Recep Tayyip Erdogan, showing hypocrisy, steals Hagia Sophia but lectures India on Kashmir
4 years, 5 months ago

Recep Tayyip Erdogan, showing hypocrisy, steals Hagia Sophia but lectures India on Kashmir

Firstpost  

Today’s Turkey is a far cry from the mighty Ottoman Empire, and its wannabe caliph is a deluded man adding to himself an imaginary flowing beard and nothing more. Just as it is told that Russian president Vladimir Putin secretly fashions himself after the czars like Peter the Great of Ivan the Terrible, Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan sees in the mirror the caliph of the Ottoman empire. Erdogan’s move to open Hagia Sophia for prayers is in line with his continued Islamisation of Turkey including lifting a ban of headscarves and promoting religious imam-hatip schools. So, while his regime kills hundreds of rivals at home and abroad, jails the most number of journalists in the world for three straight years and converts a showpiece church into a mosque, Erdogan flogs irony by unleashing against India an Islamist campaign over the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir and bringing the Citizenship Amendment Act.

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History of this topic

Turkey formally opens another former Byzantine-era church as a mosque
8 months ago

Turkey formally opens another former Byzantine-era church as a mosque

Associated Press  

ANKARA, Turkey — Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan formally opened a former Byzantine church in Istanbul as a mosque on Monday, four years after his government had designated it a Muslim house of prayer, despite criticism from neighboring Greece. Turkey formally converted The Church of St. Saviour in Chora, known as Kariye in Turkish, into a mosque in 2020, soon …

Status quo in Turkey: The Hindu Editorial on the new term for Recep Tayyip Erdoğan
1 year, 7 months ago

Status quo in Turkey: The Hindu Editorial on the new term for Recep Tayyip Erdoğan

The Hindu  

When Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s Justice and Development Party came to power in 2002, riding widespread resentment against the establishment amid economic woes, he was a political outsider — an Islamist in a system dominated by Kemalist secularists. Twenty years later, Mr. Erdoğan is the establishment — the military, traditionally the guardian of the old order, is under his thumb, institutions …

In divided Turkey, Erdogan’s hold is weakened but not broken
1 year, 7 months ago

In divided Turkey, Erdogan’s hold is weakened but not broken

The Hindu  

“Why are you so curious,” Cehan finally asked after at least 40 minutes of Google Translate-aided conversation. Sitting on a public bench in Kaleici, Antalya, overlooking the blue Mediterranean waters, we discussed politics, President Erdogan’s possible return, growing religiosity in Turkey, steep inflation, and the Kurds. On May 15, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan — an Islamist who was imprisoned on …

Explained: Winners and losers of Recep Tayyip Erdogan's two-decade rule in Turkey
1 year, 8 months ago

Explained: Winners and losers of Recep Tayyip Erdogan's two-decade rule in Turkey

Firstpost  

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s two-decade domination of Turkey has seen some groups prosper and others suffer in the highly polarised country. Losers Media: Turkey’s once-vibrant independent media scene — admired by diplomats as a sign of pluralism — has gradually withered under Erdogan. Turkish president and People’s Alliance’s presidential candidate Recep Tayyip Erdogan delivers a speech during an election campaign …

A builder, footballer and campaign beast: Key traits of Turkey’s Recep Tayyip Erdogan
1 year, 8 months ago

A builder, footballer and campaign beast: Key traits of Turkey’s Recep Tayyip Erdogan

Firstpost  

Istanbul: Abhorred and adored, Recep Tayyip Erdogan has been compared to sultans and pharaohs while stamping his outsized personality and domineering style on Turkey over 20 years. There is much more, including high-speed rail, a third Istanbul airport — designed to be the world’s largest — and power plants, including the country’s first nuclear one, controversially built by Russia. Turkey’s …

Orthodox church petitions UN over Istanbul's Hagia Sophia
4 years, 3 months ago

Orthodox church petitions UN over Istanbul's Hagia Sophia

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The Greek Orthodox Church of …

After Hagia Sophia, Turkey turns another museum into mosque
4 years, 4 months ago

After Hagia Sophia, Turkey turns another museum into mosque

Associated Press  

ANKARA, Turkey — The Turkish government formally converted a former Byzantine church into a mosque Friday, a move that came a month after it drew praise from the faithful and international opposition for similarly turning Istanbul’s landmark Hagia Sophia into a Muslim house of prayer. “We urge Turkey to return to the 21st century, and the mutual respect, dialogue and …

Saeed Naqvi | Will Erdogan’s Islamist play at Hagia Sophia rescue his govt?
4 years, 4 months ago

Saeed Naqvi | Will Erdogan’s Islamist play at Hagia Sophia rescue his govt?

