“Hagia Sophia is part of the world’s cultural treasure,” stated Serbian Deputy Prime Minister Zorana Mihajlović, while voicing concern and regret over Turkey’s decision to convert Hagia Sophia into a mosque.
As she emphasized, “this magnificent building, steeped in history, keeps the frescoes of Jesus Christ to this day. Regardless of our origin and religion, each of us can recognize a part of ourselves in Hagia Sophia.
Any such appropriation harms everyone, regardless of one’s religious beliefs. It harms the achievements of peace, the principle of respect for diversity, and tolerance. “Today it is necessary for the people to be united.”