On this trip, the committee received almost no complaints, including Nana, who has always had a strong opinion on everything.
Does this travel agency do anything remarkable or offer anything special?
In fact, there is no.
The reason why we can buy the hearts of customers and win a good reputation is that we have mastered three principles.
First, change thinking, empathy
When you treat yourself as a leader and a tour guide, you will naturally see things from the perspective of the leader and the tour guide.
The leader and tour guide are not nannies, and everyone is not a baby, how to deal with the fruit peel still need to teach?
Do you need someone else to open the toilet paper? It is not too much to think so.
But if I think of myself as a tour member, I do not know beforehand that I want to eat fruit in the tour bus, where will there be a bag containing fruit peels.
Besides, Bangkok is at least an international metropolis, who would have guessed that there are toilets without toilet paper?
That's right, too.
If you can translate yourself into the position of the service object to think, it is easy to know the needs of the other party, and then provide the appropriate service.
Second, do not be afraid of trouble, many things can be less.
It is understandable that there are so many locked things to deal with outside the band, and the mentality of having fewer troubles is of course understandable.
However, don ’ t be afraid of trouble and you can save yourself unnecessary trouble.
Milk tea, black tea to the restaurant to let guests and service students point, why do you need to statistics in advance?
Leaving aside the pleasure of a refreshing drink as soon as guests enter the door, if it is too time-consuming to make a large number of drinks, delay the meal time, delay the trip, and finally work hard or lead the tunnel and tour guide.
Let the drizzle wet the clothes that the guests want to dry. If the guests do not have suitable clothes to replace, the object of his help is in addition to the leader or the tour guide.
Instead of breaking the net after the incident, it is better to prepare enough in advance and win more goodwill from the guests.
Third, be careful to let everyone know.
The average person will not connect with your heart, what you do and imagine, said the other party will know.
If the manager did not inform the guests, she rushed to the hotel to check in beforehand, I am afraid that everyone will mistake the hotel for its efficiency.
If you only ask what you want to drink in the car, and do not explain the consumption of beverage production, you need to arrange in advance to enjoy the first time in the restaurant, I am afraid that you will not notice that this entry comes from a special intention.
There are not many great inventions in this process, but small things that are inconspicuous.
In this red sea market where everything pays attention to CP value and the price is killing the eye, if you do not want to cut prices, you can only win by service.
It is not difficult to start, just to stay focused.
But that is, the accumulation of these small things, bring customers a very different feeling, and then make a difference.
[1] This article has been authorized by the Philippine female wolf, the original source is here; it is forbidden to use and reprint without consent.
Travel Guide Toilet Paper Milk Tea Plastic Bag Thai Restaurant
Extended reading
No spices can be given to passengers! Taxi Driver: Get more
Buy 00929 Monthly Dividend or Triple Season Matching Package?
There are 4 reasons for this: Adults need it all!
0056 Average monthly deposit 15K 10 years... at least one year interest 180,000!
Expert: After that, you can generate compound interest with 15,000 dividends per month
CITIC Gold (2891) is too big to fail and long-term profitability is stable!
Expert: Get this “secret ” to cheap stocks
Related News
From NT $4,930
China Airlines (2610) is the first to appear at the ITF Online Travel Show 2023 today (6).
Take a trip to Southeast Asia to relieve stress, experience authentic American Halloween events, or...
The travel agency selected by the company abroad is unknown and expensive? She was shocked after her experience: the winning details are "tour guide and leader"
"There are so many well-known travel agencies, and their prices are not cheaper, why choose this one?"
Department store anniversary is a good start
Known as the "department store anniversary celebration wind to the ball", the anniversary of Xinguang San Vietnam West shop opened yesterday (5), strong buying momentum, the first day of the crowd is expected to exceed 100,000 people, a single day of sales estimated more than 500 million...
The airline will fly three times a week to Chiang Mai from January 18 next year.
Star Air (2646) announced today (5) that it will open a direct flight between Taipei and Chiang Mai on January 18 next year, with three round-trip flights a week, providing more convenient flight for travelers to northern Thailand.
Interview with Uber Taiwan General Manager / Reverse consumer car calling and delivery habits!
"Deal to the user must be ordered"
Uber has undergone two major changes in response to its policies in Taiwan in the past 10 years, promoting the leaping growth of diversified taxis, and Uber One has contributed to Taiwan ’ s total order share is the first in the world.
"World" exclusive interview with Uber Taiwan General Manager Yang Lida, to explain the success of the membership system and how Uber has captured the "heart rate" of consumers.
Wealth Management Forum will be held on November 1, 2018. Mr. Siu Jingliang, Vice President of Evergreen Securities: The explosive demand for family offices
The relationship between the United States and China is complex, and Taiwan is in the core of the geopolitical risk circle, where investors should go, Xiao Jingliang, vice president of Yongfeng Securities, said yesterday (5) that he observed the floating of high-asset customers.
Product recommendation
udn Forum

