QA-68, 25 July 2020, Statement of the Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Hami Aksoy, in Response to a Question Regarding Reactions in Greece for the Opening of the Great Hagia Sophia Mosque to Worship

Greece has once again demonstrated her hostility towards Islam and Turkey under the pretext of reacting to the opening of the Hagia Sophia Mosque to worship. We strongly condemn hostile statements made by members of the Greek Government and Parliament provoking the public opinion and allowing the burning of our glorious flag in Thessaloniki.

The spoiled children of Europe, who could not bear the image of believers prostrating themselves again in Hagia Sophia, were once more delirious. These racist mindsets, who have not drawn the required lessons from history, those who disrespect our glorious Flag should remember their fate in the Aegean. Greece should, from now on, wake up from the Byzantine dream that she has been unable to wake up for 567 years and get rid of her frustration emanating from it.

Greece is the only European country that does not have a Mosque in her capital, whose oppression of the Turkish Muslim minority in its country has been registered by ECHR rulings, and which condones the destruction of historic Mosques on her territory. No country can teach Turkey about exercising her national sovereignty.

The Great Hagia Sophia Mosque, which is opened to worship in accordance with the will of the Turkish nation, belongs to Turkey like our other cultural assets in our land and it will be in our possession and protection forever.

The opening of the Hagia Sophia Mosque to worship is in accordance with the requirements and spirit of the 1972 UNESCO Convention on the protection of World Cultural and Natural Heritage.

In line with Turkey's commitment and tradition of tolerance to all religious rights and freedoms, Great Hagia Sophia Mosque, the sanctuary of Islam, the religion of peace which embraces all religions, will continue to be open to all.