Erdogan: We don’t need permission from Greece to convert Sophia into mosque
Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Photo: bykvu.com
Turkey does not need to ask permission from Greece to turn Hagia Sophia into a mosque. This was announced by Turkish President Reghel Tayyip Erdogan on Monday, June 8, 2020, reports “Romfea”.
“Now they’re talking about Aiye-Sophia,” the agency quotes the Turkish leader’s comment on Greece’s reaction to Ankara’s recent statements. “They say you will not turn it into a mosque. Are you people of the Turkish administration?"
He stressed that in this issue Turkey does not need to ask anyone for permission.
“We will not take permission from you. As a rule of law, we are waiting for the decision of the Council of State. After the decision, we will act accordingly, ”Erdogan said.
The revision of the status of Hagia Sophia is supported by the closest ally of Erdogan – Nationalist Action Party (MHP) leader Devlet Bahceli, who said: “Hagia Sophia is a mosque, a symbol of the conquest of the Turkish Muslim people. This is a truth that does not change and everyone must realize it. By the will of Allah, then not the sound of bells but the adhan will be heard from Hagia Sophia.”
As reported earlier, the State Council of Turkey will consider the possibility of changing the status of Hagia Sophia from a museum to an active mosque on July 2.
Read also
ROCOR Priest Reflects on Trip to Capitol Hill
Archpriest Victor Boldewskul participated in the Society of St. John of Shanghai and San Francisco's Day of Action to raise awareness about the persecution of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church.
Hundreds of Chinese Christians Arrested in Pre-Christmas Crackdown
Hundreds of Chinese Christians face spending Christmas in detention after authorities launched a sweeping pre-holiday crackdown on churches under Beijing’s campaign to control religious life.
Ukraine Adviser: UOC Not Banned, but Offered a 'Choice' of Jurisdictions
A Ukrainian presidential adviser said the UOC is not banned but pressured to choose between joining the OCU, submitting to Constantinople, or remaining unregistered, while dismissing international concerns as propaganda.
Indiana Reports 98% Drop in Abortions Under Stricter Law
Indiana’s latest health report shows a 98% drop in reported abortions under stricter laws, though dozens still occurred under legal exceptions and concerns persist about unreported pill abortions.
Armenian Apostolic Church Pushes Back on Political Encroachment
The Armenian Apostolic Church plans to appeal to international bodies to resist government interference and defend its clergy and sacred relics.
Attempted Takeover at Armenian Etchmiadzin Cathedral Thwarted by Faithful
Supporters of Armenian PM Pashinyan attempted to storm Etchmiadzin Cathedral amid calls for the Catholicos’s resignation but were blocked by parishioners and security.