Turkey recently decided to change the ancient Byzantine church known as Chora (Kariye) into a mosque.
President Erdogan led the official opening ceremony of the church-turned-mosque after it underwent extensive restoration. This move has sparked discussions and reactions both locally and internationally, leading to debates about preserving cultural heritage and allowing religious freedom.
Some people criticize the decision, arguing that turning a historically important Christian site into a mosque goes against Turkey’s secular principles and ignores the cultural and historical significance of the building.
On the other hand, supporters of the decision emphasize the importance of reclaiming religious heritage and promoting Islamic identity in Turkey.
The conversion of Chora (Kariye) into a mosque highlights broader social and political dynamics in Turkey, raising questions about how to balance religious expression with preserving cultural heritage.
