Hagia Sophia: Top Imam uses Ottoman’s sword during Friday sermon

ISTANBUL: Turkey’s iconic Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque reopened for worship on Friday for the first time in 86 years.  Ahead of the Friday sermon, the country’s Religious Affairs Directorate (Diyanet) head Ali Erbaş used an Ottoman sword to climb up the staircase of the minbar (pulpit) of the historic Hagia Sophia.
Imam Erbaş read the special khutbah, or sermon, titled “Hagia Sophia: Sign of conquest, our trust in Fati̇h (Sultan Mehmet),” before the collective prayer.
When questioned why the sword was used in delivery the sermon, Imam Erbas responded saying that it is a tradition in mosques that are the symbols of conquest.
Two green flags were also hung on the minbar (pulpit) of the mosque as a symbol of conquest.
In his sermon, Erbaş said, “The longing that caused deep pain in the hearts of our people has come to an end.”