Erdogan called the change in the status of Hagia Sophia a step towards great Turkey

According to RIA Novosti, Erdogan noted that the country will continue to "go the right way - to build a great and strong Turkey."

Erdogan also said that the opinion of other countries will not affect the intention of the authorities to change the status of the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul.

On July 10, the Turkish State Council overturned the 1934 decision to turn the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul into a museum. Then Erdogan signed a decree that allowed Muslim worship to be held in Hagia Sophia.

The United States said they were disappointed with the decision of the Turkish authorities in this regard. Regret was also expressed in the EU, in UNESCO, and in the Russian Orthodox Church.