“Europe will not surrender to religious fanaticism and intolerance,” Greek President Katerina Sakellaropoulou said in a social media post on Thursday, expressing support for the French people in the wake of what is being treated as a religiously motivated deadly knife attack in the town of Nice.
Expressing “solidarity with the people of France and French President Emmanuel Macron over the terrorist attack in Nice,” Sakellaropoulou said in a Twitter post that Europe’s “common values are at risk.”
The Greek president’s message came after three people were killed by a lone assailant in Nice’s Notre-Dame Basilica on Thursday. Macron described the incident as an “Islamist terrorist attack.”
According to reports, the assailant, who was shot and taken into custody, has been identified as a 21-year-old Tunisian man who arrived in France at the start of the month via Lampedusa in Italy.
What we know so far about the attack
More details are emerging about the Nice attack. Here’s what we know right now:
The incident
Three people were killed in Nice, southern France, during a knife attack at the Notre Dame Basilica, the city’s main church.
Videos posted on social media showed police and military officers responding to the incident, setting up a cordon in the city center.
The victims
One of the victims had her throat slit, a police source told CNN. The mayor of Nice had earlier described it as a decapitation. Another victim – a man – died following multiple stabbings, according to the police source. The third victim, a woman, was wounded inside the church, but managed to leave. However, she died in a nearby café, the police source said.
The suspect
French national police named the attack’s suspect as Brahim Aouissaoui, born in 1999. A source in the Italian interior ministry told CNN that Aouissaoui first arrived in Europe on the southern Italian island of Lampedusa.
Nice’s mayor Christian Estrosi said the attacker was shot by police, but is still alive and has been taken into custody.
Estrosi said “everything points” to the incident being a terrorist attack, and France’s anti-terrorism prosecutor has taken over the investigation.
The reaction
French President Emmanuel Macron said the country will not give in to terrorism after once again coming under attack from what he called “Islamist and terrorist madness,” he said after visiting the scene of a deadly attack. The country’s terror alert level was raised to “emergency” following the incident.
International leaders have pledged solidarity with France, with the heads of Spain, Italy, Turkey, the UK and the European Parliament among those condemning the violence. The Vatican said Pope Francis is praying for victims. “Terrorism and violence can never be accepted,” it said in a statement.
The French Council of the Muslim Faith has also condemned the incident; as did the French Bishop’s Council, which said Catholics across France “refuse to give into fear” following the attack.
Authorities in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Egypt’s highest religious authority Al-Azhar have condemned the deadly knife attack in France on Thursday.
The Turkish government’s communications director, Fahrettin Altun, also condemned the attack but criticized the French leadership saying they should avoid inflammatory rhetoric against Muslims. Tensions have been tense between the two countries, with Turkey particularly critical of treatment of Muslims in France.
The background
The incident is the latest in a number of attacks to hit France in recent years, and comes less than two weeks after the beheading of teacher Samuel Paty in Paris. Paty was targeted after he used caricatures of Islam’s Prophet Muhammad during a lesson.
Nice has been the target of terror in the past. In 2016 dozens died after an ISIS-inspired attacker plowed a 20-ton truck into Bastille Day crowds.
The coronavirus alarm level in the northern Greek regions of Thessaloniki and Rodopi, and Larissa in central Greece, is being raised to the highest level, 4, on Friday and localized lockdowns will be imposed to stem a surge in new coronavirus cases, Deputy Civil Protection Minister Nikos Hardalias said on Thursday.
The regional units of Pella, Evros, Drama, Xanthi, Kilkis, Kavala, Pieria, Imathia and Halkidiki are also being elevated, going up to Level 3 of the risk assessment scale, Hardalias added, saying that details of the new restrictions will be unveiled on Friday, when his agency’s coronavirus alert map is updated to reflect the most recent transmission data.
The official said that there are currently 1,955 active coronavirus cases in Thessaloniki and 4,459 people who came into close contact with them and are in quarantine at home. Larissa has 343 active cases and 721 close contacts, while Rodopi has 217 and 488 respectively. In all three regions, the average age of the infected patients is between 30 and 33 years old.
The National Organization for Public Health (EODY) on Thursday reported 275 new cases in Thessaloniki, 51 in Larissa and 41 in Rodopi.
Attica continues to be in the eye of the storm, with 335 of Thursday’s total 1,211 new cases. The government is reportedly mulling fresh restrictions for the Greek capital as well.
Every year, Westfield Living Centres across Australia and New Zealand each award up to three, $10,000 grants to deserving individuals and their organisations who dedicate their time to positively impact the lives of others.
