Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan officially opened the former Byzantine church of St. Saviour in Chora, known as Kariye in Turkish, as a mosque on Monday. This decision had been made four years ago, despite criticism from neighboring Greece. The church, along with Hagia Sophia, was converted into a mosque in 2020, much to the dismay of Greece and other countries that had urged Turkey to protect these important Byzantine-era monuments. Both structures are designated as U.N. World Heritage Sites.
The Church of St. Saviour in Chora had been operating as a museum for decades before it was ordered to be transformed into a mosque, similar to the story of Hagia Sophia. The conversion had initially been delayed as the structure underwent restoration. Erdoğan presided over the ceremony marking the opening of the Chora mosque from a conference hall in Ankara. The church is famous for its elaborate mosaics and frescoes and dates back to the fourth century, although it was rebuilt in the 11th-12th centuries. It had served as a mosque during Ottoman rule before becoming a museum in 1945.
The decision to turn Hagia Sophia and the Chora back into mosques was met with criticism from Greece, who accused Turkey of insulting the character of another World Heritage Site. The conversions were seen as political moves to consolidate the conservative and religious support base of Erdoğan’s ruling party, especially in the midst of an economic downturn. In 2020, Erdoğan took part in the first Muslim prayers at Hagia Sophia in 86 years, despite international criticism and calls for the monument to remain a museum. A large number of worshipers gathered outside the structure for the prayers.
The opening of the Chora mosque was met with approval and gratitude from Muslim worshipers who had been eagerly awaiting the opportunity to pray inside. The historic church’s transformation into a mosque was seen as a significant moment for those who follow the Islamic faith. Many expressed their gratitude to God for being able to witness and participate in the momentous event. The move to convert these important historical sites back into mosques is part of a larger trend towards Islamization in Turkey and has sparked controversy and debate both domestically and internationally.
The Church of St. Saviour in Chora is situated near Istanbul’s ancient city walls and holds great cultural and historical significance. The structure’s intricate mosaics and frescoes add to its beauty and draw visitors from around the world. Its transformation into a mosque reflects Turkey’s complex history and the interplay between its Christian and Islamic heritage. The decisions made regarding the conversion of these sites speak to larger questions of identity, religious freedom, and cultural preservation in a rapidly changing world.
Despite the criticism and controversy surrounding the conversion of the Chora and Hagia Sophia into mosques, the Turkish government remains firm in its decision. These developments are a reminder of the ongoing tensions between the secular and religious aspects of Turkish society, as well as the country’s relationship with its past. The future of these important historical sites remains uncertain, as they continue to be at the center of political debate and international scrutiny.
