Greece reacts to religious program held at Hagia Sophia

A religious program marking Laylat al-Qadr, also known as the Night of Power, was organized at Istanbul’s Hagia Sophia in Turkey on Wednesday evening.

Laylat al-Qadr is considered the holiest night of the year for Muslims, and spiritual programs have been held at Hagia Sophia marking the evening since 2015.

Turkish Director of Religious Affairs Dr. Mehmet Görmez attended the program, and was broadcasted by state television channel TRT.

The Greek government reacted to the recitation of the Quran and prayers at Hagia Sophia, calling it “manifestly unacceptable.”

"Hagia Sophia is a UNESCO world heritage site. The attempt to convert it into a mosque – through reading of the Quran, holding of prayers, and a number of other actions – is an affront to the international community, which needs to be duly mobilized and reprimanded,” the Greek Foreign Ministry’s statement released on Thursday said.

Greek authorities have condemned religious programs being held at Hagia Sophia since 2015.

Hagia Sophia, which was demolished and reconstructed three times, was the biggest church constructed by the East Roman Empire in Istanbul.

Following the conquering of Istanbul in 1453, Hagia Sophia was renovated into a mosque.