Deccan Chronicle  

“Mut ranja kar kisi ko, ke apne to aeteqaad, Jee dhaaye ke jo kaaba banaya to kya kiya?” Mir Taqi Mir “We will lose Turkey, if Istanbul is lost.” This statement by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan returned to plague him when his Justice and Development Party lost Ankara, Istanbul and five major cities in 2019’s local elections. The first Arab …

Turkey, Greece exchange harsh words after first Islamic prayers in Hagia Sophia in nine decades
4 years, 5 months ago

Turkey, Greece exchange harsh words after first Islamic prayers in Hagia Sophia in nine decades

Firstpost  

Hagia Sophia was previously a museum and most Greeks view it as central to their Orthodox Christian religion: church bells tolled in mourning across Greece on Friday Istanbul: Turkey and Greece exchanged harsh words on Saturday over the conversion of Istanbul’s Hagia Sophia into a mosque, a day after Islamic prayers were held at the ancient site for the first …

Thousands participate in first Muslim prayers at Istanbul's Hagia Sophia in 86 years
4 years, 5 months ago

Thousands participate in first Muslim prayers at Istanbul's Hagia Sophia in 86 years

Firstpost  

The landmark served as one of Christendom’s most significant cathedrals, a mosque and a museum before its conversion back into a mosque by a high court in Turkey this year Istanbul: Fulfilling a dream of his Islamic-oriented youth, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan joined hundreds of worshipers Friday for the first Muslim prayers in 86 years inside Hagia Sophia, the …

Factbox: How Hagia Sophia's status changed over centuries of history
4 years, 5 months ago

Factbox: How Hagia Sophia's status changed over centuries of history

Firstpost  

Friday paryers were held in Istanbul’s Hagia Sophia for the first time since President Tayyip Erdogan declared the building a mosque once again Istanbul: Friday prayers were held at Istanbul’s Hagia Sophia for the first time since President Tayyip Erdogan declared the building a mosque once again. The Ottomans built four minarets, covered Hagia Sophia’s Christian icons and luminous gold …

Hagia Sophia: Erdogan recites Koran at reopening of historic mosque
4 years, 5 months ago

Hagia Sophia: Erdogan recites Koran at reopening of historic mosque

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Wearing a prayer cap, Turkey's …

AP Explains: Hagia Sophia’s history of conflict and faith
4 years, 5 months ago

AP Explains: Hagia Sophia’s history of conflict and faith

Associated Press  

ANKARA, Turkey — Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is scheduled to join hundreds of worshippers Friday for the first Muslim prayers at the Hagia Sophia in 86 years, after a controversial high court ruling paved the way for the landmark monument to be turned back into a mosque. RESTORATION AS A MOSQUE Erdogan signed a July 10 decree fulfilling their …

Explainer: Hagia Sophia's history of conflict and faith
4 years, 5 months ago

Explainer: Hagia Sophia's history of conflict and faith

India Today  

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is scheduled to join hundreds of worshippers Friday for the first Muslim prayers at the Hagia Sophia in 86 years, after a controversial high court ruling paved the way for the landmark monument to be turned back into a mosque. Read | World Council of Churches expresses dismay over Turkey's decision to declare Hagia Sophia …

Museum to mosque: The Hindu editorial on Hagia Sophia
4 years, 5 months ago

Museum to mosque: The Hindu editorial on Hagia Sophia

The Hindu  

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s decision to turn Hagia Sophia back into a working mosque is a major setback to the country’s secular values that are already under attack from Islamists. On Friday, as soon as the country’s highest administrative court cancelled Hagia Sophia’s museum status, he signed a decree transferring its management to the Directorate of Religious Affairs. For …

