Greek Ministry of Culture: Turkey can be culturally isolated due to Sophia
Greek Minister of Culture Lina Mendoni. Photo: orthodoxtimes.com
The Greek Minister of Culture Lina Mendoni stated that with his decision to change the status of Hagia Sophia from a museum to a mosque, Erdogan "isolates Turkey culturally", reports "Orthodox Times”.
The decision of the Turkish Council of State to change the status of Hagia Sophia is “the result of the political will of Turkish President Erdogan” and also “is a blatant provocation against the whole civilised world that recognises the unique value and the universality of the monument,” the Greek Minister of Culture, Lina Mendoni, said in a statement.
She added, “The nationalism shown by President Erdogan is not appropriate for the situation and, therefore, he leads his country six centuries back.” She also stressed, “Hagia Sophia does not lose its glamour and its universal nature, only because the Turkish Council of State gave in, President Erdogan has decided to isolate Turkey culturally.”
The Greek official also stressed that in her opinion, the decision of the Turkish Council of State fully confirmed that there was “no judicial independence in Turkey”.
As reported earlier, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has signed a decree changing the status of Hagia Sophia from a museum to a mosque.
Read also
Dumenko: The enemy has destroyed Ukranian liturgical language for centuries
Epifaniy assured that "imperial invaders" burned Ukrainian liturgical literature.
TRC releases previously detained priest of UOC's Ovruch Eparchy
Believers are thanked for their support and prayers.
Vance: A broken culture tends to turn young people into androgynous idiots
U.S. Vice President stated that modern society seeks to erase differences between genders, shaping people "who think the same, talk the same, and act the same."
In Volyn, UOC priests receive gratitude from AFU for volunteering
The clergy noted that they have always been supported by parishioners and communities willing to share their last resources.
Vance: We don't worry about earthly rewards but how we're doing before God
The Vice President of America shared that he is doing his best to follow God’s will.
Vance: Death is a bad thing, but losing your soul is much more terrible
"The fundamental tenant of the Christian faith is that the Son of God became man, He died and then He raised Himself from the dead," the U.S. Vice President reminded Americans.