According to unofficial sources, the status of #HagiaSophia was changed to mosque. It should remain as a #museum. We hope it is not true. https://twitter.com/MehmetArdic_/status/1280784776492974080

again again.. An open letter about the status of Hagia Sophia: https://medium.com/@hagiasophia/an-open-letter-about-the-status-of-hagia-sophia-bea9afd1a62f

Thomas Whittemore and Atatürk (Founder of Modern Turkey).

In 1931, in the leadership of Thomas Whittemore, the Byzantine Institute took the responsibility of recovering the mosaics of the Hagia Sophia after getting touch with the founder of the Turkish Republic-Atatürk who also turned Hagia Sophia to a museum.

In 1932, the arduous works began on restoration of the mosaics. In 1935, Hagia Sophia reopened as a museum. The project of the Institute continued about 18 years.