Anticipating problems can save trouble, especially when addressing potential controversies.

Clear and respectful communication is crucial to customer satisfaction.

Informing customers of intentions is important, especially when it comes to sites like Hagia Sophia with significant historical and cultural value.

The Turkish government's decision to convert Hagia Sophia into a mosque is seen as undermining its cultural and historical significance.

How did the Greek prime minister describe the reconversion in May 2024?

An act that belittles Istanbul's history

The site's significance to various religious groups, including Orthodox Christians, must be respected and protected.

Title:

Content: News » Government News
Tourism: The increasing number of visitors to the Byzantine Church
07 December 2022 12: 05
Gaza - Opinion:
Undersecretary of the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities Mohammed Khleh said that the increase in visitors to the Byzantine Church from university students, institutes, educational schools, community initiatives and foreign delegations with an average of two thousand visitors per month is a positive indicator of the awareness of the Palestinian society of its civilization and heritage.
He pointed out that the ministry is harnessing its capabilities to provide the best awareness services to visitors that clarify the patterns and development of civilization and life prevailing in Palestine over various periods of time, stressing that guidance enhances the role of religious tolerance has lived with the church and continued to perform its functions until the Abbasid Islamic era.
He explained that the ministry seeks in partnership with civil and local institutions to promote extracurricular and media activities for the public of citizens and spread knowledge of the historical monuments and landmarks in Palestine.
The Undersecretary stressed his keenness to develop the tourism and archaeological sector and contribute with partners in the continuity of archaeological exploration, maintenance and restoration of national holdings, as well as the completion of the project of registering all archaeological finds in the National Register to preserve and prepare an identification certificate for each archaeological piece and supervise museums and private collections.
- Uh, stuff.
Post via
Opinion Poll
Voting in progress...
What do you think of the measures taken by the government agencies in Gaza in the face of the Coronavirus pandemic?

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

Consider both Muslim and Christian voices

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

Served as the central church of Byzantine Christianity,

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

Ministries and institutions can provide awareness services and promote activities about the site's cultural and historical significance.

Registers and restoration work can be used to preserve a site's cultural assets and prevent structural failure.

Title:

Content: News » Government News
Tourism: The increasing number of visitors to the Byzantine Church
07 December 2022 12: 05
Gaza - Opinion:
Undersecretary of the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities Mohammed Khleh said that the increase in visitors to the Byzantine Church from university students, institutes, educational schools, community initiatives and foreign delegations with an average of two thousand visitors per month is a positive indicator of the awareness of the Palestinian society of its civilization and heritage.
He pointed out that the ministry is harnessing its capabilities to provide the best awareness services to visitors that clarify the patterns and development of civilization and life prevailing in Palestine over various periods of time, stressing that guidance enhances the role of religious tolerance has lived with the church and continued to perform its functions until the Abbasid Islamic era.
He explained that the ministry seeks in partnership with civil and local institutions to promote extracurricular and media activities for the public of citizens and spread knowledge of the historical monuments and landmarks in Palestine.
The Undersecretary stressed his keenness to develop the tourism and archaeological sector and contribute with partners in the continuity of archaeological exploration, maintenance and restoration of national holdings, as well as the completion of the project of registering all archaeological finds in the National Register to preserve and prepare an identification certificate for each archaeological piece and supervise museums and private collections.
- Uh, stuff.
Post via
Opinion Poll
Voting in progress...
What do you think of the measures taken by the government agencies in Gaza in the face of the Coronavirus pandemic?

The Hagia Sophia's conversion has raised safety concerns due to falling fragments and a need for restoration to prevent collapse.

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.

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

Share.

Tour guides can balance controversy by focusing on factual information and avoiding sensitive topics.

