This is because in Erdogan’s world, the discussion must never be about what Muslims may have done to harm anyone else, but only about how Muslims have been harmed. He shares this perspective with Islamic supremacists the world over. It is always, always, always the other guy’s fault, no matter what.
“With its new status, Hagia Sophia, the shared heritage of humanity, will continue to embrace all,” Presidency of the Republic of Turkey, July 10, 2020:
…President Erdoğan went on to say: “Just as we as Turkey do not interfere in decisions on places of worship in other countries, we expect the same understanding about us protecting our historical and legal rights. Moreover, this right dates back exactly 567 years ago, not just 50 or 100 years. If today a faith-oriented discussion is to be held, the topic of that discussion should be not Hagia Sophia, but Islamophobia and xenophobia increasing with each passing day in all parts of the world. Turkey’s decision is solely related to its own domestic laws and historical rights.”…