The Hagia Sophia Mosque in Istanbul, a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site, is at the center of controversy after a tourist was harassed over her religion while trying to enter.
Since its reopening for worship in 2020, the Hagia Sophia has implemented a visitor management plan, effective from January 15, 2024, requiring foreign tourists to pay an entry fee of 25 euros while Turkish citizens enter for free. Muslim foreign tourists, including many from Arab and African countries, have been exempt from the fee when visiting for worship.
However, this system faced backlash when Ali Ertuğrul, a Turkish YouTuber living in South Korea, attempted to enter the mosque with his Korean sister-in-law, a Muslim convert, and his brother. Initially, they approached the ticket booth to pay the fee, but a guard directed them to the free entrance reserved for Muslims. Upon arrival, another security guard singled out Ertuğrul’s sister-in-law, insisting, “This woman is not Turkish; you cannot enter.”
The situation escalated when Ertuğrul noticed other foreign Muslim visitors entering without issue. He questioned the guard, stating that his sister-in-law was also a Muslim, only to be met with a demand for her to recite the Shahada—an Islamic declaration of faith.
As tensions rose, Ertuğrul began filming the scene, capturing the line of visitors entering freely. This prompted the guard to call the police, claiming, “The guy is filming us… and he has a non-Muslim with him.” Despite the confrontation, a police officer managed to calm the situation, but harassment continued when another guard insisted they buy a headscarf and questioned how they had gained entry.
The incident has sparked widespread debate about religious discrimination and the management of tourist entry at one of Turkey’s most iconic landmarks. Many have voiced concerns over the treatment of non-Turkish visitors, especially those of diverse religious backgrounds, calling for clearer guidelines and more respectful handling of such situations.
With millions visiting the Hagia Sophia annually, the controversy highlights the delicate balance between preserving religious sanctity and maintaining inclusivity for tourists. As Turkey continues to attract global travelers, incidents like these raise critical questions about hospitality, respect, and the country’s image in the tourism sector.
The Shahada is the Islamic declaration of faith and one of the Five Pillars of Islam. It is a simple statement that affirms a person’s belief in the oneness of God and the prophethood of Muhammad. The Shahada is recited as:
“La ilaha illallah, Muhammadur rasulullah.”
(I bear witness that there is no god but God, and I bear witness that Muhammad is the Messenger of God.)
Reciting the Shahada sincerely is considered the primary requirement for someone to become a Muslim. It is also a key part of daily prayers and Islamic rituals.
