Worshippers at taraweeh prayers inside the Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque in Istanbul, Turkey, on the eve of Ramadan. Getty Images
Worshippers at taraweeh prayers inside the Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque in Istanbul, Turkey, on the eve of Ramadan. Getty Images
It is the first time that the prayers have been performed at the mosque for 88 years. AFP
It is the first time that the prayers have been performed at the mosque for 88 years. AFP
The mosque was built as a Christian cathedral between 532 and 537 AD under Emperor Justinian I and is considered to be the most important Byzantine structure. Getty Images
The mosque was built as a Christian cathedral between 532 and 537 AD under Emperor Justinian I and is considered to be the most important Byzantine structure. Getty Images
It was converted into a mosque by Mehmed II after the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople (now Istanbul) in 1453. Getty Images
It was converted into a mosque by Mehmed II after the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople (now Istanbul) in 1453. Getty Images
In 1931, it was closed to the public for four years and was reopened in 1935 as a museum. Getty Images
In 1931, it was closed to the public for four years and was reopened in 1935 as a museum. Getty Images
It was added to the list of Unesco world heritage sites in 1985. AP Photo
It was added to the list of Unesco world heritage sites in 1985. AP Photo
In June 2020, the Hagia Sophia was converted back into a mosque. Getty Images
In June 2020, the Hagia Sophia was converted back into a mosque. Getty Images
The Covid-19 pandemic prevented the prayers taking place there until now. AP Photo
The Covid-19 pandemic prevented the prayers taking place there until now. AP Photo
Prayers will take place at Hagia Sophia on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays during Ramadan. Getty Images
Prayers will take place at Hagia Sophia on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays during Ramadan. Getty Images
Hagia Sophia is one of Turkey's most popular tourist attractions. Getty Images
Hagia Sophia is one of Turkey's most popular tourist attractions. Getty Images
Worshippers perform taraweeh prayers outside the mosque. Getty Images
Worshippers perform taraweeh prayers outside the mosque. Getty Images
A Ramadan banner hangs from the mosque's minarets. The Turkish inscription reads: 'There are no other gods, only Allah'. Getty Images
A Ramadan banner hangs from the mosque's minarets. The Turkish inscription reads: 'There are no other gods, only Allah'. Getty Images

MENA

Hagia Sophia hosts first taraweeh prayers in 88 years - in pictures

The pandemic has prevented the site from opening its doors to worshippers since it was converted back into a mosque in 2020

The National

April 02, 2022

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Key facilities
  • Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
  • Premier League-standard football pitch
  • 400m Olympic running track
  • NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
  • 600-seat auditorium
  • Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
  • An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
  • Specialist robotics and science laboratories
  • AR and VR-enabled learning centres
  • Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
Updated: April 02, 2022, 7:08 AM
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