Wednesday, December 4, 2024

After 87 Years, Eid Prayers Were Held at Turkey’s Hagia Sophia Mosque

After an 87-year break, Eid prayers were held at Istanbul’s iconic Hagia Sophia Mosque on Thursday.

Thousands of worshippers joined Ali Erbas, the head of Turkey’s top religious body Diyanet, in a prayer led by him.

Erbas delivered the Eid sermon while wielding a sword, an Ottoman custom that symbolizes conquest.

“These holidays are kept at unique times that define us, unite our hearts, and strengthen our brotherhood,” he said.

He said a special prayer for Palestinians who are being attacked by Israeli troops.

“The attempt by Israel to conquer the holy city of Jerusalem and our first Qibla, Masjid Al-Aqsa, which continues to be violent even throughout Ramadan, brings great sorrow and pain to all believers,” Erbas said.

He went on to say that attacking Muslim worshippers in a “barbaric” manner offended the sanctity of the holy mosque and the prophets’ memory.

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