First taraweeh prayers at Turkey's Hagia Sophia for 88 years - in pictures
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
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
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
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
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
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
