Today it stands as a museum that attracts a significant number of tourists and has recorded an improvement in visitor numbers in the last one-and-a-half years since the completion of a project restoring sultans’ tombs on the site, according to the Ministry of Culture and Tourism. The highest number of tourists is expected to visit Hagia Sophia this coming summer.
The recent restoration and reopening of the sultan’s tombs in Hagia Sophia has been argued by the ministry as a significant factor contributing to improved visitor numbers; however, upon closer observation there are several other factors influencing its heightened popularity. In particular, external factors impacting Turkey’s tourism industry overall should also be taken into consideration.
Statistics recently published by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism show that the number of tourists visiting Hagia Sophia in the one-and-a-half years since the restoration of the sultans’ tombs was 456,539. The ministry has suggested that there is a direct correlation between a growth in visitors to the site and the reopening of the tombs. Following the completion of the restoration project, the tombs that were reopened to the public were those of Sultan Mustafa I, Sultan İbrahim III, Sultan Murat III, Sultan Mehmet II and Sultan Selim II.
When comparing figures from 2009 and 2010, after the reopening of the tombs, statistics published by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism Central Directorate of Revolving Funds (DÖSİMM) show 16.4 percent growth in tourist numbers visiting Hagia Sophia, compared to 7.4 percent between 2008 and 2009.
In taking a broader look at these improved visitor figures, other factors are also at play, including the removal of visa restrictions with some neighboring nations, which has been an important step in boosting tourism overall. Positive changes in the number of Muslim and Middle Eastern visitors to Hagia Sophia is more likely a consequence of Turkey’s growing efforts to promote tourism with its neighbors.
Tourism cooperation agreements were signed earlier this year between neighboring Middle Eastern nations and Turkey in order to improve tourism revenue. Culture and Tourism Minister Ertuğrul Günay said in a recent interview, “The statistics on the first three months of 2011 show that the number of tourists visiting Turkey has grown by 15 percent.” This suggests that proactive efforts by the government and the Ministry of Culture and Tourism have led to a general increase in tourists. The restoration of the sultans’ tombs was an extensive project at a cost of TL 3.15 million and is a part of a major tourism strategy by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.
Turkey has the objective to reach $70 billion in tourism revenue by the centenary year of the republic, 2023; however, to reach this target, a further $24 billion in restoration efforts and the promotion of historic sites will be required.
Günay also confirmed that Turkey is becoming a major destination for faith tourism. Restoration projects in the area of faith tourism have recently been a focal point for Turkey, and Hagia Sophia is one of the major sites in Turkey’s faith tourism strategy. A tour guide employed by Hagia Sophia confirmed that Greek Orthodox communities largely visit towards the end of the year, particularly for the Christmas season.
This suggests that the restoration of faith-based sites can have a positive impact on the general promotion of tourism. The tour guide also stated that there has been a notable improvement in the volume of Muslim tourists but suggested that this increase is linked to the elimination of visas with certain Middle Eastern nations, which has made Turkey much more accessible for visitors from those countries.
Turkey’s growing influence within its region is also thought to be a factor behind its improved tourism performance. Hidayet Şen, an independent tour guide catering to Eastern European tourists, suggests that most tourists from Eastern Europe come to Hagia Sophia to appreciate its historical and cultural magnificence. He states that over the years people have developed a better appreciation for the history and depth of Hagia Sophia. He suggests that the restorations to the sultans’ tombs are not the primary reason for visits by Eastern Europeans; in fact he notes that most are unaware of it.
Şen suggests that there are a number of external factors such as Turkey’s export of soap operas to the Middle East and the Eastern European region (especially Bulgaria), which has made Turkey a much more attractive destination for both Eastern European and Middle Eastern tourists. He also adds that its colorful mix of Christianity and Islam make Hagia Sophia a unique and interesting place for visitors.
The restoration of the sultans’ tombs, although promoted by the ministry as a significant contributor to an increase in visitor numbers to Hagia Sophia, is not necessarily the only factor deserving of credit. Efforts by the Ministry of Tourism and Culture and by the Turkish government in improving the country’s position in its region also play an important role in attracting visitors to Turkey in general and to Hagia Sophia in particular.
