Biden calls on Erdogan to reverse decision to turn Hagia Sophia into mosque
Joe Biden and Patriarch Bartholomew. Photo: twitter.com/molodyko
U.S. presidential candidate from the Democratic Party Joe Biden called on Turkish President Recep Erdogan to reverse his decision to turn the Hagia Sophia from a museum into a mosque, reports “The National Herald”.
According to Biden, “the Hagia Sophia is an architectural marvel and treasured holy site for people of many faiths. For the last 85 years, the Hagia Sophia has been a museum, allowing people from around the world to visit, admire, and pray in this holy space, which since 1985 has also had the status of a UNESCO World Heritage Site”.
The Democratic presidential nominee wrote that he deeply regretted the Turkish government’s decision to convert the Hagia Sophia into a mosque and urged Turkish President Recep Erdogan to reverse his decision and instead “keep this treasured place in its current status as a museum, ensuring equal access for all”.
As reported earlier, The U.S. Department of State is disappointed with Turkey’s decision to change the museum status of the Hagia Sophia.
Read also
In Greece, four people sentenced to prison for attack on mufti
The convicted individuals did not admit guilt in committing acts of violence and stated they would appeal, seeking to overturn the first-instance decision.
Patriarch Kirill arrives in Belarus
The Primate of the Russian Church will preside over celebrations honoring the Synaxis of the Saints of Belarus.
Archaeologists unearth bell tower of ancient rock monastery in Ukraine
In Maliivtsi, scholars discovered the foundation of a structure destroyed by the Bolsheviks in the 1930s.
Iranian singer sentenced to 74 lashes for performing without hijab
An Iranian court found the artists guilty of “insulting public decency.”
70% of damaged Dormition Cathedral roof in Lavra already covered
A commission has begun work on preparing a damage assessment report and cost estimate for a protective conservation covering.
OCU cleric moves to UOC-KP
UOC-KP head Nikodym accepted a cleric who had accused the OCU of financial fraud.