Descendants of Muhammad the Conqueror have turned the great sultan's legacy into a political campaign, Sozju newspaper reports
Strong criticism mainly in the opposition Turkish press for the interventions in the Hagia Sophia mosque, which have brought dissatisfaction and confusion as a consequence of the separation of entrance to the monument purely for religious worship or for a simple visit to the monument and also the imposition of a 25 euro ticket price which, as pointed out, is prohibited for Turkish citizens.
In an article in Sozju newspaper, he points out that on the Hagia Sophia website, one can read the speech of Turkish President Erdogan, who when he restored Hagia Sophia to its religious status on July 24, 2020, announced that admission would be free, as and in all mosques.
However, the article notes, "once the 'common heritage of humanity' was opened for worship, Erdogan turned the Hagia Sophia into a pulpit for political reasons." Even the Ottoman sultans would never have thought of such a thing.
The head of Religious Affairs, Ali Erbas, ruined the country's image by appearing in the pulpit with a sword. The "descendants of Muhammad the Conqueror" turned the great sultan's legacy into a political campaign. Meanwhile, the 'common heritage of mankind' was destroyed from day one."
A relative of the Ministry of Culture manages Hagia Sophia.
Strong criticism mainly in the opposition Turkish press for the interventions in the Hagia Sophia mosque, which have brought dissatisfaction and confusion as a consequence of the separation of entrance to the monument purely for religious worship or for a simple visit to the monument and also the imposition of a 25 euro ticket price which, as pointed out, is prohibited for Turkish citizens.
In an article in Sozju newspaper, he points out that on the Hagia Sophia website, one can read the speech of Turkish President Erdogan, who when he restored Hagia Sophia to its religious status on July 24, 2020, announced that admission would be free, as and in all mosques.
However, the article notes, "once the 'common heritage of humanity' was opened for worship, Erdogan turned the Hagia Sophia into a pulpit for political reasons." Even the Ottoman sultans would never have thought of such a thing.
The head of Religious Affairs, Ali Erbas, ruined the country's image by appearing in the pulpit with a sword. The "descendants of Muhammad the Conqueror" turned the great sultan's legacy into a political campaign. Meanwhile, the 'common heritage of mankind' was destroyed from day one."
A relative of the Ministry of Culture manages Hagia Sophia
The Ministry of Culture and Tourism opened on January 15 the entrance to the Hagia Sophia women's cloister as a museum, where 10 ceramics have been exhibited, giving the management to the company Dem Museology, in which a relative of the Minister of Culture and Tourism Mehmet Ersoy is a partner. Dem has taken over the operation of Hagia Sophia since January 15. "Hagia Sophia is every day the site of a new scandal. For example, in order to enter the women's cloister of Hagia Sophia, a door was built in violation of its history and architecture," notes Soztzu.
"This is just one of the scandals," it is pointed out. "The Turks could not enter: On the first day, anyone, local or foreign, who paid 25 euros could enter the women's court. However, after January 17, Turks were banned from entering. It was never understood why it was banned. Following backlash, the ban was lifted on 22 January. Currently, Turks who pay 25 euros can get on the gynokonitis. During prayer times, all local and foreign Muslims are allowed to enter the mosque. Outside of prayer times, only Turkish citizens are admitted. The security guards waiting at the gate examine the type and dress of the visitors and decide whether they are Turkish or not. If they are suspicious, they ask for ID. Those who are not Turkish citizens are driven out. Turks who are citizens of a foreign country cannot enter. Tour guides are not allowed to make audio presentations so as not to disturb the worshippers. Information about the ceramics exposed in Gyneconite is given via headphones. However, there is no guided tour inside the mosque."
For the first time in Turkey, Turks pay in foreign currency in museums
While they charge 25 euros as a ticket price, the sign says that 1 euro corresponds to 34 TL. Although the "Museum Card" is valid in all other museums such as in Topkapi Palace, with access everywhere for a year, instead of 60 Turkish Lira, in Hagia Sophia it does not apply. Priority entry is given to those who pay 47.5 euros to visit both the Hagia Sophia Mosque and the adjacent Hagia Sophia Museum opened in Sultanahmet (incl. Space in the former Land Registry Building which exhibits historical objects from Hagia Sophia ). This is called a 'VIP Ticket'.
Dem Museology employees with special machines sell tickets. In addition, headphones are sold for 100 Turkish Liras, full body scarves for 75 Turkish Liras and plain scarves for 30 Turkish Liras.
Turks do not go to the gynecologist because of the cost
The publication emphatically notes: "We understand that Hagia Sophia was not opened just for political reasons. Open for trade too! Above is a museum, below is a mosque. Turks cannot enter, but tourists can enter the mosque. In addition, Hagia Sophia has a fee schedule that does not exist in any place of worship in the world and in any museum in Turkey. Is this what Muhammad said? Where is it written in his will that political speeches must be made in front of the Hagia Sophia, that the gynekonitis will be a shopping center and that foreigners will not be allowed to enter the mosque?" is highlighted in the article.
Source: ethnos.gr