Armenian Foreign Ministry Deeply Concerned by Turkey's Decision to Convert Hagia Sophia into a Mosque

The Armenian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued a statement regarding the decision to convert the Hagia Sophia museum into a mosque.

“We are deeply concerned about the decision of the Turkish authorities to convert the Hagia Sophia, a UNESCO World Heritage site, into a mosque. The Hagia Sophia is not merely a historical and cultural monument. Throughout its history, it has held various religious, cultural, and political significances. Granting the status of a museum to the Hagia Sophia and its inclusion on the UNESCO World Heritage list has provided an opportunity for it to serve as a symbol of cooperation and unity among civilizations, rather than a clash of civilizations. It is regrettable to note that the recent decision by the Turkish authorities closes a significant chapter in the history and mission of this important symbol of the Hagia Sophia.

This decision creates a dangerous precedent for a fundamental change in the nature and purpose of UNESCO World Heritage sites and makes it necessary for the international community, and especially UNESCO, to closely monitor the preservation of historical sites with similar status in Turkey,” the statement read.