Why Did Turkey’s Erdogan Convert Hagia Sophia Into a Mosque?

Opinion Worshippers attend afternoon prayers and visit Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque, for the first time after it was once again declared a mosque after 86 years, in Istanbul, Turkey, July 24, 2020. REUTERS/Umit Bektas Hagia Sophia (“Holy Wisdom” in Latin) was built in the 4th century as a Byzantine church. It was just converted into a mosque following a decision by a Turkish court and final confirmation by the Turkish president. Many saw the decision as anti-Christian, but it was intended first and foremost to please Arab Muslims. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan wishes to establish himself as the most worthy leader to stand at the head of the Sunni Muslim world. He is careful to display his...