Vienna refuses to install monument to Christian king due to Islamophobia
Monument to Polish King Jan III Sobieski in Gdansk, Poland. Photo: Heute
On January 26, 2026, it became known that Vienna authorities refused to install a monument to Polish King Jan III Sobieski, citing concerns about inciting Islamophobic and anti-Turkish sentiments, reports Heute.
The matter concerns a statue of the Christian monarch that was planned to be installed on Kahlenberg Hill – the site of Sobieski's decisive victory over the Ottoman army in 1683. The project was first proposed in 2013 and officially approved by city authorities in 2018, however at the end of 2024 the municipality reconsidered its decision and abandoned the implementation, leaving an empty pedestal at the site of the future monument.
Vienna City Council stated that it does not intend to create a space that could be used for xenophobic agitation, as well as for Islamophobic or anti-Turkish sentiments. These arguments provoked a sharp reaction in Poland, where the Austrian capital's decision was viewed as a refusal of previously given commitments.
Polish Ambassador to Austria Zenon Kosiniak-Kamysz emphasized that Vienna had previously promised to install the monument, while the statue itself has already been made and is located in Poland. He also pointed to existing memorials to controversial historical figures in the Austrian capital, questioning why a different approach is being applied to the Christian king who is credited with saving Vienna.
Opposition parties in Austria also subjected the decision to sharp criticism. Representatives of the Austrian People's Party called the situation a farce, while the right-nationalist FPÖ characterized the refusal to install the monument as a scandalous and ideologically motivated step.
As earlier reported, Britain will build a "Christian monument" in the form of a Möbius strip.
Read also
Archbishop Elpidophoros criticizes UOC for not commemorating Patriarch Kirill
The head of the American Archdiocese of Constantinople believes that the UOC should commemorate someone.
Prosecutor's Office demands transfer of UOC church in Myzynivka to state
The Cherkasy Regional Prosecutor's Office insists on registering state ownership of the UOC church in the village of Myzynivka, claiming the need for "legal protection" of the monument.
Phanar hierarch: UOC bishops did not join OCU due to RF special services
Archbishop Elpidophoros assures that the UOC hierarchs did not come to the "Unification Council" of the OCU due to fear of the RF special services.
New York's Mayor opens clinics with access to abortions and gender transition
New York City Mayor allocated $4 million to create medical centers for youth with access to abortions and gender transition.
"Council of Churches of Ukraine" defends Patriarch Bartholomew from Russia
Dumenko, as well as the heads of Catholic and Protestant denominations, condemned the "unprecedented attack" by Russian intelligence on the head of the Constantinople Patriarchate.
OCU rep: Church wedding is not needed
According to the OCU "priest," it is sufficient to register a marriage at the civil registry office; a church wedding is not needed.