Ultra-nationalist group calls for Hagia Sophia to reopen as 'mosque'

Some 100 members of the Alperen Ocakları, the youth group of the ultra-nationalist Great Union Party (BBP), gathered early this morning in front of the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul and performed the Eid prayer,

calling for the transformation of the museum into a mosque.

The police took security measures to control the gathering.

After spending time shouting "Break the chains, let Hagia Sophia Mosque open" and "God is Great,"

the group dispersed without incident.

Hurriyet