PodcastErdoğan donates calligraphy to Hagia Sophia
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan donated a framed calligraphy to Istanbul's Hagia Sophia months after the site was opened for Muslim prayer. The ancient construct's conversion into a mosque raised eyebrows globally as many said it compromised the art inside.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan donated a framed calligraphy to Istanbul's Hagia Sophia on Dec. 8.
The president's gift comes months after the newly converted mosque was opened for Muslim prayer.
The calligraphy, gifted by Erdoğan, depicts excerpts from the Quran.
The Hagia Sophia's conversion into a mosque has raised eyebrows globally for necessitating the covering of mosaics and frescos in the ancient building.