Istanbul

In Istanbul during Eid? Istanbul Modern is open over the weekend

Istanbul Modern has announced that it will remain open over the weekend and therefore during the second and third days of Eid, on August 1 and 2. It offers three separate exhibitions that can be visited with coronavirus precautions in place.

First prayers held in Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque after 86-year hiatus

Some 350,000 people have attended Friday prayer in Istanbul's iconic mosque after a Turkish court annulled a 1934 Council of State decree that had turned Hagia Sophia into a museum, paving the way for its use again as a mosque.

Hagia Sophia Friday prayer: full transcript of the sermon

This is the full transcript of the first Friday prayer sermon since the Hagia Sophia’s restoration to a mosque.

How the Ottoman architect Sinan helped Hagia Sophia survive for centuries

Mimar Sinan, an undisputedly greatest architect of the Ottoman era, constructed supporting blocks and minarets around Hagia Sophia in the 16th century, reinforcing its dome and increasing its longevity.

Muslims perform first Friday prayer at Hagia Sophia mosque in 86 years

A fortnight ago a Turkish court ruled that the 1934 decree converting the historic site into a museum was not legal, paving the way for its restoration as a mosque.

Little-known facts about the Hagia Sophia

Some marbles carry the writings of the Vikings, some doors carry the weight of jaw-dropping myths. The great Hagia Sophia houses many secrets within its magnificent walls. Here are some.

Hagia Sophia masterpiece mosaics to be preserved

Turkey's presidential spokesperson has said the art, artefacts and architecture of the historic building will not be damaged. A Turkish court annulled a 1934 decree to restore Hagia Sophia's status as a mosque, with the first prayers set for July 24.

A Golden Horn museum offers a window into the Istanbul of yesteryear

The Rahmi M Koc Museum, Turkey’s first and only industrial museum, has reopened after lockdown, meaning visitors can once again see classic cars, planes, and more. They can also take a trip down the Golden Horn on a restored fishing boat.

The law, and origin story of Istanbul’s iconic Hagia Sophia

A landmark ruling has reversed a previous decision preventing worship in the Hagia Sophia after its conversion into a museum in 1934.

In photos: The works of Ara Guler to be auctioned in Istanbul

An auction, organised by Istanbul Muzayede, will take place online at 8pm Turkish time on July 12, 2020. The job lot will comprise forty six prints of the legendary photojournalist, who died in 2018 at the age of 90.

The Serefiye Cistern, built by an emperor, awaits curious masses

The Serefiye Cistern reopens on July 1, 2020 after months of being closed because of the pandemic.

Journalist Khashoggi's fiancee hopes for justice in Turkey trial

Jamal Khashoggi's fiancee hopes the trial will shed light on the whereabouts of his body, which was never found.