This year, six Greek Australians have been named among the grant recipients for the Westfield Local Heroes and we couldn’t be prouder.
Sue-Ellan Vasiliou and her husband lost their beautiful daughter, Alegra, to brain cancer at the age of six. Every day since then, she’s been doing everything she can to help support other families and is raising funds for brain cancer awareness and research.
She does this through the little legs foundation she set up in memory of Alegra, who was diagnosed with brain cancer days before Christmas in 2016 and passed away 10 months later.
Sue-Ellen tells The Greek Herald that the little legs foundation will use its $10,000 grant to help fund hospital equipment and to support families.
“Having been acknowledged by such a large corporation as Westfield is quite humbling. To be named a 2020 Westfield Hero and recognised for the work we do is an absolute honour. We are grateful to all who voted for me, loved ones and new friends,” Sue-Ellan says.
“I dedicate this award to my hero, my beautiful Alegra. Who I love with all my heart and will forever strive to make a difference in this world for her.
“The $10,000 prize to the little legs foundation will go a long way. It will be used to fund hospital equipment needed for children battling brain cancer and also to help our little friends create special memories with their loved ones.”
Jason Sotiris – Supertees (NSW)
Tradie, Jason Sotiris, is giving sick children a boost with free medical grade superhero garments to replace their hospital gowns.
Not only do Jason’s Supertees help the children tap into their internal superpowers, but they are carefully designed to make life easier for bedside parents and nurses.
Jason came up with the idea when his baby daughter was seriously ill in Westmead Children’s Hospital with a rare type of cancer. The Supertees are MRI compatible and have side studs to make changing easy and openings for tubes.
Despite working full-time and caring for his family, Jason spent two years designing the garment and convincing hospitals to accept them.
“There are so many good causes out there and people doing amazing things in the community,” Jason tells The Greek Herald.
“It was truly humbling to be nominated as a Westfield Local Hero and to have the local community show their support by voting and get behind what we’re doing, it’s an amazing feeling.”
Supertees will use its grant to take the volunteer program to the next level.
Margaret Skagias – CaringKids Inc. (NSW)
While working as a social worker, Margaret Skagias recognised the unique contribution of Australian children who care for their parents or siblings. These often unsung heroes may take on housework, shopping, cooking, personal hygiene care, liaising with health professionals and financial matters.
In 2014, Margaret founded volunteer-run CaringKids. She and her team make up toy boxes for young carers so they can feel their contribution and role is honoured and recognised. The toy boxes contain pre-loved toys that are saved from landfill.
Margaret’s nominator says, “Margaret combines passion and compassion to make a difference for children who care for disabled or chronically ill family members.”
For her part, Margaret says she only wants carers of all ages in Australia to be recognised for the unpaid care they provide.
CaringKids will use its grant to fund endeavours including the provision of 200 toy boxes to special needs siblings and young carers and the rehoming of about 8000 pre-loved donation items.
Pauline Maniskas – Disabled Surfers Association Of Australia Inc Central Coast (NSW)
Pauline Maniskas is passionate about helping people with disabilities enjoy surfing. She is volunteer secretary of the Central Coast branch of the Disabled Surfers Association and has dedicated the past 15 years to helping people experience the restorative effect of the ocean.
Pauline helps organise surfing events, sources donations and visits schools to speak about the value of being inclusive.
She also raises awareness of surfing among disability providers.
Not even breast cancer could keep Pauline away from her volunteering. In fact, her regular swims in the ocean to counter the side effects of treatment made her more determined to help.
“We were thrilled to be nominated in this year’s program and greatly appreciate the support we have received from Westfield and the community,” Pauline tells The Greek Herald.
“This grant will help us reconnect many with the water and continue to make steps towards inclusion.”
Disabled Surfers Association of Australia Central Coast will use the grant to buy a beach wheelchair and other equipment such as rash shirts and surfboards.
It happens more often than people imagine. Grandparents and others being handed a baby to look after with little warning and not enough time to prepare. That’s where Lorraine Lekias comes in.
She founded the Fostering Hope charity to support kinship and foster carers. Working on the premise that it takes a village to raise a child, Fostering Hope provides material items for children and education for carers.
One area of focus is providing education to carers about childhood trauma and suggestions on how to help newly placed children to settle and feel safe.
“We set out to create a loving and warm community for the foster children. It truly takes a village to raise kids and we have had a community come together to care for the children,” Lorraine, who has 20 years of experience as a foster mum and has five foster children, tells The Greek Herald.
