EnigmaMage
GA Member
- Jun 7, 2023
- 235
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Türkiye
Türkiye Cumhuriyeti Dışişleri Bakanlığı
Official Correspondence
Encryption: ENCRYPTED MESSAGE
Recipient: Pope Hadrian VII, Bishop of Rome, Vicar of Jesus Christ, Successor of the Prince of the Apostles, Supreme Pontiff of the Universal Church, Primate of Italy, Archbishop and Metropolitan of the Roman Province, Sovereign of the State of Vatican City, Servant of the Servants of God
Sender: Yaşar Yakış, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Türkiye
Subject: Hagia Sophia Controversy and Recalling Türkiye Ambassador
Greetings His Holiness,
I am writing to you with a heavy heart to convey the recent decisions made by the government of Turkiye concerning the Hagia Sophia and our diplomatic relations with the Holy See. Prime Minister Abdullah Gul's decision to gift Hagia Sophia to the Holy See has triggered profound discussions and emotions both within our nation and around the various Islamic institutions.
As a consequence, the Turkiye Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been compelled to sever diplomatic ties with the Holy See. Furthermore, our esteemed Ambassador to Vatican City, Selma Şahin, has been recalled. These decisions are a reflection of the seriousness of the situation and our government's desire to reevaluate our diplomatic relationship. We kindly request Holy See, please do not raise anger within our Islamic population; we will not tolerate your further actions. Hagia Sophia will be converted into a Mosque, and the decision is final.
It is essential to emphasize that these decisions are not taken lightly. They come during a period of deep reflection and are intended to safeguard Turkiye's values and principles. We remain committed to our nation's core values, including Pan-Turkism and Pan-Islamism, and to the principles of Neo-Ottomanism and cultural preservation.
Yours sincerely,
Yaşar Yakış
Foreign Minister
Republic of Türkiye
Ender