Greek Prime Minister to Challenge Conversion of Chora Church into a Mosque Ahead of Ankara Visit - thediplomaticaffairs.com

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Geneva, Switzerland

Politics World May 11, 2024

Greek Prime Minister to Challenge Conversion of Chora Church into a Mosque Ahead of Ankara Visit

Photo: Reuters

The Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has publicly announced his intention to challenge the Turkish government’s decision to convert the historically significant Orthodox Church of the Holy Redeemer in Chora, Istanbul, into a mosque. The announcement came on Saturday, setting the stage for what may be a diplomatically tense meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. In 2020, Ankara made the controversial decision to change the status of the Chora Church, an iconic Byzantine-era monument renowned for its exquisite frescoes and mosaics. The move was met with international criticism and concern, particularly from those who value the site’s cultural and religious significance. Mitsotakis’s comments signal a bold diplomatic move, as he stated, “But the fact that its implementation coincides with my visit will certainly allow me to raise this question and see if there is a possibility to reverse this decision.” The Greek leader’s planned entreaty to President Erdogan is indicative of the delicate interplay between heritage preservation, religious freedoms, and international relations.

The Chora Church, officially the Church of the Holy Saviour in Chora, was originally constructed in the early 5th century and has undergone several transformations throughout history. It served as a mosque following the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople in 1453 and was later converted into a museum by the Turkish secular government in 1945.

The building’s status was once again altered when a Turkish court annulled the museum’s status in 2019, paving the way for its conversion into a mosque. Last Monday marked a significant moment as Muslim worshippers prayed inside the Byzantine structure for the first time since its restoration, which lasted four years.

This latest development comes amidst a backdrop of historic tension between Greece and Turkey, with both nations having complex and intertwined histories. Issues ranging from territorial disputes to the protection of minority rights have often strained diplomatic relations.

Mitsotakis’s upcoming visit to Ankara was initially intended to discuss a range of bilateral and regional issues. However, the Chora Church dispute may now occupy a central place in the discussions. The Greek Prime Minister’s plea to reconsider the conversion of the Chora Church into a mosque could be seen as a gesture of advocating for cultural heritage and religious plurality. It is a plea that is likely to resonate with many in the international community who value the preservation of historical sites that embody a confluence of cultural narratives.

The response of President Erdogan and the outcome of this diplomatic appeal will be closely monitored by both countries and international observers. The decision, regardless of which direction it takes, will have implications not only for the preservation of cultural heritage but also for the delicate balance of religious freedoms and secularism in a region where such issues are deeply intertwined with national identity and international diplomacy.

The Greek Prime Minister’s call to action represents a broader question facing our global society: how do we navigate the preservation of our shared cultural heritage while honoring and respecting the evolving religious and secular identities of contemporary societies? The eyes of the world, and particularly those invested in the heritage of the Eastern Mediterranean, will be watching as these high-level talks unfold in Ankara.

By Cora Sulleyman

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