“We want the community to encompass these children and for them to feel love and valued, helping them build strength and resilience, knowing their self-worth and growing in self-love.
“We are humbled to be one of this year’s Westfield Local Hero grant recipients however, Fostering Hope is not about us, we are blessed by having these children in our lives. “
Fostering Hope will use its grant to upgrade its facilities and to fund emergency packs and education.
Angela Christodoulou – Queensland Koala Society Inc (Queensland)
Angela Christodoulou has been known to camp under a tree for three days to rescue a koala and her joey. A co-founder of the Queensland Koala Society, she gives it her all to help protect the south-east Brisbane koala population, which has been displaced by urban sprawl.
Angela has rescued more than 505 koalas over the years and has recruited local volunteers to help.
“We ensure they get medical treatment and care they need until they can be released back into their natural habitat,” Angela says.
Community education is a crucial part of the society’s work. An essential part of community engagement is to invite people to come along whenever the society releases a rescued koala.
“That’s when I get a lot of interest from people wanting to volunteer. Community involvement is vital,” Angela says. “People are surprised by the number of koalas we have in this immediate area.”
Queensland Koala Society will use its grant to build a larger rehabilitation facility.
In his first ever live stream conference to the Australian people last Tuesday, Greek Prime Minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, addressed the urgent need for the emergence of a stronger Greece.
The conference was hosted by The Hellenic Initiative’s Australia branch, an organization dedicated to mobilizing the Greek diaspora around the globe. Moderated by Andrew N Liveris AO, Global Chairman of The Hellenic Initiative, this event gave any member of the public the chance to gain some insight into the role the Greek diaspora in Australia might play in shaping the Greece of the future.
This event provided a fantastic opportunity for Mitsotakis to formally introduce himself to the Greek-Australian community since taking office in July of 2019. Speaking directly to participants, it became evident that this is a leader who firmly believes he is not only responsible for the citizens of Greece, but also for the wellbeing of the Greek community around the world.
Mitsotakis’s eloquence was not lost on the participants of the call as he conversed with Mr. Liveris in fluent English. To a young member of the Greek-Australian community such as myself, this was a refreshing change compared to official Greek events I have attended in the past spoken in Greek, which can be harder to understand and relate to.
It is clear that in Mitsotakis we have a leader who understands that for Greece to succeed, all members of the Greek diaspora, young and old, need to feel closer to its shores, despite the physical distance.
Prime Minister of Greece, Kyriakos Mitsotakis (left) and Andrew Liveris, Global Chairman of THI (right). Photo: The Greek Herald.
With that comes perhaps Mr. Mitsotakis’s greatest challenge; to re-introduce Greece to the world as a hub of modernity and vibrancy, without resting on the laurels of the past.
‘2021 will be a really important year for Greece,’ says Mitsotakis. 200 years has passed since Greece declared independence in 1821 and now it is the Prime Minister’s view that his country can celebrate the fact that is the most dynamic and ‘strongest’ economy in the Balkans.
The celebrations however come at an incredibly challenging point in European history, and Greece could not be more central to this. Antagonizing forces in the East continue to threaten to destabilize the peace of the region. Ironically, Greece finds itself once again acting as the defender of freedom and democracy against the Turkish, as it did in 1821. This time however, the Greek government is adamant in using diplomacy to achieve peace as opposed to military force.
This of course, is where we the members of the Greek diaspora come in. Central to his foreign policy is the forging and strengthening of international alliances with countries that share the values of liberal democracy, such as Australia. By appealing to our own leaders to stand with Greece on the international stage, we can make the case for our spiritual homeland domestically.
Supporting Greece politically is one thing, but the best way we as a diaspora can strengthen Greece is by investing in it. At the heart of Mitsotakis’s plan for a Greek revival is making the country incredibly appealing to foreign investors.
‘There is no reason Greece cannot be the digital hub of Europe,’ says Mitsotakis. ‘We have earned the right to be more confident’.
Early signs of a digital revolution in Greece have indeed emerged in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. A national rollout of 5G technology and the recent announcement of Microsoft’s intention to establish a ‘datacenter’ in Greece is only just the beginning, promises Mitsotakis.
‘We can use this pandemic to enable dramatic, positive, economic and social change in Greece,’ says Mitsotakis. The shift to a new virtual reality born out of necessity has indeed allowed us to transcend physical borders, and perhaps become more in touch as a diaspora with the homeland.
