KUALA LUMPUR: Terawih prayers, performed by Muslims every night during the holy month of Ramadan, have returned to Istanbul’s Hagia Sophia mosque for the first time in 88 years.
The iconic structure with priceless frescoes and artwork was built in the year 537 and converted into a museum in 1934 before regaining its status as a mosque in 2020, when it was supposed to open for worship on July 24 of that year.
However, the Covid-19 pandemic derailed the opening until just before Ramadan this year, when it was announced that Hagia Sophia was now open to all Muslims who want to perform the special evening prayer during the fasting month.
Malaysians living in Turkey can’t wait to get to Hagia Sophia to perform their terawih prayers.
One of them is student Ahmad Haziq Husaini Muhammad, 23, from Istanbul University, who felt happy when he heard the announcement, and at the same time reflected on the history related to the magnificent building.
“Happy because after so many years, the iconic historical building has now finally reopened as a mosque and is accepting Muslims who want to perform terawih prayers during Ramadan.
“The reason why I looked back is because Hagia Sophia has a rich history and of the tribulations the Muslims in ancient years undertook in freeing Constantinople (now Istanbul) from Rome,” said Ahmad Haziq, who is also president of the Malaysian Students Association in Turkey, when contacted by Bernama.
“Muslims who have the privilege to come and perform terawih at Hagia Sophia should take this opportunity to experience the Ramadan vibes themselves.
“The feeling is not the same as back home,” said the third-year student of Bachelor of Islamic Theology.
Another Malaysian, Norhamiza Yasmin Mohd Amri, 22, from Altinbas University, was among those thrilled to have gone to Hagia Sophia and even encouraged her friends to join her for their terawih prayers.
With the news on Hagia Sophia and the endemic phase of the Covid-19 in Turkey that she gleaned via social media, Ramadan is something different this year for Norhamiza Yasmin.
“Besides, people around the world also come to Turkey for their vacation during Ramadan,” said Norhamiza Yasmin, who is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in international business.
She said the opening of Hagia Sophia, which was added to the Unesco World Heritage List in 1985, would attract more tourists from around the world to visit the place and perform terawih prayers.
Both Ahmad Haziq and Norhamiza Yasmin also said during the first week after Hagia Sophia opened its doors for terawih prayers, a large congregation spilled into the compound and the atmosphere was unique.
Turkey Ambassador to Malaysia Merve Kavakci said she personally encouraged every Muslim around the globe to visit Istanbul, particularly to pray at Hagia Sophia.
“It is quite an experience.
“I encourage any believer, Muslim or not, to visit Hagia Sophia and ruminate there.
“For history buffs and art lovers, Hagia Sophia offers a one-of-a-kind experience as you travel through time and space.
“With its new status, Hagia Sophia is emblematic of how cultural and historical artefacts can be preserved, leaving no room for the destruction of humanity’s universal values,” she said.