Photograph of the Saint-Sauveur-in-Chora church taken around 1900
Istanbul – June 2024 – The Church of Saint Saviour in Chora, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has been converted into a mosque, sparking outrage among European bishops who claim the move dilutes the rich Christian heritage embedded in Turkey’s history.
Roots of Christianity Under Siege?
In a fiery statement, the Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union (COMECE) expressed their dismay. “This step further dilutes the historical roots of the Christian presence in the country,” the bishops said. They emphasized that such actions undermine the credibility of any interreligious dialogue efforts by Turkish authorities.
COMECE’s Secretary General, Fr. Manuel Barrios Prieto, minced no words: “This is a step further in diluting the historical roots of the Christian presence in the country, and it is a regrettable decision that will make religious coexistence more difficult. With this action, any initiative regarding interreligious dialogue promoted by the country’s authorities will inevitably lose credibility.”
Historic Church Turned Mosque
The Church of Saint Saviour in Chora, with its roots stretching back to the fourth century, is a beacon of Eastern Christianity. Its conversion into a mosque earlier this month follows the 2020 conversion of the Hagia Sophia Basilica, another Byzantine Christian landmark. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan formally inaugurated the Chora church for Islamic worship, much like he did with the Hagia Sophia.
Historical and Cultural Significance
The Chora church is not just a religious site; it’s a historical marker. Originally a church, it was converted into a mosque in the 16th century during the Ottoman Empire. It spent much of the 20th century as a museum, a testament to its universal cultural significance. The Greek Foreign Ministry condemned the recent conversion, stating, “The decision to operate the Chora church as a mosque distorts its character as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and undermines its universal cultural significance.”
International Reactions
The reaction wasn’t limited to Europe. The U.S. State Department also expressed concern, urging Turkey to respect the diverse histories of such sites. “We encourage the Turkish government to preserve and ensure access to sites and buildings that have hosted different religious communities in a way that respects their diverse histories,” a spokesperson said.
Exterior of the Chora Church in Istanbul
A Strategic Move?
These conversions are seen by many as strategic moves by Erdogan to rally support from his conservative and religious base amidst Turkey’s economic challenges. The 2020 reconversion of the Hagia Sophia saw President Erdogan and hundreds of worshipers marking its redesignation with the first Muslim prayers held there in 86 years.
Blow to Interreligious Dialogue
COMECE had previously called the change of status of the Hagia Sophia “a blow to interreligious dialogue.” They highlighted ongoing issues in Turkey, including hate speech and threats against national, ethnic, and religious minorities.
The decision to turn the Church of Saint Saviour in Chora into a mosque is more than a mere shift in its functional status. It represents a significant moment in the ongoing dialogue—or lack thereof—between Christianity and Islam in Turkey.
Historical Background
The Church of Saint Saviour in Chora, located in Istanbul, was built in the fourth century and stands as a testament to the architectural and cultural prowess of the Byzantine Empire. The church was famous for its stunning mosaics and frescoes, which depicted various scenes from the Bible and Byzantine history. After the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople in 1453, the church was converted into a mosque in the 16th century. However, in 1945, the building was secularized and turned into a museum, showcasing its rich history and art to the world.
Cultural and Religious Impact
The recent decision to revert the Chora church back to a mosque is not an isolated event. It follows the 2020 reconversion of the Hagia Sophia, another UNESCO World Heritage Site, into a mosque. These actions are seen by many as part of a broader agenda by President Erdogan to appeal to his conservative base and solidify his political power amidst an economic downturn in Turkey.
Reactions from the Christian Community
The reaction from the Christian community, particularly in Europe, has been swift and fierce. European bishops, through COMECE, have voiced their condemnation, arguing that these actions are an attempt to erase the Christian heritage of Turkey. “This step further dilutes the historical roots of the Christian presence in the country,” COMECE stated. They also highlighted that such moves undermine efforts at interreligious dialogue and cooperation.
Fr. Manuel Barrios Prieto, Secretary General of COMECE, added, “This is a step further in diluting the historical roots of the Christian presence in the country, and it is a regrettable decision that will make religious coexistence more difficult. With this action, any initiative regarding interreligious dialogue promoted by the country’s authorities will inevitably lose credibility.”
Kariye Camii (Aussenansicht)
Photo by Andreas Wahra circa April 1994
Political and Diplomatic Responses
The Greek Foreign Ministry also issued a strong condemnation, highlighting that the decision distorts the character of the Chora church as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and undermines its universal cultural significance. They called on Turkey to adhere to international standards for the protection of religious and cultural heritage.
The U.S. State Department echoed these concerns, encouraging the Turkish government to respect the diverse histories of sites that have hosted different religious communities. “We encourage the Turkish government to preserve and ensure access to sites and buildings that have hosted different religious communities in a way that respects their diverse histories,” a spokesperson said.
Implications for Interreligious Dialogue
The conversion of historic Christian sites into mosques raises significant questions about the future of interreligious dialogue in Turkey. These actions are seen by many as a step backward, undermining years of effort to promote understanding and cooperation between different religious communities.
COMECE had previously called the change of status of the Hagia Sophia “a blow to interreligious dialogue,” and the same sentiment applies to the Chora church. The bishops also pointed out ongoing issues in Turkey, including hate speech and threats against national, ethnic, and religious minorities.
The Role of UNESCO and International Heritage
The role of UNESCO in preserving sites of historical and cultural significance is crucial in this context. Both the Hagia Sophia and the Chora church are UNESCO World Heritage Sites, recognized for their outstanding value to humanity. The conversion of these sites into mosques not only impacts their religious significance but also their status as cultural and historical treasures.
UNESCO has called for the preservation of these sites in a manner that respects their historical significance and promotes cultural diversity. The organization’s efforts to protect such sites are grounded in the belief that cultural heritage belongs to all of humanity and should be preserved for future generations.
The Future of Christian Heritage in Turkey
The future of Christian heritage in Turkey remains uncertain. The conversion of significant Christian sites into mosques reflects broader political and social dynamics within the country. As Turkey navigates its identity and political landscape, the preservation of its diverse religious and cultural heritage will be a critical issue.
The Christian community, both within Turkey and internationally, will continue to advocate for the protection of their historical sites and the recognition of their cultural significance. The actions of President Erdogan and the Turkish government will be closely watched, with implications for Turkey’s relationship with the international community and its commitment to cultural diversity and interreligious dialogue.
Preserving Heritage Amidst Political Change
The conversion of the Church of Saint Saviour in Chora into a mosque is a poignant reminder of the ongoing struggle to preserve historical and cultural heritage in the face of political and religious changes. As European bishops and international bodies raise their voices in condemnation, the world watches to see how Turkey will respond to these concerns and what the future holds for its rich and diverse heritage.
For those passionate about preserving cultural and religious heritage, this moment calls for increased awareness and advocacy. It is essential to support efforts to protect sites of historical significance and to promote understanding and cooperation between different religious communities. The preservation of our shared heritage depends on the collective efforts of individuals, communities, and international organizations working together to safeguard these treasures for future generations.
