He is accusing a whole country.
European bishops strongly oppose Turkey’s recent decision to convert the Church of Saint Savior in Chora, an important UNESCO World Heritage Site in Istanbul, into a mosque. They argue that this move diminishes Christianity’s historical significance in the country. The Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union (COMECE) criticized the decision, stating that it undermines the credibility of any interreligious dialogue initiatives promoted by Turkish authorities. This conversion follows a similar transformation of the Hagia Sophia Basilica into a mosque four years earlier, raising concerns about the preservation of Christian heritage in Turkey.
Fr. Manuel Barrios Prieto, Secretary General of COMECE, emphasized the regrettable nature of the decision, warning that it could escalate religious tensions and hinder interreligious dialogue efforts. The Church of Saint Savior in Chora, dating back to the fourth century, holds immense historical and cultural significance as a symbol of Eastern Christianity in Turkey. Its conversion into a mosque represents a departure from its original identity and purpose, sparking criticism from both European bishops and the Greek Foreign Ministry.
The Greek Foreign Ministry condemned the decision, arguing that it distorts the site’s character as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and undermines its universal cultural significance. They stressed the importance of maintaining the universal character of monuments and adhering to international standards for the protection of religious and cultural heritage. Similarly, the U.S. State Department expressed concerns about the preservation of sites with diverse religious histories, urging the Turkish government to uphold international standards for the protection of religious and cultural heritage.
The conversions of historic churches into mosques are viewed as strategic moves by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to consolidate support from conservative and religious factions amidst economic challenges. However, these actions have sparked criticism from religious leaders, international organizations, and foreign governments, reflecting broader apprehensions about religious freedom and cultural preservation in Turkey. COMECE’s previous condemnation of the redesignation of the Hagia Sophia as a mosque underscores concerns about the impact on interreligious dialogue and Turkey’s treatment of minority groups, highlighting broader issues surrounding religious freedom in the region.