Erdogan calls Hagia Sophia a symbol of Turkish era
Hagia Sophia. Photo: romfea.gr
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan stated that the decision to convert Hagia Sophia from a museum into a mosque is a symbol of the Turkish era.
During an awards ceremony established in memory of the Turkish poet-Islamist Necip Fazıl Kısakürek, who was a fervent advocate for turning Hagia Sophia into a mosque, Erdogan said that he fulfilled the poet's dream:
"After 37 years since his (the poet's) death, we had the honour of opening Hagia Sophia, which was his biggest dream. Glory be to Allah. After 80 years of longing, we together broke the chains and restored Hagia Sophia to its original state, following the poet's desire," said the President of Turkey.
According to Erdogan, the conversion of the church into a mosque is the 'end of the captivity of Hagia Sophia,' and 'to be remembered for generations as the president who reopened Hagia Sophia is the greatest honour in the world of our hearts.'
Erdogan assured that 'the sounds of the Quran from the domes of Hagia Sophia and the call to prayer from its minarets will never cease,' and the Grand Mosque of Hagia Sophia will forever appeal to the hearts of believers as a symbol of the Turkish era.
Earlier, the Turkish President stated that the current events in Gaza are 'revenge for Muslims for the conquest of Constantinople in 1453’.
Read also
DESS draws parallels between liquidation of UGCC and present day
An event in Kyiv marked the 80th anniversary of the Lviv Council, at which a decision was taken to dissolve the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church.
Bulgarian Church warns of sectarian threat after mass suicide
The Lovech Eparchy of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church has issued a warning following the tragedy of a mass suicide involving sect members near the Petrohan Pass.
UN reports violations of rights of believers and communities in Ukraine
A UN document points to pressure on the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, attempts to ban it through the courts, and cases of forcible church seizures.
Middle East Council of Churches calls for protection of Christians in the region
Christian churches in the Middle East warned of growing threats to the region’s Christian communities and a worsening humanitarian crisis in Lebanon, urging the international community to step up support.
Albanian Archbishop: First in Orthodoxy does not mean supreme
The head of the Albanian Church spoke to UOJ about Orthodox unity, the limits of national identity, and the role of humility in Orthodoxy’s witness to the world.
Poland begins phasing out social benefits for Ukrainian refugees
A new law has taken effect in Poland providing for a gradual reduction in social benefits and some other support measures introduced for Ukrainian refugees after 2022.