Ayasofya-i Kebir Cami-i’nin İbadete Açılmasının Dünya Basınında Yansımaları ve Turizm Faaliyetlerine Etkisi (Reflections of Opening Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque to Worship in World Press and Its Effect on Tourism Activities)

Abstract

The aim of this study to determine; approach of the international press regarding the Hagia Sophia, which was turned from a museum into a mosque by changing its legal status with the Presidential Decree published in the Official Gazette on 10 July 2020, and the determination of the possible effects of the decision on the tourism sector. In line with purpose of the study; research data were scanned and collected by document analysis method; which the news in the international media that closely follows the process regarding the subject and the statistical data published by Republic of Turkey Ministry of Culture and Tourism Central Directorate of  Rotary Capital Management during the period when Hagia Sophia was operating as a museum. Study provides important and up-to-date information in terms of understanding the reaction of the world public to the opening of Hagia Sophia, which is symbolically important, to the opening of worship, and relating the decision to tourism activities. Study results proves that; decision to turn Hagia Sophia into a museum has a wide repercussion in foreign press and this situation will cause a decrease in the revenues from tourism and especially in the number of foreign visitors.