Title:

Content: Olivia Caputo’s Luxe Escape to Malta! Plus! Her Weekend In Istanbul

by The Daily Front Row

Influencer and model Olivia Caputo visited Malta recently and writes in with highlights from her Mediterranean adventure!

Interested in time traveling? Have a preference for the finer things in life? Look no further than Malta for your next luxury trip. I have never experienced a trip like this, and by the end of this travel diary I hope you’ll have added Malta to your bucket list. Malta is a small Mediterranean island nation 60 miles south of Sicily with a fascinating history. You’ll be transported instantly to medieval times as you walk through its fortified cities – but don’t worry – you won’t need to compromise on luxury just because you are visiting sites dating back to the 18th century.

I began my trip by being spoiled on Turkish Airlines. There aren’t any direct flights to Malta from New York, so we connected in Istanbul. After experiencing the true treat that is Turkish Airlines Business Class, I wouldn’t mind an even longer flight with them in future. The service was impeccable, and the food was delicious. Put it this way: I would be a regular at a Turkish Airlines restaurant if they had one!

I spent my first three nights in central Malta at the Corinthia Palace. The Corinthia Palace is exactly what you would expect from a palace. It’s clean, comfortable, and secure, with luxury touches in every corner and the hotel has a rich history. In 1962, it opened as a restaurant in a restored, centuries-old villa. A few years later, the hotel was added as an extension to the villa and more recently, the Athenaeum Spa was added. I spent my first morning in Malta unwinding at the spa after the long flight, and it was everything my body needed. I spent time in the private Vitality Suite before my massage treatment. The Vitality Suite is a true oasis equipped with a sauna, steam room, showers, a heated pool, and more, to prepare you for your treatment. It’s the key to recovering from jet lag, if you ask me.

One of my favorite activities in Malta was taking daily walking tours around the island’s old fortified cities and learning about their history. As soon as I met my guide, Clive Cortis of Malta Private Tour, I knew I was in good hands. Clive’s extensive knowledge painted a perfect picture of Maltese history.

On the main island of Malta, the two must-see cities are Mdina and Valletta. Mdina, the old capital city of Malta and now nicknamed the “Silent City,” sits strategically atop a hill and is hard to miss. I immediately noticed the city when driving through the countryside on my first day. When walking the narrow winding streets of Mdina, the quietness of the “Silent City” helps you to imagine what it was really like to once live there. There is something truly mystical about being in a fortress with panoramic views of the island.

Valletta, the capital city, is quite a bit livelier than Mdina. Valletta was founded in 1566 and sits on a peninsula between two natural harbors and it’s filled with historical landmarks including St. John’s Co-Cathedral, The Saluting Battery, and stunning views of the Grand Harbor. There are also many restaurants, cafes, and bars where you can try some traditional Maltese dishes like pastizzi or lampuki.

After my stay at the Corinthia, I spent a couple of nights in the Malta Marriott Hotel and Spa. The Marriott is in a great location to explore more of Malta. The hotel sits on St. Julian’s Peninsula, which is very close to Valletta.

My first order of business while staying in this area was visiting two of the most esteemed designers in Malta. The Charles & Ron Café is an absolute must-visit for fashion enthusiasts. You can enjoy a decadent breakfast with a view of the latest Charles & Ron runway collection displayed on the wall in front of you. Charles & Ron creates beautiful pieces with bold colors and structures, designed to make you stand out in a crowd. You can expect to see one of their upcoming collections at NYFW soon, COVID restrictions permitting.

Speaking of delicious food, the food and wine scene in Malta is exquisite. Many restaurants source local ingredients and the quality shows. My favorite culinary experience of the trip was at Taste History. It’s an opportunity to quite literally taste history. Curators and chefs come together to analyze artifacts, paintings, and documents, and then recreate recipes from the 18th century in Malta. At Taste History, I indulged in local mussels, charred octopus, a spicy lamb dish with eggplant and local sheep’s milk yogurt, and coffee flavored sorbet. The sorbet the most interesting dish because we’re talking about a recipe from a time when Malta had no refrigeration or ice. How was this possible? They would take a special boat to Sicily and get ice from Mount Etna and add salt to keep the ice frozen on the journey back to Malta. Then they mixed brewed coffee, vanilla, and sugar, with the ice to create a sorbet. It was comparable to what we know now as shaved ice, but fascinating that in the 18th century, the industrious Maltese were able to create this refreshing frozen dessert. Taste History was easily the most interesting culinary experience of my life.

