The Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs has finally released a statement on Turkey’s decision to allow Koran readings in Hagia Sophia following political turmoil and social outrage.

“We condemn as regressive the Turkish authorities’ announcement of the scheduling of a Koran reading in Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, on the occasion of Ramadan” says the statement.

“Obsessions, verging on bigotry, with Muslim rituals in a monument of world cultural heritage are incomprehensible and reveal a lack of respect for and connection with reality. Moreover, such actions are not compatible with modern, democratic and secular societies.”

On Monday, it was the first time since 1934, when Hagia Sophia was turned into a museum, that Islamic chants were heard in Hagia Sophia. As Turkish media report, the Koran will be recited as part of the morning prayer (sahur) and is titled ‘Hagia Sophia-Time of Blessing’ during the 30-day period the month of Ramadan lasts.

However, this move that provoked millions of Orthodox Christians across the world was not perceived as a provocative action by Greek Alternate Foreign Minister who said : “It’s not that tragic, reading a religious text is not lack of respect… It would be lack of respect, in case of indecent acts.”