Most promising of all that was discussed in the call was Mitsotakis’s pledge to us that he would commit to breaking down traditional barriers to investment in Greece. This includes but is not limited to challenging bureaucratic systems in Greek banks and land council offices, allowing Greek citizens in Australia to vote in upcoming Greek elections, the roll-out of property packages for those wishing to buy property in Greece and also the installation of elected members of the diaspora in the halls of Greek Parliament.
These developments symbolize a new era in the relationship Greece has with its large diaspora worldwide. One of bold changes, where we actually may have the opportunity to have a more concrete say in what goes on in the country we love so much.
It is in partnership with Greece that we as a diaspora work hard, as we always have, to make sure that in the words of Mr. Liveris Greece does not become the ‘greatest story never told.’
What are the implications of COVID-19 on economic growth and business in South Australia? Have we seen the true impact of the coronavirus recession yet and how important is the role of the community in the economic recovery?
These are some of the topics discussed on Tuesday morning, at the business breakfast panel discussion hosted by St George College, as part of the school’s efforts to raise funds for the refurbishment of its Senior Campus.
The panel, comprised by SA Labor’s longest serving MP, Tom Koutsantonis, prominent developer Theo Maras and Director of Football at Adelaide United, Bruce Djite. Andrea Nicolas, a Senior Reporter with Channel 7, led the discussion.
The school’s Year 10 and Year 11 students who currently study Hospitality prepared and served the attendees with a scrumptious breakfast.
St George College’s Year 10 and Year 11 students who currently study hospitality, prepared and served breakfast to the attendees. Photo: The Greek Herald.
‘We pay, our children pay and there are no free rides’:
Bruce Djite, said that the sports industry has been hit hard and although the situation is slowly getting better, the future is unknown.
“We are still in survival mode. Tough decisions need to be made for the sustainability of the sport,” he said, expressing the opinion that although the Government’s JobKeeper and JobSeeker payment schemes have been good, they are not sustainable in the long run.
Enjoyed this morning’s business breakfast panel discussion, hosted by St George College. We discussed the impacts of #COVID19 on our respective industries, business, the economy & policy.
SA has done a superb job. We are privileged to live in the safest place in the world. pic.twitter.com/3kGCqPAEMB
Picking up on the government’s current approach to recovery, Theo Maras, elaborated on the reasons why a different model should be adopted.
“We have issues in the regions where we cannot get people to work because they can get more money without having to go to work.
South Australia’s leaders discussed the COVID impact and recovery during a business breakfast panel discussion hosted by St George College. Photo: The Greek Herald.
“Do, we really want a false economy? At the end of the day we pay, our children pay, and there’s no free rides. Let’s encourage people to go back to work. Let’s encourage Australians to be productive. Let’s encourage our world to do better than what we were doing before.”
Theo Maras, also expressed a view that the hospitality industry, which employs a large number of young people, would benefit greatly if the working lunch business meetings were made tax deductible and made exempt from Fringe Benefit Tax (FBT).
“My aim is to do everything we can to keep people usefully employed,” he said.
‘Mental health outcomes can worsen without support’:
Replying to Nicolas’ question on the impact of the pandemic on mental health, Greek Australian SA Labor politician Tom Koutsantonis, cautioned that abandonment of welfare support could add additional stressors to families and individuals.
“Mental health outcomes will be the great unknown and as time goes on, we will see more of the impact.
“Whether it’s business owners living with the stress of finding business because of the restrictions imposed by the government, whether is a family with a mortgage pushing the problem a little bit further out through deferral of payments or interest only plan, at the end we are going to have to pay,” Koutsantonis said.
“This is why I disagree with Theo and Bruce on JobSeeker. I think it can be modified to stop that disincentive from working, but we need to keep it.”
Mr Koutsantonis said that “false economy is already happening” and that family values and structure are equally important for the community’s wellbeing.
“This recession is not the fault of the public…if we are ever going to be compassionate and look after our neighbour is now.”
The thought provoking discussion was enjoyed by all and raised almost $3000 for the School’s Senior Campus refurbishment.
Dimitris (Mimis) Fotopoulos was born on the 20th April, 1913 in the Greek village of Zatouna. Although Fotopoulos is most notable for his comedy films, he was also a writer, poet and academic.
Fotopoulos always had a passion for theatre and studied at the Dramatic School of National Theatre. Fotopoulos also studied at the University of Athens in the Philosophical School, studying maths for two years, leaving in 1933.
Fotopoulos began his creative arts work in poetry, writing ‘Bouloukia’ in 1940. Fotopoulos also wrote ‘Imitonia’ in 1960 and ‘Sklira Trioleta.’
