Greece, Russia and France warn Turkey about Hagia Sophia decision

Photo: AA/File

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Greece, Russia and France have urged Turkey to keep Hagia Sophia as a museum amid debates regarding the building's status.

A new debate on Hagia Sophia's status began on May 29, when Turkey held a "Quran session" in the museum as part of the celebrations for "İstanbul's conquest."

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Hagia Sophia was built as an Orthodox Cathedral in the sixth century and was converted into a mosque by the Ottoman Empire in 1453. The Republic made the building a museum in 1934.

The Council of State is currently examining a petition for the conversion of the museum into a mosque.

Russia: The decision should be measured

The spokesperson of Russia's Foreign Ministry, Maria Zakharova, said yesterday (July 2) that they expected the decision on Hagia Sophia's fate to be "measured" because of the importance of the issue for religious people.

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"We believe that the monument is exceptionally important, in terms of culture and history, to the entire humanity. UNESCO has added Hagia Sophia to its list of World Heritage Sites," she said, adding that accessibility of the site should be maintained.

Greece: It's world heritage

Greece's government spokesperson Stelios Petsas also pointed out that Hagia Sophia is a world heritage monument, adding that several countries have also expressed their concerns about this.

He warned Ankara "not to take steps which would create a huge emotional chasm between the Christians of the world and Turkey."

France: This place must remain open to all

The Foreign Ministry of France also stated that Hagia Sophia should be accessible for everyone.

"A symbol of tolerance and diversity, this place must remain open to all," it stated. (PT/VK)