Today, July 20, 2020, must be one of Muslim's most historic days. The Turkish government makes a big decision despite all criticism pointed out towards it. This is the day where Hagia Sophia is officially functioned as a mosque again, after 86 years being a museum. The celebration is put into a ceremony attended by Muslims all around Turkey and 1500 invited guests. The ceremony is then followed by Friday prayer.

Ali Yerlikaya, the Governor of Istanbul says that this has been the long-buried desire of lots of Turkish Muslims to pray in Hagia Sophia, as reported by Daily Sabah on Thursday, July 23. As a response to this decision, the Istanbul government starts to prepare the celebration.

The followings are preparations conducted by Istanbul government to welcome the visitors:

1. The gates and doors are opened at 10 AM until the next morning to give time for the visitors to do some prayers.
2. The prayer areas are spread in 5 points, and 2 of them are for women.
3. There will be 11 checkpoints for control and surveillance.
4. Visitors are prohibited to bring in backpack, rucksack or luggage to smoothen and expedite the process of entering the building.
5. Body temperature of the visitors will be checked by the authorities, and they should also wear masks to prevent the spread of Coronavirus.
6. There will be 17 health checkpoints with 736 health workers, ambulances, and a helicopter.
7. Several roads near Hagia Sophia will be temporarily closed.
8. Istanbul government will provide 25 bus stops, public transportations, and parking lots. All of them are cost-free.
9. Istanbul government plans to provide 25.000 water bottles, masks, disinfectants, and praying mats. (ar)

Source: https://dunia.tempo.co/read/1368582/begini-persiapan-turki-resmikan-hagia-sophia-jadi-masjid/full&view=ok