Bill Papastergiadis calls on Australian Prime Minister to condemn decision to convert Hagia Sophia into a mosque

·

As the world watched Turkey’s highest administrative court renounce the decision to convert Hagia Sophia into a museum, religious leaders condemned the unforgivable actions of Turkish President Recep Tayyip ErdoÄŸan.

The Greek Orthodox Community of Melbourne, who yesterday condemned the Turkish Republic’s decision, have sent a letter to Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison requesting the world leader to similarly denounce the decision.

In the letter to the Australian Prime Minister, the Community emphasised the importance and symbolic role of Hagia Sophia, asking Mr Morrison to take appropriate action to ensure that the World Heritage Site is not turned into a mosque.

“As we are sure you are aware, the Turkish Republic have moved to reinstate the World Heritage listed Hagia Sofia monument back to being a mosque,” Mr Papastergiadis wrote to Scott Morrison.

Bill Papastergiadis with Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholemew

“Hagia Sofia Is a significant cultural monument acknowledged by UNESCO to be of World significance. It plays a significant symbolic role in the life of many people around the world, including Australians of Greek background.

“The decision last week by the Turkish authorities to reinstate it as a mosque has been condemned worldwide and we now call on the Australian Government to add to the outcry.”

The Greek Orthodox Community of Melbourne also sent a letter to Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, who welcoming the immediate reaction of the Greek Government.

“Hagia Sophia is an important cultural monument recognised by UNESCO as of World Importance,” Mr Papastergiadis wrote to Kyriakos Mitsotakis.

“Its complex history testifies to the symbolic role it plays in the lives of many people around the world, including Australians of Greek descent. Hagia Sophia belongs to all mankind and should not be used as a tool of political and nationalist exploitation.”

“Our Community welcomes the immediate response of the Greek Government and supports the efforts made to address this critical issue.”

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

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

Advertisement

Latest News

IHO NYX brings Greek Rock to centre stage in Sydney this weekend

As Sunday, April 6 approaches, all eyes are on IHO NYX, the band ready to electrify Sydney with a concert dedicated entirely to Greek Rock.

Party for a purpose: Support the Pontian House at the Winter Wonderland Gala 2025

The Pontian Association of NSW Pontoxeniteas will host its highly anticipated Winter Wonderland Gala 2025 on Saturday, May 31, at 6.30 PM.

‘Comedy Cartel’: A night of laughter at the Hellenic Club of Canberra

Get ready for a night of laughter and cultural celebration as Comedy Cartel makes its debut at the Hellenic Club of Canberra this June.

Cypriot courage remembered: Join the ANZAC Day March, keep their legacy alive 

On Anzac Day we commemorate the bravery and good deeds of Australian, New Zealand and Allied forces over many conflicts.

Orthodox Mission in Madagascar uplifted by Australian generosity

As Bishop Theophilos prepares to return to Madagascar, he issued a statement expressing his deep gratitude for the support and affection.

You May Also Like

Greek Community of Melbourne students hold unique OXI Day celebration 

This year, the Greek Community of Melbourne's Language and Culture Schools chose to celebrate OXI Day in a different way.

Andrew Liveris helps US President, Joe Biden, pass $1.64 trillion infrastructure bill

Andrew Liveris has something to celebrate after the Biden administration passed its historic $1.64 trillion infrastructure bill.

Victorian Greens backflip on motion to recognise Greek, Armenian and Assyrian genocides

The Victorian Greens have backflipped on their proposed motion to recognise the Greek, Armenian and Assyrian genocides.