Most of the Istanbul monument’s ancient frescoes and mosaics remain on view after restoration

Hagia Sophia and the Chora Church will remain “open to all”, Turkish government promises—but restricted access may not be the primary worry

Tactical move comes after Turkish president ordered historic Istanbul site to be turned into a mosque

A spokesman for Turkish President Ergodan said curtains would hide depictions of the Virgin Mary and the archangel Gabriel when the site opens for worshippers on Friday

The controversial decision is likely to set off a storm among cultural heritage officials

Decision that Kariye Museum must become a Muslim house of worship again could imperil its Byzantine art and have repercussions for other early Christian monuments

The Turkish president wants the monument to serve as a place of worship flouting international pressure to retain the site’s current neutral status