Pope pained to see transformation of Hagia Sophia into mosque
4 years, 5 months ago

Pope pained to see transformation of Hagia Sophia into mosque

Op India  

Pope Francis has reportedly said on Sunday that he was pained to see the transformation of Istanbul’s Hagia Sophia museum into a mosque. He added, ”I think of Santa Sophia and I am very saddened.” Tayyip Erdogan, President Turkey, said that the first Islamic prayers would take place in Hagia Sophia on 24th July. More: https://t.co/337lhrFZUw pic.twitter.com/vfxCsQQGRT — UNESCO July …

Pope Francis 'deeply pained' over Turkey's move on Hagia Sophia
4 years, 5 months ago

Pope Francis 'deeply pained' over Turkey's move on Hagia Sophia

India Today  

Pope Francis said on Sunday that he is “deeply pained” over the decision by Turkey to change the status of Hagia Sophia — which was originally built in Istanbul as a Christian cathedral — from a museum to a mosque. In a very brief, improvised remark, Francis, speaking from his studio window overlooking St. Peter’s Square, noted that the Catholic …

Why is there controversy over Turkey declaring Hagia Sophia a mosque?
4 years, 5 months ago

Why is there controversy over Turkey declaring Hagia Sophia a mosque?

ABC  

The President of Turkey has recently formally converted Istanbul’s sixth-century Hagia Sophia back into a mosque and declared it open for Muslim worship, a decision that many Muslims have celebrated. Within hours of Turkey's high administrative court annulling the 1934 cabinet decision that turned the site into a museum, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan signed a decree handing over Hagia Sophia …

World Council of Churches ‘dismayed’ at Hagia Sophia shift
4 years, 5 months ago

World Council of Churches ‘dismayed’ at Hagia Sophia shift

The Hindu  

The head of the World Council of Churches has written to Turkey’s President expressing his grief and dismay over Turkey’s decision to change the status of Istanbul’s landmark Hagia Sophia from a museum to a mosque. As a World Heritage museum, Hagia Sophia has been a place of openness, encounter and inspiration for people from all nations, interim secretary general …

Istanbul’s Hagia Sophia museum declared a mosque after Turkish court ruling; EU calls decision 'regrettable'
4 years, 6 months ago

Istanbul’s Hagia Sophia museum declared a mosque after Turkish court ruling; EU calls decision 'regrettable'

Firstpost  

The court ruling came despite international warnings not to change the status of the nearly 1,500-year-old monument that is revered by Christians and Muslims alike. Istanbul: President Recep Tayyip Erdogan declared Istanbul’s Hagia Sophia a mosque on Friday with the first Muslim prayers to begin in two weeks, after a top court ruled the ancient building’s conversion to a museum …

Hagia Sophia: The museum of conflicts
4 years, 6 months ago

Hagia Sophia: The museum of conflicts

The Hindu  

An Eastern Orthodox patriarchal cathedral for about 900 years, an imperial mosque for 482 years and then a museum and a famed tourist spot starting 1935. This is the short history of Hagia Sophia, the sixth century Byzantine structure that has survived natural calamities, imperial invasions, crusades and a World War. Hagia Sophia was built by the Byzantine Emperor, Justinian …

1500-year-old 'Church' Hagia Sophia converted to mosque in Turkey
4 years, 6 months ago

1500-year-old 'Church' Hagia Sophia converted to mosque in Turkey

Op India  

On Friday, Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced that a 1500-year-old Orthodox Christian Cathedral in Istanbul named Hagia Sophia would be converted into a mosque. Many believe that Erdogan’s latest gambit to convert the historical site of Hagia Sophia into a Muslim worshipping site is in line with his broader goal of progressive Islamisation of the Turkish society and designed …

First prayers in Hagia Sophia on July 24: Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan
4 years, 6 months ago

First prayers in Hagia Sophia on July 24: Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan

