Erdogan entrusts to change Hagia Sophia status in Istanbul
Recep Tayyip Erdogan, President of Turkey. Photo:trtrussian.com
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan instructed his assistants to handle the preparation of Hagia Sophia in Istanbul with a view to converting it into a mosque. This was reported by the Turkish online publication Hürriyet.
“Hagia Sophia can be further visited by tourists as a mosque. Like in Sultanahmet (the historical center of Istanbul – Ed.). Our nation must resolve this issue,” Erdogan said.
The President of Turkey announced his assignment at a meeting of the main council of the Justice and Development Party. Erdogan is the chairman of this party, which is the ruling party in the country.
He recalled that in 1934, the Council of Ministers converted Hagia Sophia, a symbol of the conquest of Istanbul, into a museum.
“Do the research for Hagia Sophia, let's evaluate the situation and discuss it,” the Turkish President urged his staff.
He asked them to take their time and to deal with this issue properly.
“Be very careful about it,” Erdogan said.
Earlier, the Turkish authorities held an event near the walls of Hagia Sophia called "Conquest Festival" on the occasion of the 567th anniversary of the fall of Constantinople. After this event, the Turkish President declared that Turkish authorities have the right to return the status of a mosque to the cathedral.
Read also
Upper Lavra court hearing postponed
The next court hearing in the Upper Lavra case has been scheduled for November 3.
UOC priest blesses ambulances at Kamianske medical center
A UOC priest in Kamianske blessed ambulances for a medical facility and wished its doctors God's help in their work.
Dumenko to German ambassador: Law targeting UOC also applies to other groups
Epifaniy Dumenko sought to defend Ukraine’s law restricting religious organizations during a meeting with the German ambassador.
Activists bused to court hearings in UOC cases, media say
A minibus has been spotted transporting protesters to and from courthouses where UOC cases are being heard.
Firefighters save historic UOC church from fire in Zakarpattia
A fire broke out at a UOC church in the Tiachiv district, damaging the altar and church furnishings.
Volyn Eparchy faithful collect six tons of aid for Sviatohirsk Lavra
Believers in Volyn collected food and warm clothing for people displaced by the war who have found shelter at Sviatohirsk Lavra.