Turkey`s navy has issued an advisory saying that the Turkish ship Oruc Reis will carry out a seismic survey in a disputed area in the eastern Mediterranean over the next two weeks, a step likely to revive tensions with neighbouring Greece.

The two NATO allies are at odds over overlapping claims for hydrocarbon resources in the region. A similar advisory, or Navtex, last month prompted a dispute which was calmed after the intervention of German Chancellor Angela Merkel, leading Turkey to agree a pause in operations.

But President Tayyip Erdogan said on Friday Turkey had resumed energy exploration work in the region as Greece had not kept its promises on the issue.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-erdogan-announces-resuming-eastern-mediterranean-energy-search-318877">Also read|&nbsp;Turkey: Erdogan announces resuming eastern Mediterranean energy search</a>

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis was expected to chair a meeting of the government council on foreign affairs and defence issues at 0900 GMT, his office said on Monday.

Minister of State George Gerapetritis told Greek state TV that Athens was in full "political and operational readiness." Greece stood ready to engage in a constructive dialogue with Turkey on their differences, he said.

The NAVTEX, issued by the Turkish navy`s office of navigation, covered an area of sea south of Turkey`s Antalya and west of Cyprus. It will be in effect between August 10-23.

The Oruc Reis vessel has already reached the location where it will operate after leaving the area where it was anchored off Antalya, Turkish Energy Minister Fatih Donmez said on Twitter.

Seismic surveys are part of preparatory work for potential hydrocarbon exploration. Turkey and Greece are also at odds over issues such as overflights in the Aegean Sea and ethnically divided Cyprus.

Erdogan`s announcement of the new exploration work came after Egypt and Greece signed an accord last Thursday designating an exclusive economic zone between the two nations in the east Mediterranean.

Diplomats in Greece said that agreement nullified an accord reached last year between Turkey and the internationally recognised government of Libya, but Erdogan said Turkey would maintain its agreement with Libya "decisively".

Turkey`s navy has issued an advisory saying that the Turkish ship Oruc Reis will carry out a seismic survey in a disputed area in the eastern Mediterranean over the next two weeks, a step likely to revive tensions with neighbouring Greece.

Turkey`s navy has issued an advisory saying that the Turkish ship Oruc Reis will carry out a seismic survey in a disputed area in the eastern Mediterranean over the next two weeks, a step likely to revive tensions with neighbouring Greece. The two NATO allies are at odds over overlapping claims for hydrocarbon resources in the region. A similar advisory, or Navtex, last month prompted a dispute which was calmed after the intervention of German Chancellor Angela Merkel, leading Turkey to agree a pause in operations. But President Tayyip Erdogan said on Friday Turkey had resumed energy exploration work in the region as Greece had not kept its promises on the issue. Also read| Turkey: Erdogan announces resuming eastern Mediterranean energy search Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis was expected to chair a meeting of the government council on foreign affairs and defence issues at 0900 GMT, his office said on Monday. Minister of State George Gerapetritis told Greek state TV that Athens was in full "political and operational readiness." Greece stood ready to engage in a constructive dialogue with Turkey on their differences, he said. The NAVTEX, issued by the Turkish navy`s office of navigation, covered an area of sea south of Turkey`s Antalya and west of Cyprus. It will be in effect between August 10-23. The Oruc Reis vessel has already reached the location where it will operate after leaving the area where it was anchored off Antalya, Turkish Energy Minister Fatih Donmez said on Twitter. Seismic surveys are part of preparatory work for potential hydrocarbon exploration. Turkey and Greece are also at odds over issues such as overflights in the Aegean Sea and ethnically divided Cyprus. Erdogan`s announcement of the new exploration work came after Egypt and Greece signed an accord last Thursday designating an exclusive economic zone between the two nations in the east Mediterranean. Diplomats in Greece said that agreement nullified an accord reached last year between Turkey and the internationally recognised government of Libya, but Erdogan said Turkey would maintain its agreement with Libya "decisively".

Turkey's new seismic survey in Mediterranean set to revive Greek tensions

Arab League Chief Ahmed Aboul Gheit said on Saturday he would seek to mobilise Arab efforts to provide support to Lebanon after this week`s catastrophic explosion in Beirut destroyed parts of the capital.

