Istanbul's Sofia could again become a mosque, Erdogan warns
(7 years ago)Aya Sofia of Istanbul a cathedral of Byzantine era that now serves as a museum can return to the mosque, said Turkey's president, Recep Tayip Erdogan. He made comments during a television interview, on the eve of the March 31st local elections. The former Byzantine cathedral has been converted into mosques after Istanbul's Ottoman occupation [...]
He made comments during a television interview, on the eve of the March 31st local elections.
The former Byzantine cathedral was converted into a mosque after Istanbul's Ottoman occupation, then known as Constantinople, 1453.
Turkey's secular founder has restored the building to a museum in 1935.
It now attracts millions of tourists each year.
The suggestion that she could return to the mosque sparked outrage in Greece.
It is not just a great temple of Christianity that is the greatest of many centuries. It also belongs to mankind. Known as part of global cultural heritage by U NESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization)”, Greek Foreign Minister George Katrougalos said.
Therefore, questioning this status is not just insulting to the feelings of Christians, it is insulting to the international community and international law”, he said.
Erdogan himself recited prayers within Aya Sophia last year.