Entrance fee for foreign visitors at Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque
In a recent meeting evaluating Türkiye's tourism data for the first nine months of 2023, Minister of Culture and Tourism Mehmet Nuri Ersoy provided Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque. Foreign tourists to be charged the Hagia Sophia entrance fee.
In a recent meeting evaluating Türkiye's tourism data for the first nine months of 2023, Minister of Culture and Tourism Mehmet Nuri Ersoy provided Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque. Foreign tourists to be charged the Hagia Sophia entrance fee.
Foreign tourists will now have to pay an entrance fee when visiting Hagia Sophia. Turkish citizens coming for religious purposes will not be affected by this change, while international tourists exploring the site for cultural and tourism reasons will be required to pay an entrance fee, a standard practice at numerous renowned places of worship around the globe.
In a recent meeting evaluating Türkiye's tourism data for the first nine months of 2023, Minister of Culture and Tourism Mehmet Nuri Ersoy provided Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque.
"The fee structure has not been finalized. We will establish it by January 15, 2024. Our current priority is the successful execution of the visitor management plan," Minister Ersoy emphasized.
The execution of the visitor management policy aims to enhance the visitor experience, alleviate overcrowding, and safeguard the historical and cultural significance of the Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque.
Minister Ersoy underscored that, following UNESCO's guidance, a visitor management plan would be implemented to elevate the quality and safety of visits, all the while safeguarding the historical importance of the site. He conveyed to the audience that comprehensive restoration efforts are currently in progress within several areas of the Hagia Sophia Mosque, with intentions to extend these efforts to other sections once the initial work is completed.
"Starting from Jan. 15, 2024, we are implementing a visitor management plan in line with UNESCO's guidance. This strategic move aims to ensure the preservation of the Hagia Sophia Mosque and its square as UNESCO World Heritage Sites," Minister Ersoy noted.
Source: Newsroom
