Kariye Mosque Reopened for Worship 79 Years Later

The Chora Mosque, located in Fatih and converted into a mosque after the conquest of Istanbul, was reopened for worship after 79 years. Today, the first Friday prayer was performed at the Chora Mosque with the participation of the public. The Chora Mosque, owned by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism General Directorate of Foundations and converted into a mosque status by the Presidential Decree dated August 21, 2020, was opened for worship after 79 years.

Citizens Excitedly Performed the First Friday Prayer at the Chora Mosque

As the first Friday prayer was performed at the Chora Mosque, the citizens who came to the mosque experienced great excitement and joy. Hüseyin Kuzu, a citizen who came to the mosque for prayer, said, “We try to come at all times because our home is here. Coming for Friday prayer is a different beauty. May our mosques always be full. This is where the believer should come. May Allah not separate us from beauty, may He make it continuous,” he said.

• Another citizen said, “It has been closed for 79 years, and we performed the first Friday prayer here. I had also gone to perform the first Friday prayer at Hagia Sophia. But I did not have the chance to pray inside both mosques, I prayed outside, thanks to God for bringing me to these days. It is not something that everyone gets to experience in their lifetime,” he said.

Celebrated with Turkish Delight Treat

Those who came to the Chora Mosque for Friday prayer were treated with Turkish delight. This special day was celebrated with prayers and joy.