Greek government launches international initiative for Hagia Sophia

·

The ministers of Foreign Affairs and Culture, Nikos Dendias and Lina Mendoni, have agreed to the creation of a small working group which will, within 10 days, propose a specific action plan to raise awareness within the international community about Turkey’s conversion of Hagia Sophia to a mosque.

“We have repeatedly stressed that the conversion of Hagia Sophia into a mosque does not constitute a Greek-Turkish difference. However, of course, for us Greeks, this monument is of special importance and value,” Dendias said.

“For this reason, we have decided to raise the issue through international initiatives that we will undertake, as European citizens and as citizens of the world community, talking to all international organisations and, of course, UNESCO.”

RELATED: Iconic Hagia Sophia to be turned back into a mosque.

The meeting was also attended by Greek Ambassador to UNESCO Maria Diamantopoulou, the chair of the Greek National Commission for UNESCO Ekaterini Tzitzikosta and other officials.

Turkey changed the status of the 6th century monument, a UNESCO World heritage Site, earlier in the month and prayers are scheduled to be read there on Friday. 

The conversion of the former Greek Orthodox cathedral into a mosque has drawn worldwide condemnation. 

RELATED: Australia’s Greek organisations denounce conversion of Hagia Sophia into mosque.

Source: Ekathimerini.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

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

Advertisement

Latest News

Zeibekiko Festival Australia kicks off in Sydney with music, memory and movement

The 3rd Zeibekiko Festival Australia launched in dazzling style on Friday, 3 October 2025, at the Greek Community Club in Sydney.

Sydney father Artemios Mintzas identified as alleged Croydon Park gunman

Police have identified the man accused of opening fire on pedestrians, drivers and officers in Sydney’s inner west as Artemios Mintzas.

Service, culture, and unity: Greece’s new Consul General in Sydney sets out his vision

Greece’s new Consul General in Sydney, George Skemperis, speaks to The Greek Herald about diplomacy, unity, and the vibrant Greek Australians.

Greek school memories: Honouring the teachers who shaped our language and lives

Both the negative and heartfelt stories of Greek school have a way of becoming core memories for Greek Australians.

Spotlight on VCE Greek teacher Kristian Raspa

Sunday, October 5th is World Teachers’ Day and gives us the opportunity to celebrate the influential educators who have shaped our lives.

You May Also Like

Stefanos Tsitsipas advances to the Western & Southern Open semi-finals

Stefanos Tsitsipas advanced to the Western & Southern Open semi-finals on Wednesday evening first the first time ever.

Sisterhood, Science and Strength: Zoe Haritopoulou-Sinanidou’s journey so far

At just 20 years old, Zoe Haritopoulou-Sinanidou is already leaving her mark on the world of biomedical science — and beyond.

British PM accuses Kyriakos Mitsotakis of “grandstanding” over Parthenon Marbles

Rishi Sunak has accused Greece’s Prime Minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis of trying to “grandstand” over the Parthenon Marbles dispute.