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

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

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

Advertisement

Latest News

Kia ad sparks outrage among Greek Australians over ‘Macedonian Marble’ reference

Kia Australia faces backlash from Greek Australians over an ad showing “Macedonian Marble” alongside Parthenon-style columns.

Unley High students enjoy second annual cultural immersion trip to Melbourne

The Unley High School Greek language programme successfully conducted its second annual interstate cultural immersion trip to Melbourne.

Tass Mourdoukoutas among departures as Perth Glory begin squad shake-up

Tass Mourdoukoutas is set to leave Perth Glory, with the club confirming his departure alongside three other players.

Panathinaikos unveil special jersey for Pavlos Giannakopoulos Tournament in Australia

Panathinaikos AKTOR has revealed a special edition jersey for the upcoming Pavlos Giannakopoulos Tournament in Australia.

Beloved International Cakes owner Bill Batzogiannis passes away

Melbourne’s Greek community is mourning the loss of Vassilis “Bill” Batzogiannis, beloved owner of International Cakes.

You May Also Like

13,000 chairs in Berlin to demand Greek migrant camps closure

13,000 chairs were placed outside the German Parliament in a protest calling for the closure of overcrowded migrant camps in Greece.

Australia’s Richest 250: 11 Australians of Greek heritage among the list

The Australian has unveiled its annual list of Australia’s riches individuals, and this year it includes 11 Australians of Greek heritage.

Three largest Greek communities of Australia send letter to Greece’s Foreign Minister

The three largest Greek communities of Australia have collectively sent a letter to the Greek Minister of Foreign Affairs, Nikos Dendias.