Turkey will cover Hagia Sophia mosaics during prayers, says ruling party spokesman

·

Mosaics in Hagia Sophia will be covered by curtains or lasers during times of Muslim prayer, the spokesman for Turkey’s ruling AK Party said on Monday, after President Tayyip Erdogan converted the museum into a mosque.

The Christian icons would be uncovered and open to all visitors at other times, and admission would be free of charge, the AKP’s Omer Celik said.

It was not immediately clear how the lasers would work.

On Friday, a Turkish court ruled that the building’s conversion to a museum in 1934 was unlawful and Erdogan, declaring it a mosque, said the first prayers would be held there within two weeks.

RELATED: Turkish administrative court repeals 1934 decree that turned Hagia Sophia into museum.

The move drew international criticism and concern, including from Greece, the United States and Russia, as well as UNESCO and Pope Francis, who said he was hurt by the decision.

Celik told a news conference in Ankara that the biggest disrespect to Hagia Sophia in history was done by the papacy.

He said Orthodox Christians and Hagia Sophia had suffered for years during a “Latin invasion” led by the papacy in the 13th century, when Crusaders pillaged the cathedral.

RELATED: Pope Francis, Greek President condemn conversion of Hagia Sophia into mosque.

Greece condemned the decision on Friday, saying it would have repercussions on relations between the two countries and on Turkey’s ties with the European Union. The US State Department said it was “disappointed” by the move.

UNESCO said on Friday it would review the status of the monument as a World Heritage Site following Erdogan’s announcement.

Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said Ankara was surprised by UNESCO’s reaction and would let it know of further steps that will be taken regarding Hagia Sophia, which was a Byzantine church for nine centuries before the Ottomans converted it to a mosque.

Turkey is sensitive about protecting its historical character, he said. “We have to protect our ancestors’ heritage. The function can be this way or that way – it does not matter,” Cavusoglu told state broadcaster TRT Haber.

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

Sourced: Reuters.

greek film festival melbourne

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

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

Advertisement

Latest News

‘Una Faccia, Una Razza’: The politics of memory and the power of saying ‘OXI’

The annual homage to “OHI” Day stems from Greece's Prime Minister Metaxas firmly stating “OHI” (NO) to Mussolini's request.

The Master Miller and the art of olive oil perfection

The Master Miller’s mission has its roots in a philosophy that begins at the olive tree and reaches the heart of those who seek quality.

Brain regain: For the first time in 14 years, more people return to Greece than leave

For the first time in over a decade, Greece is witnessing a positive migration balance as more Greeks return home than emigrate.

When everyday Greeks said OXI: Resistance and survival during World War Two

“Aera!” (Air!) roared Greek soldiers as they clawed over jagged rocks on the brutal Pindus Mountains during Italy’s 1940 invasion.

Botanical Park of Crete: Rooted in fire, inspiring hope

The October 2003 fire started with electrical cables in a village near the Marinakis family’s olive groves.

You May Also Like

Blessing of the Waters ceremony marks Epiphany in Darwin

Greek Orthodox people in Darwin gathered at the city's Waterfront on Sunday to mark the annual Blessing of the Waters ceremony.

Secretary General for Greeks Abroad calls on Macquarie Uni to safeguard Modern Greek

John Chrysoulakis has sent a letter to Macquarie University in strong support of the continuation of its Μodern Greek Studies Program.

Teachers union boss accuses NSW government of ‘betrayal’ over pay dispute

The NSW Teachers Federation has accused the state government of an “act of betrayal” after a breakdown in pay negotiations.