New Syriac Church on Istanbul’s Agenda

PM Davutoğlu had a meeting with Turkey’s Christian and Jewish minority representatives on Friday. 

The meeting took place in PM’s Office located in Dolmabahçe Palace in Istanbul. 

After the meeting, PM  announced that the state will allocated land for the construction of a Syriac church in Istanbul’s Yeşilköy district. 

Minority issues

The 3.5 hour meeting was attended by the following representatives: Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I of Constantinople, Hakham Bashi (Chief Rabbi) Ishak Haleva, Armenian Patriarch of Istanbul Aram Ateşyan and other representatives from Greek-Orthodox, Keldani, Syriac backgrounds. 

The meeting was also attended by Turkey’s Ambassador to the Holy See Mehmet Paçacı, Directorate of Religious Affairs Head Mehmet Görmez. 

Some of the discussions included the barring of clerics to teach at minority schools, the refusal of passport applications to the these individuals, their allowance of 6 months for staying in Turkey and the usage of churches for cultural activities. 

“Equal citizenship"

Davutoğlu emphasized on “equal citizenship” on the issues of Turkey’s minorities.

“This picture is significant for the diverse colors of our country in the context of authentic culture traditions and religious traditions. 

“On the other hand, this is also important in the context of equal citizenship. We never had a difference amid our citizens in terms of equal citizenship principles. We won’t do it in the future.  

“Regardless of religion, sect, ethnic background, our people’s lives, belongings, dignity, mind and honor are sacred for us and it is the case for all religions.” (YY/BM)

* Click here to read the article in Turkish.