Speaking to reporters after a meeting with Lebanese President Michel Aoun, he also said the Cairo-based league of Arab states was ready to assist the investigation into the blast.

"We are ready to help with all our means," he said, adding that he would take part in an international conference call to be organised by France on Sunday to discuss aid for Lebanon.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/beirut-blast-death-toll-climbs-to-at-least-137-three-day-mourning-declared-318461">Also read|&nbsp;Beirut blast death toll climbs to at least 137; three-day mourning declared</a>

Also speaking after meeting Aoun, Turkish Vice-President Fuat Oktay said his country is ready to help rebuild the port.

Turkey`s Mersin port, on the Mediterreanean, is ready to help Lebanon with customs clearance and warehousing services of large shipments until the Beirut Port is reconstructed, he added.

"We have said the goods could be transported with smaller ships and other means of transportation from Mersin to Lebanon," he said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/beirut-blast-emergency-aid-lands-in-lebanon-as-world-offers-support-318493">Also read|&nbsp;Beirut blast: Emergency aid lands in Lebanon as world offers support</a>

The explosion killed more than 150 people, injured 5,000 and left up to 250,000 without habitable homes. The blast occured at a port warehouse containing 2,750 tonnes of ammonium nitrate, used in fertilisers and explosives.

Oktay also said in a speech that Turkish air ambulances could transport injured Lebanese to Turkey for treatment. Turkish authorities have sent a medical team and supplies as well as a search and rescue team.

The disaster struck as Lebanon is struggling with a deep economic crisis.

Oil-rich Gulf Arab states, which have long channelled funds into Lebanon’s fragile economy, had refrained this time from providing financial assistance, alarmed by the rising influence of Hezbollah, a powerful group backed by their arch-rival Iran.

"The recent, dangerous, painful events prove that there is no alternative (for Lebanon) to preserving the bridges with the Arab environment," the Emirati minister of state for foreign affairs, Anwar Gargash, said on Twitter.

Arab League Chief Ahmed Aboul Gheit said on Saturday he would seek to mobilise Arab efforts to provide support to Lebanon after this week`s catastrophic explosion in Beirut destroyed parts of the capital.

Arab League Chief Ahmed Aboul Gheit said on Saturday he would seek to mobilise Arab efforts to provide support to Lebanon after this week`s catastrophic explosion in Beirut destroyed parts of the capital. Speaking to reporters after a meeting with Lebanese President Michel Aoun, he also said the Cairo-based league of Arab states was ready to assist the investigation into the blast. "We are ready to help with all our means," he said, adding that he would take part in an international conference call to be organised by France on Sunday to discuss aid for Lebanon. Also read| Beirut blast death toll climbs to at least 137; three-day mourning declared Also speaking after meeting Aoun, Turkish Vice-President Fuat Oktay said his country is ready to help rebuild the port. Turkey`s Mersin port, on the Mediterreanean, is ready to help Lebanon with customs clearance and warehousing services of large shipments until the Beirut Port is reconstructed, he added. "We have said the goods could be transported with smaller ships and other means of transportation from Mersin to Lebanon," he said. Also read| Beirut blast: Emergency aid lands in Lebanon as world offers support The explosion killed more than 150 people, injured 5,000 and left up to 250,000 without habitable homes. The blast occured at a port warehouse containing 2,750 tonnes of ammonium nitrate, used in fertilisers and explosives. Oktay also said in a speech that Turkish air ambulances could transport injured Lebanese to Turkey for treatment. Turkish authorities have sent a medical team and supplies as well as a search and rescue team. The disaster struck as Lebanon is struggling with a deep economic crisis. Oil-rich Gulf Arab states, which have long channelled funds into Lebanon’s fragile economy, had refrained this time from providing financial assistance, alarmed by the rising influence of Hezbollah, a powerful group backed by their arch-rival Iran. "The recent, dangerous, painful events prove that there is no alternative (for Lebanon) to preserving the bridges with the Arab environment," the Emirati minister of state for foreign affairs, Anwar Gargash, said on Twitter.

