Official Press Statement by US Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo
PRESS STATEMENT
MICHAEL R. POMPEO, SECRETARY OF STATE
JULY 1, 2020
The Government of Turkey has administered the Hagia Sophia as a museum – officially recognized by UNESCO as part of the Historic Areas of Istanbul World Heritage Site – in an outstanding manner for nearly a century. We urge the Government of Turkey to continue to maintain the Hagia Sophia as a museum, as an exemplar of its commitment to respect the faith traditions and diverse history that contributed to the Republic of Turkey, and to ensure it remains accessible to all.
This extraordinary site is a testament to religious expression and to artistic and technical genius, reflected in its rich and complex 1,500-year history. Moreover, the site’s status as a museum has allowed people from all over the world to access and reflect upon this magnificent achievement.
The United States views a change in the status
of the Hagia Sophia as diminishing the legacy of this remarkable building and
its unsurpassed ability—so rare in the modern world—to serve humanity as a
much-needed bridge between those of differing faith traditions and
cultures. We seek to continue to work
with the Government of Turkey on a broad range of issues of mutual interest,
including the preservation of religious and cultural sites.
