Here is another indication of the emboldening of Turkish leader Recep Tayyip Erdogan after the conquest of the Hagia Sophia. As reported previously on Jihad Watch: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has become increasingly oppressive as he continues to strive to revive the Ottoman Empire. He deems Europe to be a “sick man” and “collapsing.” […]
In slap at Turkey, Syrian government to build replica of Hagia Sophia with help from Russia
This move further highlights the new formations of strategic alliances in the Middle East. It is sure to infuriate and humiliate Turkey, which has been bursting with pride over its new “conquest” of Hagia Sophia, which was first built in 537 as a Christian cathedral. The reconversion of this Christian jewel into a mosque grieved […]
Turkish magazine calls for revival of caliphate in wake of Hagia Sophia conversion to mosque
As I wrote here just a few days ago: “Erdogan is now positioning himself as yet another Mehmet the Conqueror, using Hagia Sophia as his illustrious predecessor did to proclaim Islam’s victory over both Christianity and Ataturk’s secularism. And with the centerpiece of the caliphate now again secured, the caliphate itself is virtually certain to […]
How a Turkish Journalist Sees the Transformation of Hagia Sophia
Memri.org has published here the summary of a debate between Syrian political analyst and a Turkish journalist, on the turning of Hagia Sophia into a mosque, followed by a transcript of excerpts from their debate. Al-Jazeera Network (Qatar) aired a debate about Turkey’s recent decision to turn Hagia Sophia into a mosque. Syrian political analyst […]
Turkey: By opposing Hagia Sophia conversion, ‘Greece showed once again its enmity towards Islam’
The conversion of Hagia Sophia to a mosque was an act of cultural aggression against Greece and Orthodox Christians worldwide. It was a declaration of the victory of Islam over Christianity and the supremacy of Islam. It was also a tacit declaration of war against all the countries that once were part of the Ottoman […]
“A spectre is haunting Europe, the spectre of Turkish expansionism, set in motion by Erdoğan’s Islamist government”
The Lausanne Treaty defined the borders of the secular Turkish republic. Throwing it out would herald a new Turkish expansionism. In February 2018, Erdoğan declared his desire to reconquer the lands the Ottoman caliphate once ruled: “Those who think that we have erased from our hearts the lands from which we withdrew in tears a […]
Muslims Scream ‘Allahu Akbar’ as Hagia Sophia Officially Becomes a Mosque
My latest at PJ Media: Hagia Sophia, the foremost cathedral in the entire Christian world for nearly a thousand years, officially became a mosque today, and the party is on in Istanbul. According to Middle East Eye, there was a festive atmosphere as thousands of Turks thronged to the city to take part in the […]
UAE ruler demands ‘the return of the Mosque of Córdoba’ after Hagia Sophia conversion
The demands will never stop. And when one bows to intimidation, one will only get more intimidation. But no one realizes that in the West these days. “Muslims Claim Córdoba Cathedral,” by Jules Gomes, ChurchMilitant.com, July 24, 2020: ROME (ChurchMilitant.com) – The ruler of Sharjah — the third largest and third most populous city in […]
Turkey’s religious affairs chief brandishes sword during first Hagia Sophia sermon, “Hagia Sophia: Sign of conquest”
“Hagia Sophia: Sign of conquest, our trust in Fati̇h (Sultan Mehmet).” The Turks are making no secret of what the conversion of Hagia Sophia to a mosque means. What is coming should be clear to everyone, but isn’t: in February 2018, Erdoğan declared his desire to reconquer the lands the Ottoman caliphate once ruled: “Those […]
Turkey: Pro-Sharia party pushes legislation to force social media companies to hand over intelligence
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has become increasingly oppressive as he continues to strive to revive the Ottoman Empire. He deems Europe to be a “sick man” and “collapsing.” Now Erdogan is now more emboldened than ever after he has seized his latest conquest: Hagia Sophia. Erdogan is now tightening his grip. His Islamist party […]