Arab League says ready to mobilise Arab efforts to help Lebanon; Turkey ready to rebuild port

India has slammed Turkey for making "factually incorrect, biased and unwarranted" statement on Kashmir. Turkey had made a statement on the first anniversary of India removing special status for the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir on 5th August saying the development has "complicated" the situation.

The ministry of external affairs spokesperson Anurag Shrivastava responding to a WION question in a weekly presser said, "We would urge the govt of Turkey to get a proper understanding of the situation on the ground and refrain from interfering in matters internal to India".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-china-standoff-report-claiming-chinese-aggression-on-lac-vanishes-from-defence-ministry-website-318599">India-China standoff: Report claiming 'Chinese aggression on LAC' vanishes from defence ministry website</a>

This is not for the first time Turkey has made remarks on Kashmir. Turkey, a close ally of Pakistan has been making repeated remarks on Kashmir drawing New Delhi's ire. &nbsp;

Turkish President Tayyip Erdoğan has been making a number of remarks on India, including from the United Nations General Assembly last year. Turkish President who has a personal rapport with Pakistani PM Imran Khan earlier this year visited Pakistan and vowed support to Islamabad against India.

India has slammed Turkey for making "factually incorrect, biased and unwarranted" statement on Kashmir. Turkey had made a statement on the first anniversary of India removing special status for the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir on 5th August saying the development has "complicated" the situation.

India has slammed Turkey for making "factually incorrect, biased and unwarranted" statement on Kashmir. Turkey had made a statement on the first anniversary of India removing special status for the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir on 5th August saying the development has "complicated" the situation. The ministry of external affairs spokesperson Anurag Shrivastava responding to a WION question in a weekly presser said, "We would urge the govt of Turkey to get a proper understanding of the situation on the ground and refrain from interfering in matters internal to India". Also read | India-China standoff: Report claiming 'Chinese aggression on LAC' vanishes from defence ministry website This is not for the first time Turkey has made remarks on Kashmir. Turkey, a close ally of Pakistan has been making repeated remarks on Kashmir drawing New Delhi's ire. Turkish President Tayyip Erdoğan has been making a number of remarks on India, including from the United Nations General Assembly last year. Turkish President who has a personal rapport with Pakistani PM Imran Khan earlier this year visited Pakistan and vowed support to Islamabad against India.

India slams Turkey for making 'biased' statement on Kashmir

A report has claimed that Turkey is luring Indian students for Pakistani proxies - by offering them lavish scholarships. WION's Palki Sharma tells you why Indian agencies are raising red flags over Turkish funding for education in India.

Gravitas: Is Turkey luring Indian students for Pak proxies?

Turkish&nbsp;President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced Friday that the country has restarted a search for energy in the eastern Mediterranean, accusing neighbouring Greece of failing to keep its promises.

"We have resumed the drilling activity. We have sent (the vessel) Barbaros Hayrettin to the area," Erdogan told reporters after Friday prayers at Istanbul's landmark Hagia Sophia mosque.&nbsp;

Last month, Turkey said it had agreed to suspend "for a while" a search for oil and gas off a Greek island depending on the outcome of negotiations with Greece and EU heavyweight Germany.&nbsp;"They haven't kept their promises," Erdogan said.&nbsp;

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The search for hydrocarbons in the eastern Mediterranean has become a thorn in the relations between Turkey and the EU.&nbsp;

French President Emmanuel Macron has called for Turkey to be "sanctioned" and accused Ankara of treading on the rights of Greece and Cyprus, as all three nations scramble to exploit recently discovered gas reserves.

Ankara has said it is ready to negotiate with Athens without any preconditions.

Erdogan's comments come a day after Greece and Egypt signed an agreement to set up an exclusive economic zone in the eastern Mediterranean. "This agreement has no value," the Turkish leader said.&nbsp;

