Mitsotakis denounces Turkey’s decision to turn Hagia Sophia into mosque

·

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis on Friday night denounced Turkey’s decision to reconvert Hagia Sophia into a mosque.

The Greek PM said it was an affront to the monument’s global significance and that the move would not only adversely impact Turkey’s relations with Greece but also with the EU, UNESCO and the global community. 

READ MORE: Iconic Hagia Sophia to be turned back into a mosque

“Greece categorically condemns Turkey’s decision to convert Hagia Sophia to a mosque,” Mitsotakis said, noting that the move, which comes 85 years after its transformation into a museum, “is an affront to its ecumenical character.” 

The decision, Mitsotakis said, will not only influence Turkey’s relations with Greece but also with the EU, UNESCO and the world community. 

It is “regretful,” he added that Turkey’s leadership, which worked for the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations in 2005, “is now choosing to move in the opposite direction.”

READ MORE: Turkish administrative court repeals 1934 decree that turned Hagia Sophia into museum

Mitsotakis’ full statement in English: 

Greece categorically condemns Turkey’s decision to convert Hagia Sophia to a mosque. This decision, taken 85 years after Hagia Sophia was declared a museum, is an affront to its ecumenical character. Furthermore, it is a decision that offends all those who recognize Hagia Sophia as an indispensable part of world cultural heritage. This decision clearly affects not only Turkey’s relations with Greece but also its relations with the European Union, UNESCO, and the world community as a whole. It is a truly regretful development that the Turkish leadership, after working for the Alliance of Civilizations in 2005, has now taken the decision to reverse course.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

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

Advertisement

Latest News

Step into the world of mental health with Georgia Cassimatis’ latest book

Greek Australian author and journalist, Georgia Cassimatis, has released a book all about exploring the world of mental health.

GOCNSW Welfare Service to put a spotlight on cyber security awareness

The Greek Orthodox Community of NSW’s (GOCNSW) Welfare Service has organised three Cyber Security Awareness education and training workshops.

Marriage of a Greek woman abroad: What to watch out for

It is during this registration process that numerous problems arise, which are not dealt with immediately but later on.

Athena Competition Greek winners show olive oil diversity

By Lisa Radinovsky from Greek Liquid Gold. At the 10th anniversary edition of the ATHENA International Olive Oil Competition in Chania, Crete, Greece in May, 175 Greek olive oils...

Greece’s island communities face population crisis

The demographic decline in Greece is hitting its islands hard, with Lemnos and Agios Efstratios showing alarming signs of aging populations.

You May Also Like

Jason Demetriou takes on new role as Papua New Guinea Kumuls coach

Jason Demetriou has stepped out after being fired by South Sydney in May, announcing his new role of head coach of the PNG Kumuls.

Vicky Soteriou freed from jail after plotting attack on husband

Vicky Soteriou has been quietly released from prison in recent months after serving a decade in a maximum security jail.

‘Greek passion is part of my football,’ says young Matilda Sofia Sakalis

'Greek passion is part of my football,' young Greek Australian and Matilda star, Sofia Sakalis, tells The Greek Herald.