As of Monday, January 15, the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism has officially enforced its decision to introduce an entrance fee for foreign tourists visiting Hagia Sophia.
Under the new regulation, the historic site is now segregated for pilgrims and tourists, with the latter required to pay an entrance fee of 25 euros. The ministry’s announcement stresses the implementation of enhanced security measures and the installation of a dedicated ticket office. Notably, Turkish citizens visiting for religious reasons continue to enjoy free entry.
Reports from the Turkish press indicate that the monument has undergone upgrades to ensure its protection. Additionally, new features such as an acoustic system and a QR code have been introduced to enhance the overall visitor experience and provide informative content to those exploring Hagia Sophia.
Source: protothema.gr / Article translated by: Konstantinos Menyktas