Turkey last year signed a deal with the UN-recognised government in Libya on maritime jurisdiction, with several countries accusing Ankara of trying to assert its dominance in the region.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced Friday that the country has restarted a search for energy in the eastern Mediterranean, accusing neighbouring Greece of failing to keep its promises.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced Friday that the country has restarted a search for energy in the eastern Mediterranean, accusing neighbouring Greece of failing to keep its promises. "We have resumed the drilling activity. We have sent (the vessel) Barbaros Hayrettin to the area," Erdogan told reporters after Friday prayers at Istanbul's landmark Hagia Sophia mosque. Last month, Turkey said it had agreed to suspend "for a while" a search for oil and gas off a Greek island depending on the outcome of negotiations with Greece and EU heavyweight Germany. "They haven't kept their promises," Erdogan said. The search for hydrocarbons in the eastern Mediterranean has become a thorn in the relations between Turkey and the EU. French President Emmanuel Macron has called for Turkey to be "sanctioned" and accused Ankara of treading on the rights of Greece and Cyprus, as all three nations scramble to exploit recently discovered gas reserves. Ankara has said it is ready to negotiate with Athens without any preconditions. Erdogan's comments come a day after Greece and Egypt signed an agreement to set up an exclusive economic zone in the eastern Mediterranean. "This agreement has no value," the Turkish leader said. Turkey last year signed a deal with the UN-recognised government in Libya on maritime jurisdiction, with several countries accusing Ankara of trying to assert its dominance in the region.

Turkey: Erdogan announces resuming eastern Mediterranean energy search

Pinar Gultekin was strangled, burned and dumped in a barrel. Who was the murderer? Her ex-boyfriend.

Gultekin's death sparked nationwide protests in Turkey.

In her honour -- thousands of women -- including stars -- have posted black-and-white selfies on Instagram.

Hashtag challenge accepted became a trending topic. In Istanbul, hundreds of protesters have stormed the streets.

Their equivocal cry is -- women will not forgive domestic violence. And, ideally -- neither should the Turkish government. But, just weeks after the gruesome murder of Gultekin.

The government's apathy is out in the open. Instead of working towards stricter laws to stop violence against women. Erdogan's government is planning to pull out of a European treaty designed to protect women.

"The istanbul convention is a safety to ensure that women do not suffer violence, abuse and rape. For this reason, we refuse to allow this convention to be attacked. We will continue to be on the streets."

Turkey wants to quit the accord under pressure from conservative forces. There are critics in religious bodies and politics, who believe the international charter is too liberal.

They say -- the accord guarantees more freedom to women than necessary. And, undermines traditional family values.

"They are attacking the rights that women have gained through their struggles. But we are in the streets, in the squares to defend our rights. We will never give up, our struggle will continue as it is today."

Ironically, in 2011, the council of Europe accord was signed in Istanbul. But, Turkey has failed to uphold its pledge. To eliminate domestic violence and promote equality.

Turkey does not keep official statistics on femicide.

But, activists do, last year alone, Turkey saw 474 femicides. Double the number recorded in 2011 -- the year in which the accord was signed.

The World Health Organisation data shows 38 per cent of women in Turkey face domestic violence. Compared to about 25 per cent in Europe. The pandemic has made it worse.

For many women -- the threat is the worst where they should be safest. In their own homes.

Pinar Gultekin was strangled, burned and dumped in a barrel. Who was the murderer? Her ex-boyfriend. Gultekin's death sparked nationwide protests in Turkey. In her honour -- thousands of women -- including stars -- have posted black-and-white selfies on Instagram.

Pinar Gultekin was strangled, burned and dumped in a barrel. Who was the murderer? Her ex-boyfriend. Gultekin's death sparked nationwide protests in Turkey. In her honour -- thousands of women -- including stars -- have posted black-and-white selfies on Instagram. Hashtag challenge accepted became a trending topic. In Istanbul, hundreds of protesters have stormed the streets. Their equivocal cry is -- women will not forgive domestic violence. And, ideally -- neither should the Turkish government. But, just weeks after the gruesome murder of Gultekin. The government's apathy is out in the open. Instead of working towards stricter laws to stop violence against women. Erdogan's government is planning to pull out of a European treaty designed to protect women. "The istanbul convention is a safety to ensure that women do not suffer violence, abuse and rape. For this reason, we refuse to allow this convention to be attacked. We will continue to be on the streets." Turkey wants to quit the accord under pressure from conservative forces. There are critics in religious bodies and politics, who believe the international charter is too liberal. They say -- the accord guarantees more freedom to women than necessary. And, undermines traditional family values. "They are attacking the rights that women have gained through their struggles. But we are in the streets, in the squares to defend our rights. We will never give up, our struggle will continue as it is today." Ironically, in 2011, the council of Europe accord was signed in Istanbul. But, Turkey has failed to uphold its pledge. To eliminate domestic violence and promote equality. Turkey does not keep official statistics on femicide. But, activists do, last year alone, Turkey saw 474 femicides. Double the number recorded in 2011 -- the year in which the accord was signed. The World Health Organisation data shows 38 per cent of women in Turkey face domestic violence. Compared to about 25 per cent in Europe. The pandemic has made it worse. For many women -- the threat is the worst where they should be safest. In their own homes.

