In a letter to the Directorate General of Foundations in Turkey, the Association of Greek Archaeologists (SEA) expressed its concern about the conversion of Hagia Sophia in Trebizond into a mosque.
This letter was also sent to the Ministry of Culture and Sports of Greece, to the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of Turkey, and to the Hellenic National Commission for UNESCO.
“Following the issue of the conversion of Hagia Sophia into a mosque, the Association of Greek Archaeologists expresses its concern about the change in the status of the use of this monument, which was a museum until 2013.
As you know, Hagia Sophia in Trebizond is a prominent Byzantine monument of Pontus, built in Trebizond during the reign of Manuel I between 1238 and 1263, covered with frescoes of unique beauty. It is an important example of late Byzantine architecture not only for the history and culture of Turkey but also for the whole world,” the Association said in its letter.
At the same time, it stressed that “Hagia Sophia was not converted into a mosque immediately after the occupation of Trebizond by the Ottomans in 1461. According to historical sources, this happened during the last third of the 16th century, while the adjacent buildings of the monastery were still used for several years by monks. Therefore, the efforts to correlate the monument with Mehmed II the Conqueror are unfounded.”
The Association added that “restricted access of visitors to Hagia Sophia, after the conversion into a mosque in 2013, deters them from understanding and enjoying the monument”. However, as underlined, “every country should guarantee universal access to the cultural goods and monuments within its territory, as defined by international rules”.
The archaeologists of the Association also expressed their concern about the future of this unique monument after having read reports of new forthcoming work in the monument, which will further alter its original architecture.
The Association of Greek Archaeologists asks the General Directorate of Foundations that Hagia Sophia in Trebizond should become again museum so that all visitors have free access to this emblematic monument of Turkey without underestimating or altering its historical and artistic value,” concluded the Association.
Source: ANA-MPA