Patriarch Bartholomew expressed his categorical opposition to the
possible conversion of Hagia Sophia of Constantinople in a mosque,
during the Gathering of the Primates of the Orthodox Churches, which is
underway in the city and broadcasted from all the Turkish media.
"If Hagia Sophia becomes again a place of worship, it should work as a
church, because that is why it was built" he noted referring to the
debate, which develops in certain circles in Turkey. "We are seeing
within certain sections of public opinion the tendency for conversion of
Hagia Sophia into a mosque.
As a Church, we are opposed to it and we will react against such an eventuality, as the whole Christian world" said the Patriarch. In view of elections, some nationalist circles of Islam want Hagia Sophia to operate again as a mosque.
Kemal Ataturk had decided to turn Hagia Sophia to a museum founding of the Turkish Republic. We remind that Hagia Sophia ceased to function as a Christian church, as it was converted into a mosque by Mehmet the Conqueror after the Fall of Constantinople in May 1453.
As a Church, we are opposed to it and we will react against such an eventuality, as the whole Christian world" said the Patriarch. In view of elections, some nationalist circles of Islam want Hagia Sophia to operate again as a mosque.
Kemal Ataturk had decided to turn Hagia Sophia to a museum founding of the Turkish Republic. We remind that Hagia Sophia ceased to function as a Christian church, as it was converted into a mosque by Mehmet the Conqueror after the Fall of Constantinople in May 1453.
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