EU high representative for foreign Affairs Josep Borrell has commented on the decision of the Turkish authorities to change the status of Hagia Sophia in Istanbul.
- © REUTERS/Murad Sezer
According to him, the Hagia Sophia has a large “symbolic, historical and universal value.”
“It is regrettable that the decision of the State Council of the country on the cancellation of one of the most significant decisions of modern Turkey and the decision of the President Erdogan to give the monument at the disposal of the office for religious Affairs,” said Bozel.
He also stated that Turkey as one of the founders of the international organization “Alliance of civilizations” has assumed “the obligation to promote interreligious and intercultural dialogue”.
On 10 July, the state Council of Turkey overturned the decision in 1934 the transformation of Hagia Sophia (Hagia Sophia) in Istanbul Museum.
The President of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdogan signed a decree on the transfer of the Cathedral to the Office for religious Affairs and permitted in the Hagia Sophia to Muslim worship.
UNESCO Director General Audrey Azul expressed deep regret in connection with decision of the Turkish authorities.