The Orthodox Archbishop Anastasios of Albania has said that Turkey’s decision to turn the Church of Hagia Sophia, into a mosque undermines the peaceful coexistence of religions and cultures. He added that the decision amounts to “a shadow of cultural jihad.”
“This decision belongs to the tragic actions which undermine the greatest hope of our epoch, the peaceful coexistence of religions and cultures.
This decision returns us back to the darkest convolutions of history. It creates a general puzzlement and indignation, not only among Christians but also among moderate Muslims. It hearkens to a shadow of cultural jihad.
A country like Turkey, which desires to be on the vanguard, chooses the role of an arresting cultural rearguard.
Many times I have emphasized that for the oil of religion to be used to ignite and serve nationalist goals is a sin and tragic mistake. The noble goal of religions is to soothe the wounds and pacify the souls of humankind”.
The Hagia Sophia was completed in 537AD and has served as a Greek Orthodox cathedral, a Roman Catholic cathedral, and an Ottoman Mosque. It was later granted museum status and has been open to the public since.
Then, the Council of State annulled the decision to grant it museum status and ordered the reclassification of the monument as a mosque. The same day, the call to prayer was broadcast from the minarets and the Hagia Sophia Museum social media channels were taken down. President Erdogan announced that prayers would be held there from 24 July. A presidential spokesperson said the decision would not impact its status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and that the Christian icons inside would continue to be protected.
The World Council of Churches, Russian Orthodox Leader Patriarch Kirill, Pope Francis, the Greek government, the US Department of State, and UNESCO have spoken of disappointment and upset regarding the news. Many have appealed to Turkey to repeal the controversial decision.
