Istanbul's historic Kariye Mosque reopens after 79 years, holds first Friday prayers

Istanbul's historic Kariye Mosque was used for Friday prayers for the first time in 79 years after it reopened for worship.

After its construction, the building was used as a church for many years before being converted into a mosque during the reign of the Ottoman Empire's Sultan Bayezid II in the 16th century.

It was turned into a museum in 1945 and was placed under the administration of the Museums Directorate in 1948.

With the presidential decree dated Aug. 1, 2020, it became a mosque again.

Following the decision, restoration work began in the mosque and was completed after four years.