Greek tourist’s display of Greek flag at Hagia Sophia sparks controversy in Turkey

·

Turkish social media erupted in response to a Greek tourist’s bold action inside Istanbul’s iconic Hagia Sophia. 

Apostolos Papatheodoros, a Greek visitor, caused a stir when he proudly displayed the Greek flag within the historic site and captioned his Instagram post with the words, “My beloved city, forever Greek.”

The image quickly spread across Turkish media platforms, triggering a wave of reactions. Many Turks denounced the act as provocative, questioning how such an action could be permitted within a symbolically significant location.

Hagia Sophia
The Hagia Sophia church in Istanbul. Photo: The Byzantine Legacy, X.

Some even directed their ire towards Turkish authorities for allegedly allowing the incident to occur unchecked.

Among the responses, some took a more aggressive tone, resorting to veiled threats and references to historical events. Comments such as “I hope you know how to swim” and “the sea is cold, my love” drew implicit parallels to the tragic Smyrna disaster, a dark chapter in Greek-Turkish relations.

As reactions continue to pour in on social media, the incident serves as a reminder of the complex dynamics at play in the region.

Source: Protothema.gr.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Comic author Peter Barber and his Greek Orthodox Easter ‘adventures’

Award-winning British author Peter Barber writes books about… Greece. So far, he has published five books about his second, or first, home!

Peter Dutton MP’s Easter message: Honouring faith and the Greek Australian legacy

Australia’s Leader of the Opposition, Peter Dutton MP, has issued a message to Greek communities to mark Orthodox Easter today.

Anthony Albanese MP praises Greek community in heartfelt Easter message

Federal Labor leader, Anthony Albanese, has sent a message to mark Orthodox Easter this year. Read the full message here.

High Commissioner of the Republic of Cyprus in Australia sends heartfelt Easter wishes

High Commissioner of the Republic of Cyprus in Australia, Antonis Sammoutis, sends a message for Orthodox Easter.

Greece’s Deputy Foreign Minister for Greeks Abroad sends message for Orthodox Easter

Greece’s Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister for Greeks Abroad, Ioannis Michail Loverdos, has issued a message for Orthodox Easter.

You May Also Like

NSW Teachers Federation boss Angelo Gavrielatos to step down

NSW Teachers Federation President Angelo Gavrielatos will not be renominating for the role at the union's upcoming elections this year.

George Alfieris represents Australia at men’s Beach Handball World Championships

George Alfieris proudly represented Australia at the Men's Beach Handball World Championships held from June 18 to June 23.

Microsoft’s Myladie Stoumbou to guest Greek Australian Dialogue Series event

Myladie Stoumbou will speak about women in STEM careers, the Greek economy, the future of work, and post-pandemic trends.