ANKARA - AKP Spokesperson Ömer Çelik said, “There is no cultural or legal ground for the states that do not like this decision” for those who criticise over Hagia Sophia decision.

 

Justice and Development Party (AKP) Spokesperson Ömer Çelik defended the move to convert iconic Hagia Sophia museum into a mosque with a statement he shared on his social media account.

 

In his statement Çelik said, "States that do not like this decision have no cultural and legal grounds. Even though they live on these lands and witness the longing of this nation those who keep on counting down what evil plans the foreign states will design for Hagia Sophia face serious identity crisis. I wish they could rejoice because of the fact that our nation is happy. Besides, they keep doing that even though Turkey is the most blameless country to protect the world heritage and to respect other religious places of worship."

 

‘WHAT WE CONCERN IS WHAT OUR NATION DEMANDS’

 

Çelik also said, "There are many venues around the world that represent a universal heritage and are yet open to worship. It will always be possible to access the Hagia Sophia Mosque for the people from all religions who would like to visit. The universal cultural heritage of the Hagia Sophia Mosque will be preserved. The longing of our nation has been fulfilled. Our state has accomplished this through a legally justified decision in line with the right to sovereignty. The messages of our President [Erdoğan] are clear. There might be states that do not like this decision. What we concern is what our nations says and demands. This was the longing of our nation and this has been fulfilled."

 

'CULTURAL RACISM'

 

Referring to the concepts such as "identity crisis" and "cultural racism" Çelik said, "The cultural racism of other states supported by those living on this lands do not suit to our country. Of course, there can be different opinions, but to criticize our state's right to sovereignty through the arguments of other states is utterly an identity crisis. Moreover, the most voiced (criticisms) are the states that do not have mosques in their capitals or that allow fascists to attack the mosques. Approaching the issue with the same arguments with those (states) is an inappropriate attitude."