Turkish Publisher Releases 'Fethin Mührü' Book Celebrating Ayasofya Opening

Demirören Yayınları published the illustrated volume "Fethin Mührü", marking the anniversary of Ayasofya’s conversion to a mosque. The book, promoted with a video that attracted 2.1 million viewers on the publisher’s website, includes remarks from President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, who cited poet Necip Fazıl Kısakürek’s words about the monument. Scholars such as Prof. Dr. Süleyman Berk described the work as a “beautiful gesture”, highlighting its comprehensive archival photographs—229 images spanning historic and contemporary Istanbul, among them 24 previously unpublished photos by Ali Enis Oza.

The accompanying commentary notes the significance of the Sultan Abdülmecit tughra mosaic released during the 19th‑century restoration. The second article reflects on the broader cultural and political impact of Ayasofya’s opening, attributing the decision to President Erdoğan and praising the Danıştay members involved, while quoting Necip Fazıl Kısakürek on the monument’s unique status.