The Kremlin considers the decision on the status of Hagia Sophia an internal matter of Turkey, but hopes that the Turkish authorities will take into account the significance of this shrine, Dmitry Peskov, a spokesperson for the Russian President said.
"We can't comment, this is an internal matter for the Turkish Republic. You know that the Patriarch has already made a statement on this issue, and he has expressed the opinion of the Russian Orthodox Church, as well as Deputy Foreign Minister Vershinin's statement on this issue. I can only say that, of course, we hope that the status of Sofia as a world heritage site will be taken into account," Peskov told reporters.
He noted that Hagia Sophia was a favorite world masterpiece for tourists from all countries that visit Turkey, including tourists coming from Russia. "In addition to the tourist value, Sofia has a sacred, spiritual value. Of course, we expect that all this will be taken into account by our colleagues and partners," he stressed.
Turkey is currently actively discussing the conversion of Hagia Sophia into a mosque. Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said that he was waiting for the decision of the State Council on the possibility of changing the status of the Cathedral and would act depending on it.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: Michael Metzel / TASS
Based on materials from RIA Novosti