"It is important to avoid any implementing measure, without prior discussion with UNESCO, that would affect physical access to the site, the structure of the buildings, the site's moveable property, or the site's management," said Ernesto Ottone, UNESCO's assistant director-general for culture. "Opening up Hagia Sophia to worship doesn't keep local or foreign tourists from visiting the site," Kalin said. The Hagia Sophia was once a cathedral, and then it was a mosque. An inspection into the change of status of the World Heritage Site and former Orthodox church of Hagia Sophia into a mosque last summer has still not been finalized, said UNESCO this week. ", The Hagia Sophia was one of the Roman Empire's first. The world-famous Hagia Sophia museum in Istanbul - originally founded as a cathedral - has been turned back into a mosque. "Are you ruling Turkey or us? Read the editorial guidelines here. We deem every move that goes beyond voicing an opinion a violation of our sovereignty," Erdogan said. If that step [is] to be taken It is obvious who has authority to do that. Turkish-Greek relations are also tense due to geopolitical tensions in the, He said the site's museum status had enabled people from all over the world to see a "magnificent achievement.". "Since its status as a museum is changed, we are canceling the entrance fees," he said. Hagia Sophia Showing 29 results related to "hagia sophia". Greece's culture minister decried the move earlier on Friday, calling it "an open provocation to the entire civilized world. Turkey’s highest court convenes to decide status of the Hagia Sophia, but experts say a legal ruling is only symbolic. People visit Hagia Sophia museum on June 26, 2020 in Istanbul. However, it oversteps the mark to talk about our sovereignty rights using a language of 'warning and imposition. Signup to receive our daily travel-tourism industry newsletter. Hagia Sophia or Ayasofya, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, that was a Byzantine cathedral before being converted into a mosque which is currently a … Shortly after Turkey's top administrative court released its long-anticipated decision, Erdogan issued a presidential decree transferring the management of the site from the Ministry of Culture to the Presidency of Religious Affairs, paving the way for its conversion. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. "The United States views a change in the status of the Hagia Sophia as diminishing the legacy of this remarkable building and its unsurpassed ability -- so rare in the modern world -- to serve humanity as a much-needed bridge between those of differing faith traditions and cultures.". "We will be treating every opinion voiced on the international stage with respect. A Muezzin is one appointed to lead and recite the Islamic call to prayer, and Osman Aslan who was assigned to Hagia Sophia died of a heart attack, Turkish media reported. 6, Psylla str. Posted on UNESCO’s website, the statement goes on to note that “UNESCO immediately initiated a review process and sent a mission to the property from 5 to 9 October 2020, led by an eminent cultural heritage expert, to look in detail at each of the potential implications of this change in status, and their impact on the outstanding universal value of the property.”. Kalin said Turkey would preserve the Christian icons in the building. Meanwhile, important fresh evidence of Hagia Sophia’s glorious past and heritage have emerged. The decision triggered an global outcry but actions were not taken. Its status as a museum reflects the universal nature of its heritage, and makes it a powerful symbol for dialogue," said UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay. Hagia Sophia is a UNESCO world heritage site in Istanbul. Athens GR 10557 The Hagia Sophia in Turkey has been a museum for decades. This position has remained constant since then,” said, osted on UNESCO’s website, the statement goes on to note that “UNESCO immediately initiated a review process and sent a mission to the property from 5 to 9 October 2020, led by an eminent cultural heritage expert, to look in detail at each of the potential implications of this change in status, and their impact on the outstanding universal value of the property.”. UNESCO Assistant Director-General Ernesto Ottone has instructed … "On this occasion, we remind once again a reality that we have to repeat constantly. "This extraordinary site is a testament to religious expression and to artistic and technical genius, reflected in its rich and complex 1,500-year history," he said. This position has remained constant since then,” said UNESCO Director-general Audrey Azoulay in response to Turkish Culture Minister Mehmet Nuri Ersoy’s remarks on the issue last week. In response to a question on the issue, Greek Culture Minister Lina Mendoni said UNESCO’s immediate reaction and three statements demonstrate the organization’s real concern with regard to Hagia Sophia, adding that Greece was awaiting the conclusion of UNESCO’s official report. It should be noted that Turkey violated international laws in converting Hagia Sophia into a mosque annulling late Turkish Leader Kemal Ataturk’s 1930 decision to convert the former hub of Christianity into a museum. The Hagia Sophia will open for Friday prayers on July 24, Erdogan said. "Naturally, everyone is free to express their own opinion. After the … Some want it to be a mosque again and battle over its future is taking place in court. 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