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the first prayer, which is to take place in Hagia Sophia on Friday, July 24, the Turkish authorities have invited foreign leaders, according to Turkish newspaper Hurriyet.

it is Expected that the solemn ceremony of the first Muslim service in the mosque Hagia Sophia will arrive the head of Azerbaijan and Qatar, as well as a number of other countries (currently information is specified). Also at the Friday prayer will be attended by the President of Turkey, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, government officials, Ministers, top ruling party of justice and development (AKP) and the nationalist movement Party (MHP). The leader of the opposition Republican people’s party Kemal kılıçdaroğlu refused to visit, this was reported by Turkish newspaper Yeni Safak.

meanwhile, inside the Hagia Sophia are urgent preparation. On the floor spread out 14 thousand square meters of green carpet “colors of the head duck”. Carpets made of pure wool in the Turkish province of Manisa and decorated with patterns characteristic of the Ottoman tradition of the 17th century. The carpet will hide Omphalion – a large circle of red granite surrounded by smaller circles of porphyry and green marble (still unknown why it was made), and other patterns on the floor of the Cathedral, such as: “rivers” of green marble, symbolizing the biblical rivers flowing from Paradise (currently there is only one “river”), the marble circle and put a cross in Constantine’s service in the presence of the Byzantine Emperor, the marks from tables of the Christian shrines, such as sponge, stick and spear, which were used in the crucifixion of Jesus Christ – the treasure was kept in the Hagia Sophia and placed for worship during Holy week before Easter.

in order not to damage the ancient marble floors, they will be laid first two Sol felt and then carpet. Visible from the first floor mosaic of the virgin and child in the apse and the Archangel Gabriel to the right of it will be a time of prayer to close the blinds, “similar to those used in the film industry”. As promised by the Turkish authorities, with the installation of blinds “the walls won’t drive a single nail”. Restoration of the forest will also be closed the curtains for the duration of the services. President Erdogan of Turkey visited the Hagia Sophia on July 19 with a check.