Finally, I traveled to Gozo, a smaller island off Malta’s northwest coast. Gozo is just a short ferry ride away, but it feels like a remote island getaway. It’s much smaller than the main island and has a slower pace. Don’t miss a visit to see the view from the Mixta Cave, located on the eastern side of Ramla Bay. This may have been my favorite view in all of Gozo. After taking a walk down an unassuming path, the cave opens up to breathtaking views of the Ramla Il-Hamra Beach. Gorgeous!

I only spent one night in Gozo and to make the most of it, I stayed at the Kempinski Hotel San Lawrenz, a tranquil hideaway near the coast. The service at the Kempinski was impeccable—the staff really goes above and beyond to ensure you have a relaxing, comfortable stay. The hotel is located in close proximity to Goza’s must-see landmarks like the iconic Dwejra Bay and Mixta Cave. Needless to say, visiting this little Mediterranean island was an absolute dream. I can’t wait to go back and experience the wonder that is Malta all over again.

Olivia’s Weekend in Istanbul

I flew Turkish Airlines from Malta back to New York City and since there are no direct flights, I made a stop in Istanbul and decided to stay the weekend. I had never been to Turkey before and it sure was a Turkish delight.

With such a short stay, I had to make sure I covered the most important things to see. Once I landed, I went straight out to see the sights. I didn’t even check into my hotel. My first stop was the Galata Tower; a medieval stone tower with panoramic views of Istanbul. I’d highly suggest getting tickets to visit the very top to see the breathtaking views at sunset.

After my visit to the Galata Tower, I checked into my hotel, the Hilton Istanbul Bosphorus, which ended up being the perfect location. Despite the crazy traffic in Istanbul, I was never a long drive from the places I wanted to visit.

When I got to my room and walked out to see the view from my eight floor balcony, I was surprised to see I was far above the clouds. The clouds were sitting just below my balcony—it was crazy! I didn’t end up seeing the complete view from my balcony until the next morning when the clouds and fog had cleared, but the view of the Bosphorus was just the most beautiful sight to wake up to.

On my second day, which was my only full day, I had a jam-packed itinerary. The first half of the day was my favorite of the whole trip. We started the day at the Topkapi Palace Museum and it was more amazing than I could have anticipated. During the 15th and 16th centuries, the Topkapi Palace served as the main residence to all of the Ottoman sultans. Today, it still has all the wonder of an ancient palace, but has been transformed into a museum. You can see what the palace looked like when it was a residence, and you can walk into another room and see ancient religious artifacts, like Moses’ staff or Joseph’s turban.

Our next stop was Holy Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque. Hagia Sophia was built in the 6th century as a Christian church and has been through many changes since then. In subsequent centuries, Hagia Sophia became a mosque, a museum, and then a mosque once again, which it remains today. I felt so small inside those walls. It’s absolutely enormous and just beautiful inside.

The rest of the afternoon was spent visiting art exhibit after art exhibit. Any time I have ever thought of Istanbul, I had never thought of the art scene but let me tell you… it’s taking over. We visited Istanbul Modern, the Istanbul Cinema Museum, and the Atatürk Cultural Center, better known as AKM.

Each of these art exhibits displayed the work of artists not only local to Istanbul, but across the globe. If you are an art aficionado, you must check out the exhibits Istanbul has to offer.

Two nights in Istanbul simply was not enough time—but I am grateful I got a taste of the culture and can’t wait to go back!

Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on Facebook and Instagram to stay up to date on all the latest fashion news and juicy industry gossip.

You may also like

X
Skimlinks Test

Tour guides use digital technology, like multilingual headset guides, to provide visitors with accurate information about the Hagia Sophia.

Tour guides can promote respect for the site's cultural and historical significance and encourage considerate behavior.

