Orthodox Christian Church Reacts To Change Of Status Of Hagia Sophia To Mosque

JAKARTA - The leader of the Russian Orthodox Church, Patriarch Kirill, commented on the Turkish Government's decision to change the status of the Hagia Sophia from a museum to a mosque. According to him, this is a threat to Christians.

Kirill based his view on this because many Christians want the Hagia Sophia to remain a museum. For Christians, the status of the Hagia Sophia as a museum has succeeded in creating a neutral space.

The building, which dates back to the sixth century, has succeeded in fostering mutual respect between Muslims and Christians. "The threat to the Hagia Sophia is a threat to all Christian civilization, which means (a threat to) our spirituality and history," Kirill said, quoted by Reuters, Tuesday, July 7.

In addition, Kirill said, "what could happen to the Hagia Sophia would cause deep pain among the Russian people."

Other spiritual leaders of Orthodox Christians in the world have also expressed contra. Not only that. Political leaders from Greece, France, the United States (US) and Russia also criticized the policy initiated by Turkish President Recep Tayipp Erdogan.

"This is a world beloved masterpiece for tourists from all countries visiting Turkey, including tourists from Russia, for whom the Hagia Sophia, apart from its tourism value, has profoundly sacred spiritual value," said Kremlin spokesman Dmitry. Peskov.

Erdogan, in his idea proposed restoring the status of the mosque for the Hagia Sophia which is part of the UNESCO world heritage site. Erdogan called the determination of the Hagia Sophia's status as Turkey's full sovereignty which should be respected by any party.

Erdogan even called these criticisms an attack on Turkish sovereignty. In Turkey itself, the majority of the people actually support this decision. In a poll some time ago, Turkish residents saw the determination of the Hagia Sophia's status as a mosque to reflect more of Turkey as a Muslim-majority country.

Since last week, the Turkish court has heard all the pros and cons regarding the change in Hagia Sophia's status. Courts will start tapping the hammer later this month.

Historically, the Hagia Sophia was an important place of worship for Orthodox Christians for centuries, until Istanbul - later known as Constantinople - fell to the Ottoman Turks in 1453.

Since then, the Hagia Sophia was built into a mosque. Then, after the presence of the Republic of Turkey under Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the status of Hagia Spohia was changed to a museum in 1934.