In a move echoing a similar controversial decision regarding the Hagia Sophia, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has ordered the conversion of an old Orthodox church in Istanbul into a mosque. The decision comes after four years of orders and has sparked debate over the preservation of cultural heritage in Turkey.

The conversion of the church, known as the Qaria Mosque, was announced by President Erdoğan in a ceremony held at the presidential palace in Ankara. This decision follows a ruling by a Turkish court, reminiscent of the one made regarding the UNESCO-protected Hagia Sophia in 2020.

Reports indicate that a month after the ruling on the Hagia Sophia, Erdoğan ordered the conversion of another Byzantine church into a Muslim place of worship. Originally converted into a mosque and later a museum, Erdoğan's latest directive marks the permanent conversion of the building into a mosque.

The decision has reignited debates surrounding the preservation of Turkey's rich cultural heritage and its implications for religious freedom. Critics argue that the conversion undermines the country's commitment to secularism and risks erasing historical and cultural significance.

However, supporters of the decision view it as a reflection of Turkey's Islamic heritage and a reaffirmation of its identity. Erdoğan's move has been praised by some as a step towards reclaiming Turkey's Islamic heritage and strengthening its position as a Muslim-majority nation.

As the Qaria Mosque opens its doors for Muslim worshipers, the decision continues to draw attention both domestically and internationally, highlighting the complex intersection of religion, culture, and politics in Turkey.