Historic Hagia Sophia in a Turkish province to be re-opened as mosque

A ruined Hagia Sophia dating back to the 12th century in the western border province of Edirne will be renovated as a mosque, despite former statements made about the possibility of restoring it as a museum. 

Following the conversion of two Hagia Sophia into museums, which were initially built as churches and then turned into mosques and, subsequently, museums, the third Hagia Sophia in Edirne's Enez district will be reconverted into a mosque, according to Foundations General Director Adnan Ertem, despite previous debates on turning it into a museum after reconstruction. 

Speaking to state-run Anadolu Agency, Ertem said the Edirne Culture Assets Protection Regional Board approved the reconstruction project of the structure, which he called a "mosque" during the interview.

Ertem said the project would start as soon as possible, adding that the Hagia Sophia has been taken into the Foundations General Directorate's investment program.

Explaining why it should be re-opened as a mosque, Erdem said the building was a "sanctuary that was consecrated as a mosque."

"It is a foundation that can be put into service in line with its foundational charter. Thus its function will be preserved," said Ertem. 

Enez's Hagia Sophia is located inside the ancient city of Ainos and although there are no records, it is thought to date back to the 12th century. It is located along the border with Greece and stationed on top of a hill seen from all around. 

The district governor of Enez, Fatih Baysal, said in 2012 the usage of the structure as a mosque or not was a matter to be decided after the renovation. 

"But even if it is used as a museum or a mosque, this place really needs to be [opened]," said Baysal.