India Today  

The first prayers will be held in Turkey’s Hagia Sophia on July 24, President Tayyip Erdogan said on Friday, after declaring the ancient monument was once again a mosque following a court ruling revoking its status as a museum. Erdogan said the nearly 1,500-year-old Hagia Sophia would remain open to Muslims, Christians and foreigners, but added that Turkey had exercised …

Istanbul’s iconic Hagia Sophia to be turned back into mosque
4 years, 6 months ago

Istanbul’s iconic Hagia Sophia to be turned back into mosque

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Mr Erdogan signed a decree transferring the 6th-century Hagia …

Reaction to Turkish ruling and Erdogan statement on Hagia Sophia
4 years, 6 months ago

Reaction to Turkish ruling and Erdogan statement on Hagia Sophia

Firstpost  

- Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan declared Istanbul’s Hagia Sophia open to Muslim worship on Friday after a court ruled that the building’s conversion to a museum by modern Turkey’s founding statesman was illegal. Below are some reactions to the court’s ruling and Erdogan’s announcement - Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan declared Istanbul’s Hagia Sophia open to Muslim worship on Friday after …

Turkey’s president formally makes Hagia Sophia a mosque
4 years, 6 months ago

Turkey’s president formally makes Hagia Sophia a mosque

The Hindu  

Ankara The President of Turkey on Friday formally converted Istanbul’s sixth-century Hagia Sophia back into a mosque and declared it open for Muslim worship, hours after a High Court annulled a 1934 decision that had made the religious landmark a museum. Originally a cathedral, Hagia Sophia was turned into a mosque after Istanbul’s conquest by the Ottoman Empire but had …

Recep Tayyip Erdogan revives talk of turning Hagia Sophia into a mosque again, to international dismay
4 years, 6 months ago

Recep Tayyip Erdogan revives talk of turning Hagia Sophia into a mosque again, to international dismay

Firstpost  

Hagia Sophia, one of the oldest and architecturally one of the most impressive cathedrals in the world, commands pride of place on the historical peninsula Istanbul: Since it was built in the 6th Century, changing hands from empire to empire, Hagia Sophia has been a Byzantine cathedral, a mosque under the Ottomans and finally a museum, making it one of …

The debate over the future of Hagia Sophia tells you everything you need to know about modern Turkey
4 years, 6 months ago

The debate over the future of Hagia Sophia tells you everything you need to know about modern Turkey

The Independent  

The best of Voices delivered to your inbox every week - from controversial columns to expert analysis Sign up for our free weekly Voices newsletter for expert opinion and columns Sign up to our free weekly Voices newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. He was dragged off half-dead by …

Turkey’s Hagia Sophia and the battle to reconvert it to a mosque
4 years, 6 months ago

Turkey’s Hagia Sophia and the battle to reconvert it to a mosque

Al Jazeera  

Turkey’s highest court convenes to decide status of the Hagia Sophia, but experts say a legal ruling is only symbolic. The high court’s ruling merely adds legitimacy.” Political ploy Although sympathetic to the cause in his youth, Erdogan has largely remained silent on the public debate over the status of the Hagia Sophia since he came to office 18 years …

‘Museum or mosque?’: Turkey debates iconic Hagia Sofia’s status
4 years, 6 months ago

‘Museum or mosque?’: Turkey debates iconic Hagia Sofia’s status

The Hindu  

In its more than 1,400-year existence, the majestic domed structure of Hagia Sophia in Istanbul has served as the Byzantine Empire’s main cathedral, a mosque under the Ottoman Empire and a museum under modern Turkey, attracting millions of tourists each year. On Thursday, Turkey’s Council of State, the country’s highest administrative court, begins reviewing a request by a group devoted …

Recep Tayyip Erdogan's recent activism on Kashmir is motivated by Turkey president's Caliphate dreams
5 years, 1 month ago

Recep Tayyip Erdogan's recent activism on Kashmir is motivated by Turkey president's Caliphate dreams

Firstpost  

Although Turkey has traditionally supported Pakistan in the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation against India on the Kashmir issue, its recent activism in South Asian affairs emanates from President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s larger ambitions of leading the Islamic world On 21 November, Turkey hosted an international conference on Kashmir that severely criticised India’s revocation of Article 370 and raised serious concerns …

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