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

Woman who confessed to killing infants moved to high-security Korydallos prison

Eirini Mourtzoukou, the 25-year-old woman who has confessed to killing at least three infants, has been transferred to Korydallos Prison.

GOCNSW youth lead heartfelt farewell to Greek Consul General in Sydney

The Greek Orthodox Community of NSW hosted a special farewell reception for the Consul General of Greece in Sydney, Yannis Mallikourtis.

From Athens with purpose: Reflections on the Global Summit of Hellenic Lawyers 2025

As the Global Summit of Hellenic Lawyers 2025 drew to a close, it did so against the majestic backdrop of Athens.

Honouring Cyprus’ martyrs: Melbourne remembers the sacrifice of July 9, 1821

A hierarchical memorial service was held on Sunday, July 13, at the Holy Church of the Presentation of the Theotokos in North Balwyn.

Melbourne’s Greek community pays emotional tribute to the ‘Pontian Eagle’ Peter Jasonides

On a cold Friday night, a full hall at Alphington Grammar’s Lyceum brought warmth to those gathered to honour the life of Peter Jasonides.

You May Also Like

Cyprus committed to peace, but not at gunpoint

Cyprus is committed to reunification talks with estranged Turkish Cypriots but not at gunpoint, its president said on Thursday.

South Melbourne FC legends reflect ahead of The Greek Herald Cup 2025

On Saturday, the highly anticipated second meeting of the Greek Herald Cup will occur between South Melbourne FC and Sydney Olympic FC.

Young descendant of Cretan resistance fighters shares thoughts on Battle of Crete

The Battle of Crete was the operation for the capture of Crete by the Germans during World War II. On the morning of May 20, 1941.