Mimis Fotopoulos, Source: IMDb.
In 1948, Fotopoulos would begin his acting career, first appearing in ‘The Nazis Strike Again,’ followed by three more films, most notably ‘Madame Sousou.’
Fotopoulos’ acting career would span 39 years, ending in 1987. Fotopoulos is one the most famous Greek comedic actors of all time, starring in classics such as ‘O Grousouzis’ (1952), ‘You’ve Got to Keep Cool’ (1951) and ‘The Counterfeit Coin” (1955). All up, he is said to have appeared in around 100 films.
Mimis Fotopoulos acting, Source: Listal.
As well as forging a successful path in acting, Fotopoulos continued his work in writing. Fotopoulos published two autobiographies, ’25 Years of Theatre’ in 1958 and ‘The River of My Life’ in 1965.
Fotopoulos also wrote two successful theatrical plays, ‘Ena Koritsi Sto Parathyro’ in 1966, and ‘Pelopidas O Kalos Politis’ in 1976.
Unfortunately, in 1986, Fotopoulos died in Athens from a heart attack. He was aged 73.
Despite his death, Mimis Fotopoulos’ legacy remains as he built a successful career for himself as a Greek actor, and will always be remembered for his work in the creative arts.
President of the United States, Donald Trump, has issued a statement to commemorate the 80th anniversary of OXI Day, which marks the moment Greek people said ‘No!’ to Benito Mussolini in 1940.
The statement, published on his election campaign website, applauds the strong ties between Greece and the United States, and discusses the rich history of OXI Day.
Full statement below:
“The United States has been a stalwart ally and supporter of Greece since its independence in 1821. The US and Greece have fought side by side in defence of freedom and liberty in multiple wars against tyranny and communism, including World War I, World War II, and the Cold War.
OXI (“No”) Day commemorates this day in 1940 when the Greek government answered “No” to a request by the Axis Powers to occupy Greece. Greece’s heroic determination to fight for liberty culminated in Greece’s defeat of Mussolini in World War II – the first Allied victory against the Axis Powers.
Greece’s victory provided a symbol of hope throughout occupied Europe and around the world. Today, America celebrates its historic, reliable and strategic alliance with Greece and all her citizens.”
The 80th anniversary of OXI Day yesterday was commemorated with heartfelt poems and speeches by the Greek communities of Canberra, Melbourne and New South Wales.
The October 28 holiday commemorates the day in 1940 when Greece rejected an ultimatum from fascist Italy to allow Axis troops to enter the country and occupy strategic locations. The refusal marked Greece’s entry into World War II on the Allied side.
Here’s how the commemorations went down across the three states:
Greek Orthodox Community & Church of Canberra:
On Wednesday, the Greek Orthodox Community & Church of Canberra held a special ceremony at the Greek Embassy of Australia to celebrate OXI Day.
President of the Canberra Greek Community, John Loukadellis (right) and the Ambassador of Greece in Australia, His Excellency Mr George Papacostas (left).
Children from the Greek School of Canberra.
The event had a total of 220 people in attendance, running from 6-8pm in the gardens of the embassy. 25 children from the Greek School of Canberra performed songs and poems about OXI Day, followed by the Canberra Hellenic Dancers Atalanti group performing traditional Greek dances.
“We were very blessed that we got to celebrate this historic and religious event as a community, united to remember the fallen heroes of 28 October 1940, for they sacrificed their today for our tomorrow,” President of the Greek Orthodox Community & Church of Canberra, John Loukadellis, tells The Greek Herald.
Greek Orthodox Community of Melbourne and Victoria:
The Greek Schools of the Greek Orthodox Community of Melbourne and Victoria commemorated OXI Day last night with a special Zoom event.
Many hundreds of children and parents took part in the digital commemoration, with some reciting poems, giving speeches and presentations.
The Greek Schools of the Greek Orthodox Community of Melbourne and Victoria commemorated OXI Day last night with a special Zoom event.
All of the activities were focused on the meaning and relevance of OXI Day.
“The Zoom event was a great success. It gave all the students a chance to continue performing and honour the heroic actions of the Greeks,” President of the Community, Bill Papastergiadis, tells The Greek Herald.
All of the activities were focused on the meaning and relevance of OXI Day.
Greek Orthodox Community of NSW:
The Greek Orthodox Community of NSW organised a cocktail “COVID-Safe” event to mark the 80th anniversary of OXI Day last night.
