TURKEY: The ancient 4th-century AD Byzantine Chora Church in Istanbul, Turkey, is set to undergo conversion into a mosque by the government of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Scheduled for completion in May of this year, the transformation will allow Muslims to perform prayers there. The General Directorate of Foundations announced that worship activities would commence in May 2024, following four years of restoration work. However, contrary to rumors, the first Muslim prayer won't be held on February 23.

The Chora Church's history is marked by multiple transformations. Initially built in the 4th century, it served as a church until the Ottoman Empire's rise in the 15th century when it was converted into a mosque. Subsequently, in 1945, during Turkey's liberal period post-World War II, it was repurposed as a museum. President Erdogan announced plans to revert the building to a mosque in 2020, prompting ongoing repairs.

This move follows the conversion of the 1500-year-old Hagia Sophia Church into a mosque in 2020 by the Erdogan government. Similarly, Hagia Sophia had experienced a series of transformations, from mosque to museum and back to a mosque. Interestingly, a section of Hagia Sophia has recently been reopened as a museum.

The decision to convert the Chora Church into a mosque was announced shortly after Hagia Sophia's conversion, indicating a broader shift in Turkey's religious landscape. The Chora Church, one of the oldest religious structures of the Byzantine Empire, was founded in the early 4th century by Constantine the Great. Adorned with remarkable Byzantine frescoes and mosaics, the church holds significant historical and cultural value.

Despite its rich history, the Chora Church suffered various damages and renovations over the centuries. It was reconstructed in the 11th and 14th centuries, with extensive decorations completed by 1321. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it underwent multiple transformations under different ruling powers, including its tenure as a mosque for 434 years.

The Erdogan government's decision to revert the Chora Church to a mosque has sparked debates regarding religious freedom and preservation of cultural heritage. However, unlike controversies surrounding similar decisions elsewhere, there has been minimal opposition within Turkey. President Erdogan's aspiration to position Turkey as a leader of the Muslim world, reminiscent of the historical Khilafat era, underlines the political significance of these conversions. Despite concerns raised by some religious leaders, the conversions continue unabated, reflecting Turkey's evolving socio-political landscape.

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