In a resolute announcement, the Ecumenical Federation of Constantinopolitans urges Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to reassess his position regarding the ongoing conversion of Byzantine-era churches into mosques. Additionally, the federation highlights the troubling trend of leveraging these conversions for political gain, alongside a concerning lack of empathy towards Orthodox monuments.
Read the announcement:
The frescoes and mosaics adorning the Chora Monastery are globally recognized as some of the most significant artworks in existence. However, the recent conversion of the Church of Christ the Savior within the monastery compound into a mosque by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey, after functioning as a museum for 78 years, is deeply concerning. This move not only underscores the political instrumentalization of Byzantine church conversions in Turkey but also reflects a lack of empathy towards Orthodox monuments.
The transformation of this church, which boasts a capacity of 500 meters and is now one of five mosques in the vicinity, has led to the covering of its walls adorned with priceless mosaics and frescoes, depriving visitors of the opportunity to admire them. Such conversions, including the infamous case of Hagia Sophia, lack any legal basis under Turkish law.
We urgently call upon President Erdogan to reconsider his stance on this matter. By disregarding world heritage and opening the door to unilateral decisions regarding the fate of historical monuments, Erdogan’s actions set a dangerous precedent. These monuments, protected by UNESCO, represent the uninterrupted historical narrative of each location and should not be subject to erasure.
The Ecumenical Federation of Constantinopolitans pledges to continue its advocacy for the preservation of these monuments, appealing to the Turkish authorities and international organizations responsible for safeguarding humanity’s cultural heritage (UNESCO) and fostering peace (UNAOC) among nations. It is imperative that we prioritize preservation over tension, as such actions only serve to exacerbate divisions between peoples.
Translated by: Konstantinos Menyktas
