The US State Department expressed its disapproval with Turkey’s decision to allow Koran readings at Hagia Sophia during a live show broadcast by the Turkish public TV on the first day of Ramadan and urged Turkey to preserve Hagia Sophia in a way that respects its tradition.

“We recognise Hagia Sophia as a site of extraordinary significance and we would encourage Turkey to preserve Hagia Sophia in a way that respects its tradition and also its complex history,” US State Department deputy spokesperson Mark Toner said.