Turkish presidential decree declares Greek Orthodox Church to be converted into a mosque

·

Only a few months after the provocative decision to convert Hagia Sophia to a mosque, Turkish authorities issued a new presidential decree on Friday morning to re-convert a Greek Orthodox Church into a mosque.

The Byzantine Greek Orthodox Church of the Holy Saviour in Chora was originally built in the 4th century, and was was comprehensively rebuilt around 1077-81. After a devastating earthquake in the 12th century, the church was partially rebuilt again.

Chora was turned into the Kariye Museum after WWII and was evidently restored, then becoming a UNESCO world heritage site. The museum continues to be covered with stunning Byzantine mosaics and frescoes.

The change in its status was passed in December 2019 but the decision of the State Council of Turkey had not been implemented, until today.

A tourist visits the Church of the Holy Saviour, a medieval Byzantine Greek Orthodox church in Istanbul on 21 August 2020 [BULENT KILIC/AFP/Getty Images]

The Greek Foreign Ministry responded to the decision with the statement below:

The current decision of the Turkish authorities to convert the Monastery of Chora into a mosque is another challenge to the detriment of religious people everywhere and the international community that respects the monuments of human civilization.

Following the Hagia Sophia and despite the international reactions it provoked, the character of another UNESCO World Heritage Site in Turkey is being brutally insulted. Despite occasional declarations of respect for the rights of minorities and the multi-religious nature of its society, Turkey is violating its international obligations to the World Heritage Sites located in its territory.

Today’s decision by the Turkish authorities once again exposes Turkey to the international community.

It is absolutely reprehensible.

We call on this country to keep pace with international developments in the field of world cultural heritage protection.

We call on her to return to the 21st century, of mutual respect, dialogue and understanding between cultures.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

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

Advertisement

Latest News

The man for all jobs: How a Greek migrant turned setbacks into 7-figure success

When Christof Mantzanas stepped off the plane in Melbourne on 10 March 2015, he had just $1,000 in his pocket.

Jimmy’s Kitchen brings authentic Greek hospitality to The Rocks

Sydney diners can now experience the warmth, flavour, and soul of a traditional Greek taverna without the flight to Greece.

Greek Community of Melbourne enhances safety with defibrillator training seminar

The Greek Community of Melbourne (GCM) took a notable step towards enhancing community safety by organising a defibrillator training seminar.

Wills without the Trojan War

After nearly 15 years in the legal industry, I’ve lost track of how many matters I’ve worked on involving family disputes over estates.

From tech to health: Greek Australians driving innovation in 2025

Australia’s Top 100 Innovators celebrate those who turn setbacks into breakthroughs. This year, three Greek Australians are among them.

You May Also Like

Greeks continue to flee as fire ravages Evia island, firefighter plane crashes

Thousands of people have fled their homes on the Greek island of Evia as wildfires burned uncontrolled for a sixth day on Sunday.

‘Pseudo-state’: International community reject Turkey’s calls for recognition of occupied northern Cyprus

Greece's Foreign Ministry, alongside the US and European Commission, have condemned Turkey’s demand for a two-state solution in Cyprus.

Archbishop Makarios of Australia launches new book in Constantinople

Archbishop Makarios visited Constantinople to launch his new book: “The Ecumenical Patriarchate – The Preeminent and Suffering Church.”