٠٠:٠٣:٣٨Thousands of Muslim pilgrims gathered outside Istanbul's Hagia Sophia mosque on Tuesday to perform prayers and celebrate Eid al-Adha.
"We were hoping that we could get inside but it's super full today, which is a good thing. But it's still very good that we managed to find a place, a spot in front of the mosque," said Khalil, a visitor from Tunisia.
"It's a definitely special sensation to be able to pray in front of Hagia Sophia. Hopefully, next time we will manage to get inside," he added.
It is the second time Eid al-Adha prayers are being held at the site since the Turkish government converted the building back into a mosque in 2020, after it was a museum for 85 years, in a move that sparked condemnation from international leaders and UNESCO.
Eid al-Adha, or the 'Feast of the Sacrifice,' is one of the most important festivals in the Muslim calendar as it celebrates the prophet Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son when ordered to by Allah.
Turkey: Thousands of Muslims perform Eid al-Adha prayers outside Hagia Sophia
Thousands of Muslim pilgrims gathered outside Istanbul's Hagia Sophia mosque on Tuesday to perform prayers and celebrate Eid al-Adha.
"We were hoping that we could get inside but it's super full today, which is a good thing. But it's still very good that we managed to find a place, a spot in front of the mosque," said Khalil, a visitor from Tunisia.
"It's a definitely special sensation to be able to pray in front of Hagia Sophia. Hopefully, next time we will manage to get inside," he added.
It is the second time Eid al-Adha prayers are being held at the site since the Turkish government converted the building back into a mosque in 2020, after it was a museum for 85 years, in a move that sparked condemnation from international leaders and UNESCO.
Eid al-Adha, or the 'Feast of the Sacrifice,' is one of the most important festivals in the Muslim calendar as it celebrates the prophet Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son when ordered to by Allah.
Thousands of Muslim pilgrims gathered outside Istanbul's Hagia Sophia mosque on Tuesday to perform prayers and celebrate Eid al-Adha.
"We were hoping that we could get inside but it's super full today, which is a good thing. But it's still very good that we managed to find a place, a spot in front of the mosque," said Khalil, a visitor from Tunisia.
"It's a definitely special sensation to be able to pray in front of Hagia Sophia. Hopefully, next time we will manage to get inside," he added.
It is the second time Eid al-Adha prayers are being held at the site since the Turkish government converted the building back into a mosque in 2020, after it was a museum for 85 years, in a move that sparked condemnation from international leaders and UNESCO.
Eid al-Adha, or the 'Feast of the Sacrifice,' is one of the most important festivals in the Muslim calendar as it celebrates the prophet Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son when ordered to by Allah.