Students from the Community’s Greek schools gave a small play.
Photos: The Greek Herald.
Students from the Community’s Greek schools started the event with the singing of the National Anthems of Greece and Australia. This was followed by a small play, where students retold the events that occurred on OXI Day.
In attendance were the Consul General of Greece in Sydney, Mr Christos Karras, Leader of the Opposition, Jodi McKay, Member for Oatley, Mark Coure, and Member for Canterbury, Sophie Cotsis, as well as a number of representatives from Greek communities across NSW.
OXI day, the 28th of October, is celebrated all around the world to commemorate the day Greece said NO to the Italian’s taking over Greece back in 1940, prior to World War 2.
On Wednesday at the Greek Embassy of Australia, the Greek Orthodox Community & Church of Canberra held a special ceremony to celebrate this day. Special guests such as the Hellenic Club of Canberra President, Mr Stef Pashalidis, the Ambassador of Greece in Australia, His Excellency Mr George Papacostas, the High Commissioner of Cyprus, Mrs Martha Mavrommatis, the Cyprus Community of Canberra President, Mrs Georgia Alexandrou, as well as other presidents of local Greek associations, were all in attendance to the event to share speeches and words of wisdom on the significance of OXI day and what it means to Greeks. The event was MC’d by President of the Greek Community & Church of Canberra Mr John Loukadellis.
John Loukadellis (left) and the High Commissioner of Cyprus, Mrs Martha Mavrommatis (right).
The event had a total of 220 people in attendance, running from 6-8pm in the gardens of the embassy. It showcased 25 children from the Greek School of Canberra performing songs and poems about Oxi Day, followed by the Canberra Hellenic Dancers Atalanti group performing traditional Greek dances to further celebrate and commemorate the occasion. Kiria Anastasia, Kiria Dora, Kiria Stella, Kiria Marilena, Kiria Eva and Kirio Sotiri were all very proud of their students for their amazing efforts today.
“We were very blessed that we got to celebrate this historic and religious event as a community, united to remember the fallen heroes of 28 October 1940, for they sacrificed their today for our tomorrow,” Mr Loukadellis shared.
The High Commissioner of Cyprus, Mrs Mavrommatis, stated “we are very proud of our kids because we know that our community has a future and ‘Hellenicism’ will never die as we continue to grow our culture, language and our religion and will forever be proud Greeks.”
The event was a hit with the younger generation as well.
CMS radio’s Greek radio programme host, Mr Dimitris Saragas, further stated: “I am very proud to be a Greek” after seeing the kids today do an “amazing job” in keeping the traditions and culture alive in Canberra.
Theodore Leonidas Merkoureas, senior teacher of the Atalanti Canberra Hellenic Dancers group, also shared “oxi day is an extremely important day in Greek and world History and we’re always excited to support and promote our national culture.”
Mr Loukadellis stated: “I am extremely proud of the efforts of our teachers and our amazing students and Hellenic Dancers performance at this evenings events. We would also like to thank the Ambassador of Greece, H.E Mr George Papacostas, for his continued support of our community and for opening the doors to the embassy for our community to celebrate OXI Day in such a beautiful residence” and further thanked everyone who came and supported the event.
Nearly two months after Turkey’s President Erdogan issued an order converting the historic church from a museum into a mosque, Islamic prayers are finally scheduled to occur on October 30th.
In preparation, Turkish authorities have gone to great lengths to cover priceless Byzantine frescoes and iconography at the former church, considered one of the most significant collections of such art in the world.
Photos show that the centuries old Christian frescoes and mosaics have been completely covered by white screens, raising concerns about how these fixtures were installed and how it will impact the integrity of these historical artifacts.
Dünya sanat tarihinin baş yapıtlarından Kariye fresk ve mozaiklerinin kapatılması ne yazık ki yapının karakterini ve sanatsal değerini öldürecek vasıfısızlıkta.
Solda eski hali, sağda yeni hali. Proje Türkiye kültür mirası yöneten ve koruyan bakanlık ve kurumları. pic.twitter.com/ijItpmLxCz
Mahir Polat, the director of the Cultural Heritage Department of the City of Istanbul, was critical of the work being done by religious officials.
In a tweet, he called the Byzantine iconography in the church “one of the masterpieces of world art history,” adding that the renovation was “incompetent” and the work that was done to conceal the Christian iconography will “kill the character and artistic value of the building.”
The Chora church is a UNESCO World Heritage site but it was converted into a mosque in August. The scheduled prayers will complete the church’s transformation into a mosque.
