Entrance to Hagia Sophia mosque in Istanbul to be made paid for tourists: the innovation will take effect on January 15, 2024
This was stated by Turkish Minister of Culture Mehmet Nuri Ersoy.
It is noted that Turkey has received a corresponding recommendation on the management of tourist visitors and believers from UNESCO.
“Thus, in order to improve the convenience and safety of visitors, it is now possible to regulate the number of visitors to Hagia Sophia by dividing them into different routes,” the statement said.
According to the minister, the innovations will not apply to Turkish citizens who come to the mosque for worship: they will remain free of charge. At the same time, tourists will be charged for visiting. Currently, the entrance fee is not announced.
In addition, tourists will have the opportunity to receive audio information about the mosque in 16 languages. A special application will be developed for this purpose.
“Visitors will be able to receive information in 16 languages in a quiet environment without disturbing worshippers by using their cell phone headphones or disposable headphones that we will provide,” the minister said.
