Hagia Sophia, Iznik

A Turkish newspaper has published video footage showing fragments of building material falling from inside the dome of Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, raising concern about the integrity of the former Orthodox Christian cathedral and the safety of visitors.

Turkey's Communications Directorate is set to hold two exhibitions in New York next week.

In a statement on Sept. 18, the directorate said that the exhibitions named American Ottomans and The Legends of Hagia Sophia will open doors for art lovers on Sept. 19.

The restoration works being carried out using the most advanced techniques in Istanbul's landmark Hagia Sophia have set a clear example for the world to see a work of exceptional precision, keeping the cultural heritage of different beliefs and civilizations intact, the provincial director of culture and tourism has said.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has reportedly instructed government officials to "do a study" on how to change the status of Hagia Sophia, the Byzantine-era Greek Patriarchal cathedral that was later transformed into an Ottoman mosque before becoming a museum in 1935. 

Imams will recite verses of the Quran in Istanbul's Byzantine-era cathedral Hagia Sophia during Friday's prayers on the anniversary of the city's 1453 conquest by Ottoman troops, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said according to reports Thursday.

Thousands of fanatic muslim Turks gathered outside the Hagia Sophia Church demanding it open for Muslim prayers, Saturday night. The protest, organised by a group calling itself ‘Young of Anatolia’, took place on the day commemorating the fall of Constantinople, which is expected to be celebrated in pompous style by the Erdogan government.

Hundreds of people demanded that the historic Istanbul Hagia Sophia museum be converted into a mosque during a rally in Istanbul on May 24.

People gathered outside Istanbul's Hagia Sophia, in the historical Sultanahmet district, with some carrying signs that read: "Hagia Sophia needs to be reopened as a mosque," and "Let our lives be sacrificed for Islam."

A Muslim cleric has for the first time in 85 years recited the Koran in the Hagia Sophia, the world famous landmark of Istanbul which is now a museum after serving as a church and a mosque, reports said Saturday.