Turkey’s controversial decision to convert the Chora Monastery in Constantinople into a mosque has reached its final stages, with the first Islamic prayer scheduled for February 23.
As reported by Yeni Safak newspaper, the completion of the conversion process, marked by the laying of red carpets, signifies the culmination of a contentious transformation that has drawn criticism from various quarters.
Originally built in the 6th century, the Chora Monastery stands as one of Istanbul’s oldest historical landmarks.
Following the city’s conquest in 1511, it was converted into a mosque and served as such for over four centuries before being designated a museum in 1945.
However, a ruling by Turkey’s Council of State in 2019 deemed the museum status illegal, paving the way for its reconversion into a mosque.
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President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s decision to repurpose the site, reminiscent of the process undergone by the Hagia Sophia, sparked immediate backlash from the Greek government, the European Commission, and UNESCO.
Despite international condemnation, Turkey proceeded with the conversion, outfitting the monastery with traditional mosque furnishings, including special carpets.
The move has reignited debates over cultural heritage preservation, religious freedom, and the politicization of historic sites, underscoring the complexities of Turkey’s socio-political landscape.
