Today, the European Parliament plenary passed an amendment tabled by German MEP Jorgo Chatzimarkakis that calls on the Yargitay Supreme Court in Turkey to revoke its decision to operate the historic church of Hagia Sophia in Trabzon as a mosque.
Furthermore, the European Parliament decided to push for the immediate reopening of Hagia Sophia as a museum.
It is worth noting that this Christian church is already operating as a mosque.
The amendment was voted as part of the European Parliament’s progress report on Turkey. It is a capping reference to Article 24, which concerns freedom of thought, conscience and religion in Turkey.
“It’s probably the first time ever that the European Parliament has approved an amendment, submitted at the last minute, concerning such an important report. I thank my colleagues for fully understanding the importance of this request, despite the opposition by the report’s rapporteur. It was really a difficult, but very important decision to make, which meets the expectations and demands of Pontian Hellenism” said Chatzimarkakis.
The Greek Christian church of Hagia Sophia in Trabzon was first constructed during the 5th century. The existing church was built during the 13th century, by a great ruler of the Empire of Trebizond, Emperor Manuel I Megas Komnenos.
Inside the church are exquisite frescoes, mosaic floors and unique embossed decorations, which are all prime examples of centuries of civilization.
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