From January 15, 2024, entry to the Istanbul Hagia Sophia Mosque will be paid for foreign tourists. This was reported by the “RIA Novosti” agency with reference to the words of the Minister of Culture and Tourism of Türkiye.
“Visiting Hagia Sophia will become paid for foreign tourists from January 15, 2024. For Turkish citizens visiting the mosque for worship, entry will remain free,” Minister Mehmet Nuri Ersoy said at a briefing broadcast by local media.
The decision to charge entry to the Hagia Sophia Mosque for foreign tourists was made in accordance with UNESCO recommendations. The organization called on Turkish authorities to develop a “visitation management plan” for the mosque.
To avoid confusion, tourists and believers will enter the mosque through different entrances.
As the source notes, information about the cost of the ticket will be distributed closer to January 15.