Former Turkish Cathedral Hagia Sophia May Become a Mosque

Members of the government of the Republic of Turkey have expressed consideration in turning a notable landmark that was once a church into a mosque.

Hagia Sophia, originally built as a cathedral and presently a museum, may be turned into a mosque, recently commented Turkey's Deputy Prime Minister Bulent Arinc.

"We are looking at a sad Hagia Sophia, but hopefully we will see it smiling again soon," said Arinc regarding the possible change.

Such a possible move has garnered controversy both within Turkey and internationally, as many believe such a decision could put the country at odds with its generations of secular pluralistic tradition. Keep reading

Photo: Arild Vågen/ Wikimedia Commons