We have learned with regret the collapse on 19 December 2011 of part of the colonnade used as the exterior extension of the prayer hall of the Recep Pasha Mosque, which was meant to be preserved by a scaffolding for approximately twenty years.

The Recep Pasha Mosque built in 1588 figures among the first examples of the rich Ottoman cultural heritage in Rhodes.

The Ottoman artifacts in Greece constitute a common heritage between Turkey and Greece.

Therefore it is important to preserve the artifacts which are still standing and ensure their transmission to next generations.

With this understading the Governmnent of the Republic of Turkey on the one hand carries out the maintenance and repair of the worshisp places in Turkey belonging to non-muslim communities; and on the other hand assumes fully her duties in order to preserve the Ottoman/Turkish cultural heritage in Greece and other countries.

We hope that our calls for cooperation regarding the preservation of the inmovable cultural heritage in Greece dating from the Ottoman era will find a positive echo, that necessary measures will be taken for the preservation of the Recep Pasha Mosque, and that this sad development will constitute a turning point for a cooperation between our countries of an exemplary nature for all other areas with the aim to prevent its recurrence.