The decision of Turkey to allow Koran readings in Hagia Sophia was strongly criticized by main opposition New Democracy, which noted in a statement that Hagia Sophia was an age-old symbol of the Orthodox Christian church adding that this self-evident fact had been respected by all governments of the modern Turkish state, which had treated the monument as a museum.

“The decision by Turkish authorities to programme recitations of the Koran in Hagia Sophia for the next month essentially converts it into a mosque for the first time after 80 years” the statement mentions adding that  that this is an action that is provocative, incomprehensible and a sign of lack of respect toward Orthodox Christians throughout the world, which is not compatible with Turkey’s European course,”.