Greece criticised for not restoring historic mosques on Lesvos

·

Greece has yet to restore historic mosques on the island of Lesvos, despite mutual agreements and the principle of reciprocity with neighbouring Turkey, according to an expert, mentioned in an article by dailysabah.com

Neval Konuk, an associate professor of architecture history and a lecturer in tourism guiding at Marmara University, told Anadolu Agency (AA) that a deal was signed in 2010 with the municipality of Ayvalık in Turkey’s western Balıkesir province, which borders Lesvos.

According to this agreement, the Greek administration on Lesvos was to restore three historical mosques in exchange for the restoration of three Greek Orthodox churches: Taxiarchis, Agios Yannis, and Ayvalık Ayazma.

Photo: theowp.org

“While Ayvalık has fulfilled the agreement and renovated the buildings, Greece is yet to adhere to the deal 14 years later,” Konuk said.

Though Greece and Turkey appear to have opened a fresh leaf in long-tense bilateral relations since last year, the state of Ottoman heritage mosques is a point of contention between the two.

Turkey has criticised Athens in the past for depriving Muslim minorities of rights and letting Ottoman-era buildings, including the mosques, fall into disrepair.

Source: dailysabah.com

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

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

Advertisement

Latest News

Greek actor Petros Filippidis handed suspended prison sentence for attempted rape

Greek actor Petros Filippidis was sentenced to three years in prison with a three-year suspension by the Athens Mixed Jury Court of Appeal.

Greece’s Foreign Minister visits Tripoli to strengthen Greek-Libyan ties and promote dialogue

Greek Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis met with Libyan officials in Tripoli on Tuesday, July 9, as part of efforts to strengthen ties.

Australia’s Cypriot communities to mark 51 years since Turkish invasion of Cyprus

Cypriot communities across Australia are preparing a series of events to mark the 51st anniversary of the Turkish invasion of Cyprus.

From Bexley to Thessaloniki: Dimitri Sidiropoulos’ rise in Greek volleyball

Dimitri Sidiropoulos has has spread his wings and is showcasing his athletic talent in Greece, devoting his full love to volleyball.

STEM holiday program by Greek Community of Melbourne Schools a hit

The Greek Community of Melbourne’s Schools recently completed a successful and engaging educational initiative titled “STEM in Their Element"

You May Also Like

Greek community stir up after ABC report that damns Greek Orthodox Archdiocese

Australian broadcaster ABC reported that after thorough investigation, it found that the taxpayer-funded aged care homes of "St Basil’s" had returned to the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia about $31 million in the last eight years - out of the total $73 million they received from the Federal Government.

Panathinaikos defeat Olympiacos to claim 21st Greek Cup title

Panathinaikos BC claimed their 21st Greek Cup title on Sunday evening, defeating reigning champions Olympiacos BC 79-75 in a thrilling final.

How Christina Chiotakis’ Greek Aboriginal heritage inspired her to be a palaeontologist

Linking current scientific findings with ancient Indigenous stories in Queensland, Australia, is just a normal day for Christina Chiotakis.