“Hagia Sophia is an extremely important monument, which, when it was built at the time of Justinian’s reign, managed, thanks to its architects, to uniquely set the basic features of ecclesiastical architecture, but also to be very original concerning its dome and its support.”
The above was stated, among others, by the Minister of Culture and Sports, Lina Mendoni, speaking on the radio station Proto Thema.
We “reacted immediately and then informed UNESCO member states why Hagia Sophia should not be converted into a mosque or, if you prefer, return to any religious status and should remain a museum. And we did it because Turkey seems to be taking advantage or even ignoring its obligation to UNESCO, as Hagia Sophia is a monument of world cultural heritage. In order to change its status, a decision will have to be made by the UNESCO Intergovernmental Committee. The Intergovernmental Committee was scheduled to meet these days, but was postponed due to the pandemic. The Cultural Organization of the UN has decided not to hold any meetings until at least September. Therefore, at the moment we are monitoring what is happening. I want to believe that the Supreme Court of Turkey will rise above political expediencies and political aspirations,” Minister Mendoni added.
Source: ANA-MPA