Istanbul's historic Kariye Mosque reopens after 79 years, holds 1st Friday prayers

ISTANBUL

Istanbul's historic Kariye Mosque was used for Friday prayers for the first time in 79 years after it reopened for worship.

After its construction, the building was used as a church for many years before being converted into a mosque during the reign of the Ottoman Empire's Sultan Bayezid II in the 16th century.

It was turned into a museum in 1945 and was placed under the administration of the Museums Directorate in 1948.

With the presidential decree dated Aug. 1, 2020, it became a mosque again.

Following the decision, restoration work began in the mosque and was completed after four years.

* Writing by Alperen Aktas in Istanbul