The Turkish President, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, officially opened the Church of St. Saviour in Chora, also known as Kariye, as a mosque on Monday, following its conversion in 2020. This decision, similar to the conversion of Haghia Sophia into a mosque, drew criticism from Greece and other countries who had urged Turkey to protect the important Byzantine-era monuments. The church had operated as a museum for decades before it was converted into a mosque, and its formal opening was delayed due to restoration work. Erdogan presided over the ceremony remotely, expressing hope for good fortune during the televised event.
The Chora church, situated near Istanbul’s ancient city walls, is renowned for its elaborate mosaics and frescoes dating back to the fourth century. While it served as a mosque during Ottoman rule, it was transformed into a museum in 1945 before reverting to a mosque in 2020. The decision to convert historical sites like Haghia Sophia and the Chora into mosques was viewed as a way to consolidate the conservative and religious support base of Erdogan’s ruling party amid economic challenges. In 2020, Erdogan participated in the first Muslim prayers at Hagia Sophia in 86 years, disregarding international criticism and calls to maintain the monument as a museum.
During the opening ceremony, Musa Tombul and other worshipers expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to pray inside the Chora mosque. Tombul had been waiting for the mosque’s opening for four years and felt honored to be able to pray in such a significant place. Another worshiper, Haydar Senbahar, thanked God for the occasion and hoped to return to the mosque for prayer in the future. The Chora’s conversion back into a mosque was met with disapproval from Greece, which accused Turkey of disrespecting the character of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Both Haghia Sophia and the Chora are listed as U.N. World Heritage Sites, adding to the significance of their conversion into mosques. The decision to transform these historical sites sparked controversy and international backlash, with Greece at the forefront of criticism against Turkey’s actions. Despite the opposition, Erdogan’s government continued with the conversions, emphasizing the importance of religious identity and support from conservative factions. The Chora mosque’s inauguration marks another chapter in the ongoing debate over the preservation and use of historical landmarks in Turkey.
Supporters of the mosque conversions see them as a step towards reclaiming Turkey’s Islamic heritage and restoring religious significance to these sites. However, critics argue that these actions undermine the cultural and historical value of these monuments, which have served as symbols of coexistence and shared heritage. The conversion of the Chora church into a mosque reflects broader tensions between secularism and religious identity in Turkey, highlighting the complexities of heritage preservation and religious freedom. The reopening of the Chora as a mosque may deepen divisions between Turkey and countries like Greece, raising concerns about the protection of cultural heritage in the region.
