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

Pope Francis dies aged 88 after 12 years leading the Catholic Church

Pope Francis has died aged 88. His papacy was marked by reform, humility, and efforts to modernise the Catholic Church.

Thousands join Archbishop Makarios of Australia for Resurrection Service in Sydney

Archbishop Makarios led the Holy Saturday Service in Kogarah, Sydney, with thousands of faithful attending the Easter celebration.

Greek Defence Minister Dendias visits Panagia Inousson for Easter

Defence Minister Dendias visits Panagia Inousson for Easter, highlighting Greece’s commitment to border security.

Kyriakos Mitsotakis reflects on faith and resilience in Easter message

Kyriakos Mitsotakis shares his 2025 Easter message, reflecting on global challenges and the enduring hope of the Resurrection.

Archbishop Makarios of Australia issues Easter Message for 2025

Archbishop Makarios of Australia has released his 2025 Easter message, reflecting on the impact of loneliness.

You May Also Like

Why Helen Kari donated her artwork and family heirlooms to the Greek Museum of Adelaide

Over the course of the last year, Helen Kari donated her late mother’s ‘kentimata’ (crochets) and some of her own Minoan Crete themed artwork to the Greek Museum of Adelaide.

Victoria to enter seven day snap lockdown from 8pm tonight

Victoria will enter its sixth lockdown from 8pm tonight in response to unexpected new mystery cases of COVID-19 in recent days.

Traditional Greek Recipes: Five dishes for Lent (Sarakosti)

A Greek dish doesn't have to contain meat to be delicious. Here's a list of our five favourite recipes for Sarakosti.