Podcast in English
Text size
Bulgarian National Radio © 2025 All Rights Reserved

Bulgaria reacts with regret to Turkey's decision to convert Hagia Sophia in Istanbul back into mosque

Hagia Sophia in Istanbul
Photo: EPA/BGNES

"We join the calls of the international community to preserve the existing access to the monument, given its history and its symbolic significance for Christianity and Islam. We expect the universal historical value of the monument to be preserved as part of the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage," reads a text published on the website of Bulgaria's Ministry of Foreign Affairs regarding the change of status of the historic house of worship Hagia Sophia in Turkey's capital Istanbul. 

Yesterday, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan signed a decree stipulating that the Hagia Sophia building, which currently operates as a museum and is one of the iconic sites of the Turkish capital, would be returned under the auspices of the religion service and converted back into a mosque. 



Последвайте ни и в Google News Showcase, за да научите най-важното от деня!
Listen to the daily news from Bulgaria presented in "Bulgaria Today" podcast, available in Spotify.

More from category

Temperatures will drop slightly

Cool air will sweep across the country during the night , accompanied by moderate winds from the northwest. Short-lived rain showers and thunderstorms are expected in the western, northern and mountainous areas. Hailstorms are possible. On Saturday,..

published on 6/27/25 7:05 PM

Winners of the BNR Essay Contest from Ukraine and Moldova announced

A seven-person jury selected the winners of the BNR essay contest for students from Ukraine and Moldova . The contest was held under the patronage of Bulgaria’s Vice President Iliana Yotova and was supported by the Ministry of Education. Students..

published on 6/27/25 4:51 PM

BNR to partner with Ruse University in Taraclia

Bulgarian National Radio (BNR) and Ruse University have announced plans to collaborate on cultural and educational activities at the university's recently established branch in Taraclia, Moldova. This announcement followed a meeting between the leaders..

published on 6/27/25 4:36 PM