The Turkish Government continues provoking. They have now placed an electronic sign between the minarets on Hagia Sophia. This is yet further evidence that promises made by President Erdogan to preserve the Christian iconography will not be kept. The Turkish government continues to make alterations to the building of Hagia Sophia.
It is very clear that the Erdogan government is not done with Hagia Sophia. Furthermore, Ankara knows that no one is paying any more attention to Hagia Sophia. It is only a matter of time before the Christian iconography is gradually destroyed.
3 replies on “Hagia Sophia Diaries 23”
Erdogan is in deep political trouble, the Turkish Lira reached a record low against both the EURO and the US Dollar last week. Inflation is driving the cost of basic consumer goods beyond the ability of lower income Turks to afford. Meat has become a rare treat in Turkish meals, the government is giving away potatoes and onions which had bumper crops this season. Inflation is significantly higher than government predictions, the Central Bank is hamstrung because Erdogan fires their Chiefs when they dare to raise interest rates to protect the Lira. Erdogan knows he’s in deep political trouble, so he has thrown the borders open to almost unrestricted immigration from Syrian and Iraqi peasants-who are Islamic conservatives and tend to vote AKP. Average Turks hate to see their society become ‘Arabized’ and it has created a great deal of tension in Turkish society. To date the anger with Erdogan hasn’t translated into mass demonstrations in the street, but if things continue it’s just a matter of time. With respect to Hagia Sophia, Erdogan uses symbolic gestures like this to keep his mostly Islamic supporters inline. But with them being also mainly lower class and lower income, you have to wonder how long they’ll accept his nonsense?
Erdogan is entrenched in Turkey. It is difficult to see him being removed from office. After the Coup, he was able to consolidate his power. He controls much of the media in Turkey. On the other hand, even if he was removed it is difficult to see anyone else being more reasonable on matters pertaining to Greece and Cyprus.
Actually, having Erdogan in power in Turkey works to our benefit. He has alienated most supporters of Turkey in the EU, even the Germans. Combined with clever diplomacy by Mitsotakis/Dendias they have advanced Greek interests in the region.