Statement of the Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Tanju Bilgiç in Response to a Declaration Made by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Greece Condemning the Reading of Quran in Hagia Sophia During the Month of Ramadan

Republic Of Türkiye Ministry Of Foreign Affairs 08.06.2016

QA-19, 8 June 2016

The statement made by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Greece regarding the pre-dawn meal (sahur) program titled “Time of Abundance Hagia Sophia” to be broadcasted by TRT Diyanet TV during the month of Ramadan is not acceptable.

Greece has not given permission for the construction of a mosque in its capital for years, permanently intervenes in the freedoms of religion of the Turkish minority of Western Thrace and mistakes being against Islam for being modern. We invite Greece to use common sense in its rhetoric and statements.

Within this context, we would like to remind that there is also respect for other religions and their acts of worship among the values of modern, democratic and secular societies.

Atatürk

. Consul General
Monday - Friday

09:00 - 12:00 / 13:00 - 18:00

For visa related matters, please contact us at visa.edinburgh@mfa.gov.tr
12/25/2024 12/25/2024 Christmas Day
12/26/2024 12/26/2024 Boxing Day
1/1/2025 1/1/2025 New Year's Day
1/2/2025 1/2/2025 New Year Holiday
3/30/2025 3/30/2025 Feast of Ramadan
4/18/2025 4/18/2025 Good Friday
5/5/2025 5/5/2025 Early May Bank Holiday
5/26/2025 5/26/2025 Spring Bank Holiday
6/6/2025 6/6/2025 Feast of Sacrifice
8/4/2025 8/4/2025 Summer Bank Holiday
12/1/2025 12/1/2025 St Andrew's Day
12/25/2025 12/25/2025 Christmas Day
12/26/2025 12/26/2025 Boxing Day
1/1/2026 1/1/2026 New Year's Day
1/2/2026 1/2/2026 New Year Holiday