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Several countries, including Spain, agree that Hagia Sophia is Turkey's internal matter, according to Minister of Foreign Affairs Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu.
Following a high court decision on July 10, Turkey reopened the UNESCO-listed monument as a mosque on July 24.
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"Reopening of Hagia Sophia for worship is not a one-upmanship against any country or belief," he remarked today (July 27) in a joint news conference with Arancha Gonzalez Laya, his counterpart from Spain, in the capital Ankara.
Çavuşoğlu said Turkey respects the thoughts and pieces of advice to protect Hagia Sophia which was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1985.
Çavuşoğlu also criticized Greece for flying the flags at half-mast and the protests in the country against Turkey. "Greece must accept that İstanbul was conquered in 1453," he said.
Laya said that Turkey's intention of observing UNESCO criteria regarding Hagia Sophia was praiseworthy, adding that they see İstanbul's architectural gem as a common heritage of all humanity.
"For us, it is important that the spirit of this great monument of Hagia Sophia is maintained," she noted.
Çavuşoğlu replied to her, saying, "[Minister Laya] said they would prefer [Hagia Sophia] to remain as a common home. If she meant that it should be open for everyone to visit as a world cultural heritage, then it's okay. But if she meant that it should also be open for people from other religions for prayers, we don't agree with that."
Last Friday (July 24), the first prayers after an 86-year hiatus were held in the Hagia Sophia Mosque.
Hagia Sophia served as a church for 916 years until the conquest of Istanbul, and a mosque from 1453 to 1934 -- nearly 500 years -- and most recently as a museum.
About Hagia Sophia's conversion
Hagia Sophia was built and served as a church for 916 years until the Ottoman Empire took over İstanbul, and a mosque from 1453 to 1934, and most recently as a museum for 86 years. In 1985, during its time as a museum, Hagia Sophia was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List. On July 10, the Council of State annulled a 1934 cabinet decree that had turned Hagia Sophia into a museum, paving the way for its use again as a mosque. The decision received criticism from the European Union and several countries. On the same day, Hagia Sophia was handed over to the Religious Affairs Directorate by a presidential decree. On July 16, the Religious Affairs Directorate signed a cooperation protocol with the Ministry of Culture and Tourism to run Hagia Sophia after its conversion into a mosque. Under the protocol, the ministry will supervise restoration and conservation work, while the Religious Affairs Directorate will oversee religious services. The architectural treasure will also be open to domestic and foreign tourists free of charge. |
(PT/VK)
