Greece condemns ‘fiestas’ outside of Hagia Sophia on Fall of Constantinople anniversary

·

The Greek government has condemned Turkey’s “fiestas”, organised by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, outside of Hagia Sophia on Friday on the anniversary of the Fall of Constantinople.

The fiesta took place in Istanbul last night outside the former church and patriarchal cathedral of Greek Orthodoxy, the Hagia Sophia, a museum since 1932.

Government spokesman, Stelios Petsas, expressed the country’s disapproval of the planned events on Friday.

“The fiesta that Ankara is preparing in Hagia Sophia is disturbing and is a matter of denouncement because, among other things, it has been designated a museum of world cultural heritage and is currently being used to promote other purposes,” Petsas said on Friday, speaking to Greek broadcaster SKAI.

Petsas pointed out that this was not the first time that something along these lines was happening at the historic church.

“We are monitoring any provocation but we always promote good neighbourly relations, in accordance with international law,” he said.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced on Thursday that mosques will re-open for worshipers on Friday and a big collective prayer would be held outside the Hagia Sofia.

Last year, Erdogan announced his intention to covert Hagia Sophia into a mosque. The Turkish President has so far refrained from doing so, being warned by UNESCO of the consequences for the Turkish cultural and scientific community.

Cretan Convention - Web Banner

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

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

Advertisement

Latest News

SA psychologist Samantha Angelakis disqualified over relationship with client

Samantha Angelakis has been disqualified after beginning a sexual relationship with a police officer she was treating for PTSD.

Greek mates behind Dragonstone chase glory in $2m Sydney Stakes on Everest Day

Greek and Cypriot mates from Sydney and Melbourne will cheer on their sprinter Dragonstone in the $2m Sydney Stakes at Royal Randwick.

Greek Deputy Foreign Minister holds talks with Victorian Premier, visits Hellenic Museum

Greek Deputy Foreign Minister Ioannis Loverdos met with Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan and toured the Hellenic Museum in Melbourne.

Greek PM reveals Sinai Monastery deal, calls for foreign policy unity

Greek PM Kyriakos Mitsotakis has announced an agreement with Egypt securing the future of St Catherine’s Monastery at Mount Sinai.

Controversial 13-hour workday law passes in Greece amid protests

Greece’s parliament has passed a controversial labour reform allowing employees to work up to 13 hours a day, despite fierce protests.

You May Also Like

Elfa Moraitakis nominated for Pro Bono Australia’s 2022 Impact 25 Awards

The CEO of SydWest Multicultural Services, Elfa Moraitakis, has been nominated for Pro Bono Australia's 2022 Impact 25 awards.

Melbourne businessman Andreas Andrianopoulos funds community centre in Pikerni

A new multi-purpose community centre is set to rise in the village square of Pikerni, Arcadia, thanks to Andreas Andrianopoulos.

Letters reveal Boris Johnson once called for the return of the Parthenon Marbles

UK Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, argued for the return of the Parthenon Marbles in a letter to then-Greek Culture Minister, Melina Mercouri.