Title:

Content: Echoes of Constantinople: Hagia Sophia, Hippodrome Square, Basilica Cistern
Immerse yourself in the history of the centuries-old city on excursions to its main places
For a couple of hours we will leave Istanbul to be in ancient Constantinople.
This is a journey not in space, but in time: I will take you to those places that remember the glory of the Byzantine Empire.
The first thing to see is, of course, Hagia Sophia – a unique temple with an incredible history.
Then we will visit the Hippodrome Square and finish the walk down to the dungeon.
5
2 reviews
Upcoming dates:
Start time: 09: 00, 09: 30, 10: 00, 10: 30, 11: 00, 11: 30, 12: 00, 12: 30, 13: 00, 13: 30, 14: 00, 14: 30, 15: 30, 16: 00, 16: 30, 17: 00, 17: 30, 18: 00, 18: 30, 19: 00, 19: 30, 20: 00
Description of the excursion
What awaits you
This tour will open the doors to the past of the great Constantinople.
Let ’ s start with Hagia Sophia, where you will learn about its transformation from a Christian cathedral into a mosque, into a museum and again into a mosque.
And enjoy the scale and beauty of the building.
Then we will move to the Hippodrome Square, where the Byzantines once had fun, and explore the Egyptian obelisk, which is already 3,500 years old!
The last stop will be the Basilica Cistern, the largest Roman reservoir in Europe.
I will tell you how the city ’ s water supply system functioned.
And you can make spectacular pictures - even the dungeons in those days were beautifully decorated.
Organizational details
• To enter the mosque, you must cover your head with a handkerchief and be in closed clothes
• Additional entrance fees to the Basilica Cistern – 800 lire / person and to Hagia Sophia – 27 €/ person.
Choose a convenient date from the schedule
Choose date
Answers to questions
Place of start and end?
On Hippodrome Square
When and how long does it last?
When: Choose a convenient date from the schedule
The tour lasts about 2.5 hours
Book in advance, at least 3 hours in advance
Who else will be with me?
This is an individual tour, all the attention will be for you and your company.
Group size no more than 5 people.
Do I have to pay everything at once?
No, you do not need to pay immediately - it is enough to pay 22% 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 ask a question to the organizer
Can I ask a question before booking?
Of course, the guide will be happy to answer your questions.
Just go to this form and ask your question.
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
5
Based on 2 reviews
Write a review can only tourists who attended the event
5
2
4
3
2
1
May 15, 2024
The most enthusiastic reviews and impressions of excursions conducted by Islam!!!
Great Russian language, the most interesting presentation of the city!
With a lot of historical facts, questions and answers to them!
In a casual way about the most important thing: c
read more
photo fixation, not in a hurry, while doing everything in time.
We are very grateful to this guide and definitely recommend it!
On the street is very noisy and a lot of tourists, to walk in groups of 10 and especially 15 people I find very inconvenient.
Shouting your questions through the crowd will bring little pleasure, dialogue I think will not work out.
Ask for an individual guide is the best gift you can give yourself!!!
Islam, thank you very much!!!
A
May 15, 2024
We were on a tour with a group of 5 people.
We liked Islam as a guide, an interesting interlocutor and a comprehensively developed person.
He answered all the questions, helped to orient himself in the city, gave the necessary recommendations.
The tour made an unforgettable impression, I highly recommend to visit!
Similar excursions from Istanbul
Gruppovaya
2.5 hours
60 reviews
Popular offer
Istanbul ’ s Historic Centre: A Journey into the Past
Immerse yourself in Istanbul ’ s unique atmosphere by exploring its iconic locations with a professional guide
Start: On Sultanahmet Square
Opening hours: daily at 15: 30
Today at 15: 30
Tomorrow at 15: 30
40 per person
discount
15%
Individually
2.5 hours
172 reviews
Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque and Basilica Cistern: A Journey to the Heart of Istanbul
Discover the heart of Istanbul with an exclusive tour of Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque and the Basilica Cistern
Beginning: In the old town at the entrance of St. Sophia
June 11 at 14: 30
June 12 at 09: 30
179153 for all up to 4 people.
Individually
4 hours
217 reviews
Private Tour: First Steps in Istanbul
Immerse yourself in the history of Istanbul: from the Blue Mosque to Topkapi.
Discover the secrets of ancient empires and the modern spirit of the city
Start: Near Sultanahmet Square
June 20 at 09: 00
June 22 at 09: 00
193 for all up to 5 people.
We have many more excursions in Istanbul.
Go to the catalog and choose the one that suits you
All tours in Istanbul
GoodThere

New regulations may impact how tour guides discuss the Hagia Sophia.

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.

