EC culture committee slams Hagia Sophia move

·

The decision on Friday by the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe’s Culture Committee condemning Turkey’s move to convert Hagia Sophia in Istanbul from a museum into a mosque was hailed by the Greek delegation head, Dora Bakoyannis, as Europe’s response to Turkey’s “systematic violations of democratic principles and values.”

In a Facebook post, Bakoyannis said both Greek and Cypriot delegations have been raising awareness and mobilizing members of the Parliamentary Assembly for months.

“Turkey’s unilateral decision was condemned as unacceptable and incomprehensible, as a divisive move of discrimination contrary to all the principles of the Council,” she said.

Hagia Sophia was built in the 6th century as a Greek Orthodox Christian cathedral and was converted into a mosque after the Ottomans conquered Constantinople, now Istanbul, in 1453. The Turkish government turned it into a museum in 1934.

Sourced By: Ekatherimini

greek film festival melbourne

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

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

Advertisement

Latest News

History reborn: South Melbourne and Sydney Olympic kick off Australian Championship

South Melbourne and Sydney Olympic launch the inaugural Australian Championship at Lakeside Stadium in Melbourne.

South Melbourne triumph over Olympic in Australian Championship kick off

South Melbourne defeat Sydney Olympic 3-2 in opener of the Australian Championship at Lakeside Stadium, marking a new era in football.

Greek film festival turns 30 with a Stellar Line-Up of Award-Winning films

The Greek Film Festival is celebrating a major anniversary this year - 30 years of bringing Greek stories to Australian screens.

Summer School for Greek Language teachers in Australia

For the first time in Australia, a specialized online summer school will be held for teachers of the Greek language in the diaspora.

Children’s week at the Greek Community of Melbourne

As part of Children’s Week the Greek Community of Melbourne Schools are taking part in the celebrations organised by the Victorian Government

You May Also Like

Socialist PASOK becomes Greece’s main opposition party as SYRIZA collapses

Left-wing Syriza party has lost its position as Greece's main opposition group after a wave of defections on Thursday, November 21.

Christmas then and now: Fronditha Care residents reminisce

Three Fronditha Care residents remember how they used to spend Christmas and New Year’s in Greece and how they maintained their customs and traditions in Australia.

NAIDOC Week 2023: The deep bond between Indigenous and Greek cultures

NAIDOC week is a celebration. A celebration of the rich history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (ATSI) peoples.