The state Council of Turkey has allowed the return status of mosque to the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul
KIEV. July 10. UNN. The Supreme administrative court of Turkey, the State Council canceled the decree of 1934, which turned the Hagia Sophia into a Museum, reports UNN , citing the Daily Sabah.
“The Supreme administrative court of Turkey on Friday reversed the decision of the government in 1934, which turned the Hagia Sophia into a Museum. The long-awaited decision opens the way for use as a mosque, Istanbul’s iconic Hagia Sophia”, — writes the edition.
It is noted that the Hagia Sophia, one of the world’s most important sites of historical and cultural heritage, was built in the sixth century during the Byzantine Empire and was the residence of the Greek Orthodox Church. It was converted into an Imperial mosque with the Ottoman conquest of Istanbul in 1453. The Cathedral was converted into a Museum in 1935, but since then was active discussion about converting it back into a mosque.
Amid the international response to the status of Hagia Sophia, Ankara stated that the issue is an internal affair.
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said last week that the accusations against Turkey in respect of the Hagia Sophia, directly aimed against the country’s sovereignty.
As reported UNN, formerly the Primate of the Greek Orthodox Church, Archbishop Jerome expressed the opinion that Turkey will not dare to turn the Cathedral. Sofia in Istanbul into a mosque.