Newsletter
Get the latest from La Croix International. Sign up to receive our daily newsletter.
SUPPORT LA CROIX INTERNATIONAL’S COMMUNITY OF READERS
Support La Croix International's unique blend of international Catholic journalism by making it available to people in Asia and Africa who can't afford a subscription and often don't have credit cards to pay for it either.

DONATE NOW
| Catholic Digest | UCAN | Living in faith | La Croix Africa | La Croix español

The new regulation, expected by April 2022, may impact non-Muslim cultural institutions.

The Treaty of Lausanne allows non-Muslim communities to manage institutions, potentially influencing tour guides' information about the Hagia Sophia.

Tour guides at Hagia Sophia must provide accurate, unbiased information while promoting respect for the site's cultural and historical significance.

Tour guides can address the complex controversy surrounding Hagia Sophia's conversion by providing factual information and avoiding simplistic language.

Tour guides can create a welcoming environment by using neutral language, acknowledging the complexities surrounding Hagia Sophia's conversion.

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

Consider both Muslim and Christian voices

Tour guides can respect the Turkish Tourism Minister's priority on prayer at Hagia Sophia by restricting tourist access to prayer areas and using earphones.

Tour guides can emphasize Hagia Sophia's cultural and historical importance, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and that entry fees support preservation.

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

repositioned Hagia Sophia as a global cultural landmark.

Entrance fees, to fund cultural assets and preservation, will be implemented for foreign tourists starting January 15.

The new visitor management policy aims to regulate visitor density by distributing them along different routes to address long queues.

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
subscribe to the channel

UNESCO recommended a visitor management plan to regulate hours and routes for quality and safety.

Hagia Sophia will partially return to being a museum, offering information in 16 languages.

Tourism companies are prohibited from dealing in foreign currency and are monitored for compliance.

Title:

Content: General Supervision
Elham Aboul Fath
Editor-in-Chief
Thank you for your patience.
General Supervision
Elham Aboul Fath
Editor-in-Chief
Thank you for your patience.
New laws and regulations.
The most important of which is preventing tourism companies from dealing with customers in foreign currency.
Inspection committees were launched on a number of tourism companies, after the decision to prevent tourism companies from dealing with customers in foreign currency, and this committee consists of 5 different bodies headed by the Ministry of Tourism.
Banning foreign currency from tourism companies
In particular, the inspection of companies is about dealing with all customers in Egyptian pounds only, and not dealing in foreign currency, pointing out that those with foreign currency of customers should go to exchange them from banks, and then deal in Egyptian pounds with the company to be dealt with by tourism companies.
Penalty for tourism companies
The SAI issued controls to refrain violators from this decision in a controlled manner, namely that those who violate the instructions or this decision from the tourism companies will be punished by the withdrawal and suspension of the license of the violating company.
This decision angered many owners of tourism companies in general, and some commented on this decision through their pages on social networking sites, that this decision will disrupt the provision of services to tourists quickly if the Egyptian currency is not provided with them, and this reduces the quality of service provided to the tourist.
In that regard, Magdi Sadek, a member of the Chamber of Tourism Companies, said that this decision is considered at all, and I object to this decision personally, because it is difficult to prevent tourism companies from dealing in foreign currencies with foreign customers, because the license of tourism companies basically allows them to deal in foreign currencies, and I do not know who issued this decision, and the Chamber of Tourism Companies sent the publication to the companies.
Sadiq said in statements to "Sada al-Balad" that this decision actually disrupts the provision of services to tourists quickly, for example if the tourism company brought a tourist from the airport in the evening, and asked this tourist to go on a trip to Hussein and have an evening dinner in Islamic Cairo, how do I deal with him and he has a foreign currency only, and in case the banks are closed in the evening, and this also shows tourists that the government has no confidence In tourism companies, how can a tourist trust us?
He added that the law allows tourism companies to deal in foreign currencies with non-Egyptians, so how can this decision be issued, as Law No. 38 of the establishment of tourism companies gives the right to companies to deal with foreign currencies, and licensed by Egypt Tourism Company explicitly, the right to deal in foreign currencies, and its commercial register as well, and licensed by public tourism, and this applies to all companies in general.
He concluded that tourism companies are not currency traders, and the tourism sector is the main source of attracting the dollar to Egypt, and we are targeting 30 million tourists per year, so how do we reach this figure in light of those decisions that hinder the tourism sector in general, we must work to develop the tourism sector.
New Regulations for Tourist Guides
Earlier, the letter sent by Osama Amara, Secretary General of the Chamber of Tourism Companies to the Tourist Guides Syndicate, which carries new regulations for guides during the implementation of tourist visit programs to tourist and archaeological areas, sparked a state of dissatisfaction within the Guide Syndicate.
The regulations included the failure of the tour guide to deal with local microbuses, and the commitment to deal with licensed vehicles only, otherwise the license of the tour guide will be withdrawn in case of violation, which caused controversy within the Tourist Guide Syndicate, because the Chamber of Tourism Companies does not have the right to withdraw the license of the tour guide.
The branch union of tourist guides in Sinai sent a letter to Ahmed Issa, Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, objecting to what happened from the Chamber of Tourism Companies, and demanding an official apology from the Chamber of Tourism Companies to the tour guides.

