First Islamic prayer sounds in Orthodox Chora Monastery in Istanbul
Ancient frescoes of the Chora Monastery in Istanbul. Photo: ertnews.gr
On May 6, 2024, the ancient Byzantine Orthodox Monastery of Chora in Istanbul, Turkey, officially became a mosque, as reported by ertnews.gr.
During a ceremony marking the completion of the "restoration" of architectural monuments in Turkey, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan stated that the country's authorities "pay close attention to protecting the cultural heritage of the nation."
In response, the Mufti of Istanbul, Safi Arpagius, mentioned that the Chora Monastery is "being restored and reopened to Muslim believers after 79 years."
At that moment, the President of Turkey ordered to cut the ribbon at the monastery's door: "You have scissors in your hands, and the ribbon is in front of you. Let's all say 'for Allah' together and cut the ribbon. Good luck!"
Afterwards, the first Islamic prayer was performed inside the Orthodox church in the Monastery of Chora.
Earlier, the UOJ reported that Erdogan would participate in the first prayer at the Chora Monastery.
Read also
Sand for construction of Yermak’s residence brought from cemetery, MP says
MP Yaroslav Zhelezniak said that sand illegally removed from a cemetery in Ukrainka was used in the construction of the elite Dynasty cooperative in Kozyn.
Italian court recognizes family with three parents as legal
In Bari, the appellate court ordered authorities to register an adoption according to which a child is listed as having two "fathers" and one mother.
Archaeologists discover biblical Bethsaida on shore of Sea of Galilee
Researchers have discovered a first-century residential house beneath the apse of a Byzantine church and a mosaic inscription mentioning the Apostle Peter.
Israeli soldiers receive jail terms for mocking statue of the Virgin Mary
Those involved in the act of sacrilege in the village of Debel will spend several weeks behind bars for desecrating a statue of the Mother of God.
Serbian Church officially receives back land of 15th-century monastery
An agreement was signed in Belgrade transferring the territory of the ancient Vojlovica Monastery to the Banat Eparchy.
Pat Daniel comments on conflict between Phanar bishop and community in Turkey
The Bulgarian Primate believes that the hierarch of the Constantinople Patriarchate should not have forced the Bulgarian community in Edirne to serve in Greek.