Erdogan reopens historic mosque in Istanbul

ISTANBUL, TURKEY - AUGUST 04: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan reopened the historic Yildiz Hamidiye Mosque located in Istanbul’s Besiktas neighborhood on Friday. During the opening ceremony, Erdogan said that the Muslim civilization in Iraq, Syria and Jerusalem was under attack, adding that it was important to protect mosques and heritage left behind by our ancestors. “The legacy left behind by our ancestors has been intentionally destroyed,” he said. Speaking about last July’s defeated coup where mosques were also targeted, he said, “Those who attack Turkey, target holy places first.” "God willing, no one will be able to silence the Muslim call to prayer," he said. Erdogan said that he will build new monuments, adding that it was important to educate the coming generations about religion, culture and history.