Ertugrul actor Cel Al aka Abdur Rahman Alp celebrates conversion of Hagia Sophia into mosque

Famed Turkish actor Celal Al, who played Abdur Rahman Alp in Diriliş: Ertuğrul, is over the moon after a top Turkish court revoked the sixth-century Byzantine monument Hagia Spohia's status as a museum, clearing the way for it to be turned back into a mosque.

The Council of State, Turkey's highest administrative court, unanimously cancelled a 1934 cabinet decision to turn it into a museum and said Hagia Sophia was registered as a mosque in its property deeds.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced Friday that the Hagia Sophia, one of the architectural wonders of the world, would be reopened for Muslim worship as a mosque, sparking fury in the Christian community and neighbouring Greece.

In an address to the nation, Erdogan said the first Muslim prayers at the Hagia Sophia would be performed on July 24. "God willing, we will perform Friday prayers all together on July 24 and reopen Hagia Sophia to worshipping," he said, assuring that it would open its door to all, including non-Muslims. "Like all our mosques, the doors of Hagia Sophia will be wide open to locals and foreigners, Muslims and non-Muslims."

Celal Al on his Instagram account posted a number of pictures to celebrate the historic decision.

He posted a picture of himself at Hagia Sophia and wrote: “ELHAMDÜLİLLAH .. Behind the Mihrab, which we watch with longing as the days of pure prayers are very close.”

https://www.instagram.com/p/CCeafCSJ0pj/

Cel AL aka Abdur Rahman Alp has won the hearts of many Pakistani fans with his acting in the historic drama series Ertugrul where he played the role of chief guard of Suileyman Shah, Hayme Hatun and Ertugrul Bey also becomes chief alp for a short period of time in Season Five.

Cel AL has also a special affection for Pakistani fans as at number of times he sent his heartfelt blessings to his colossal fan base in Pakistan.

Earlier, he had shared a video of Pakistani children re-enacting scenes from the historic series by fighting with tree branches and twigs, Al sent out love to the “little soldiers.”

Heaping praises on the kids, the Turkish star penned a heartfelt caption in Turkish as well as Urdu, which roughly translates to: “Masha’Allah my brave little soldiers from Pakistan. I wish I could send out my love to you all from the depth of my heart. You are our brave warriors, Masha’Allah. One day we will march together, Insha’Allah. Sending peace and love to you all from the bottom of my heart.”

https://www.instagram.com/p/CBBGvTsjRmG/?utm_source=ig_embed

The actor, who plays Abdul Rahman Alp on the show, had earlier won hearts on this side of the world after he sent out Eid greetings to his Pakistani fans by singing the iconic Dil Dil Pakistan.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9s2c1Ng2IO4

The series, that has taken Pakistan by storm, is being aired by Pakistan Television (PTV) in Urdu language on the directives of Prime Minister Imran Khan.