Turkey urged by the US to respect Hagia Sophia

US State Department's annual International Religious Freedom Report discusses Hagia Sophia and its treatment by Erdogan's government.

Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias and his Italian counterpart Luigi Di Maio sign an agreement demarcating their maritime boundaries. Source: Reuters/Costas Baltas

 

The report notes that senior US government officials have continued to publicly and privately express to Turkish officials their view that Hagia Sophia is a monument of exceptional significance that must be preserved in a way that respects its religious history.

It also states the officials stressed that Hagia Sophia is a symbol of peaceful coexistence, real dialogue and of respect between religions.