Welcome to the European Union Bishops’ latest statement on the transformation of the Church of Saint Savior in Chora! The Bishops express their deep concern over Türkiye’s decision to convert this ancient Byzantine Church into a mosque, lamenting that it further erodes the historical roots of Christian presence in the country.
The Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union (COMECE) has released a powerful statement condemning the recent actions taken by Turkish authorities. By transforming the Church of Saint Savior in Chora into a mosque, they believe that Türkiye is undermining the rich history of Christianity within its borders.
“This step not only dilutes the historical roots of the Christian presence in the country but also calls into question any interreligious dialogue initiatives supported by Turkish authorities,” the statement read.
The Church of Saint Savior in Chora, a significant Byzantine Christian Orthodox church located in Istanbul, was officially reopened for Islamic worship by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in early May 2024. This decision follows the earlier conversion of the Hagia Sophia Basilica into a mosque just four years ago.
The Hagia Sophia Basilica, a revered symbol of Christian heritage, was originally built as a church in the early 4th century and was later converted into a mosque during the Ottoman era in the 16th century. After serving as a museum for many years, it is now once again a mosque, with its walls adorned with priceless Byzantine Christian mosaics and frescoes.
Fr. Manuel Barrios Prieto, Secretary General of COMECE, expressed his disappointment over the decision, noting that it will only serve to further complicate religious coexistence in the region. In July 2020, COMECE commented on the conversion of Hagia Sophia, describing it as a setback for interreligious dialogue.
Furthermore, the Commission highlighted the ongoing issues in Türkiye concerning hate speech and threats against various minority groups, including national, ethnic, and religious minorities.
As the European Union Bishops continue to monitor the developments in Türkiye, they remain steadfast in their commitment to preserving the rich tapestry of religious and cultural diversity that has existed within the region for centuries.