Tour guides must use licensed vehicles or risk losing their license.

Tour guides are dissatisfied with the new regulations, objecting to the Chamber's right to withdraw licenses.

The regulations aim to control tourist visits, affecting tour guides.

The conversion of Hagia Sophia into a mosque is seen as a political move by Turkish President Erdogan, despite being a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1985.

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.

There are no guidelines for tour guides discussing sensitive topics like Hagia Sophia's conversion.

The Turkish government has implemented separate entrances and fees for worshippers and tourists at the Hagia Sophia.

Tour guides are not allowed in corridors, so earphones will be used to guide tourists.

UNESCO has recommended a visitor management plan and Turkey has introduced an entrance fee for foreign tourists.

The Turkish Tourism Minister aims to improve coexistence between visitors and worshippers.

The site's conversion into a mosque led to the covering of mosaics of Jesus and Mary with curtains, following Islamic tradition.

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,

The Greek Orthodox Church and others have criticized Turkey's conversion of historical sites like Hagia Sophia and Chora Church into mosques.

How did Muslims and Orthodox Christians react to the reconversion?

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

Sultan Mehmed II converted Hagia Sophia into a mosque,

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

Turkey has implemented measures to regulate visitor density at the Hagia Sophia.

Hagia Sophia information will be provided in 16 languages through a QR code application.

Hagia Sophia will partially return to its function as a museum.

The conversion of the Hagia Sophia has sparked controversy, with the Greek Orthodox Church calling it "ill-advised".

How did Muslims and Orthodox Christians react to the reconversion?

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

Tour guides can address tourists' concerns about Hagia Sophia by focusing on its historical and cultural significance.

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

repositioned Hagia Sophia as a global cultural landmark.

Tour guides can emphasize respecting religions and cultures by highlighting unique blends like Hagia Sophia's Byzantine and Ottoman architecture.

Tour guides can stick to verifiable facts, such as Hagia Sophia's transitions from church to mosque to museum and back to mosque.

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,

Tour guides can acknowledge the concerns of different religious groups, saying they respect diverse perspectives on sensitive topics like Hagia Sophia's conversion.

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

Consider both Muslim and Christian voices

Tour guides should be mindful of their language to avoid offending any religious group.

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

Consider both Muslim and Christian voices

Tour guides can create a welcoming environment by using neutral language, acknowledging the complexities surrounding Hagia Sophia's conversion.

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

Consider both Muslim and Christian voices

Tour guides can respect the Turkish Tourism Minister's priority on prayer at Hagia Sophia by restricting tourist access to prayer areas and using earphones.

Tour guides can emphasize Hagia Sophia's cultural and historical importance, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and that entry fees support preservation.

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

repositioned Hagia Sophia as a global cultural landmark.

Tour guides can address the complex controversy surrounding Hagia Sophia's conversion by providing factual information and avoiding simplistic language.

Hagia Sophia now has separate entrances for worshippers and visitors, effective January 15.

Worshippers and tourists will have separate entrances, with Turkish citizens entering for free.

Visitors will be required to pay a fee to enter the Hagia Sophia, with the amount to be determined.

Entrance fees, to fund cultural assets and preservation, will be implemented for foreign tourists starting January 15.

The new visitor management policy aims to regulate visitor density by distributing them along different routes to address long queues.

UNESCO recommended a new visitor.

UNESCO recommended a new visitor.

UNESCO recommended a new visitor.