Turkey to pull out from European treaty designed to protect women from femicide

Women in various cities of Turkey have been pouring on the streets against gender-based violence. They feel that the ruling party will pour out an international court designed to protect women. The agreement is known as the "Instanbul Convention" is a legally binding state of guidelines. Watch report.

Fineprint: Erdogan's kin split over treaty, Treaty protects women from violence

Turkey is looking for ways to expand its soft power in India and is willing to spend money on it.

Reportedly, Turkey has operating different fronts in India. Some of them have direct likes to the Turkish president and his family.

They are funding educational institutes and offering “lucrative scholarships” to lure Indians.

Indian intelligence agencies have now flagged this up because the money is going towards targets of Pakistani proxies.

A report claims that turkey is running scholarships and exchange programs for Indian Kashmiri and Muslim students. They are facilitated by state-sponsored NGOs.

And once the students land in turkey, they are approached by Pakistani proxies.

Reportedly, some individuals and groups have been identified.

Some of them have links with Pakistan’s ISI. They have been brought in by entities in Turkey. People who are believed to have strong links to Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

In this entire affair --- the name of one outfit stands out. The Turkey youth foundation or T.U.G.V.A.

It's run by the Turkish president’s son Bilal. Allegedly, the T.U.G.V.A. has developed strong links in India. It has established contact with Islamic outfits.

Like the student wing of the Jamaat-e-Islami. The student Islamic organisation.

Turkey has been using education to make deep in-roads around the world. As of last year -- one Turkish government entity was educating 30,000 students in 34 countries.

It is the Maarif Foundation, the international education juggernaut of Turkey. It's completely funded by the government.

So far, the Maarif Foundation is active in 43 countries and is catering to almost 40,000 students.

Some claim, that schools run by Maarif Foundation have a radical Islamist curriculum.

That promotes the radicalization of youth and extremism which is why Germany is wary of Turkey’s moves.

In January, German lawmakers had raised red-flags over Turkey’s decision to open three schools in Germany.

These schools are supposed to come up in Berlin, Cologne and Frankfurt which are three major German cities.

With large populations of Turkish citizens --- as well as Germans of Turkish descent.

Why are german lawmakers worried?

One lawmaker believes Turkish schools are “driving the islamization of German education system”.

That is one side of the political spectrum.

Another side --- calls out Erdogan for undermining democratic values in Turkey.

A lawmaker of the left party said: “Erdogan polarizes and divides our society. His schools are poisonous for integration and democracy”.

Here is how Germany is dealing with Turkish schools. Indian policymakers should listen carefully to this.

Earlier this year, they began formulating a legal framework. That could dictate the rules for such schools.

France went one step ahead. Last year, Erdogan wanted to open Turkish schools in France. The move was denounced by the Macron government.

They saw it as an attempt to bolster influence and hard-line Islam among the Turkish population in France.

According to a report, Erdogan’s plans are now on hold.

As India gets ready to welcome foreign universities --- it must step up its defences against ideological education by Turkey and China.

Turkey is looking for ways to expand its soft power in India and is willing to spend money on it. Reportedly, Turkey has operating different fronts in India. Some of them have direct likes to the Turkish president and his family.

Turkey is looking for ways to expand its soft power in India and is willing to spend money on it. Reportedly, Turkey has operating different fronts in India. Some of them have direct likes to the Turkish president and his family. They are funding educational institutes and offering “lucrative scholarships” to lure Indians. Indian intelligence agencies have now flagged this up because the money is going towards targets of Pakistani proxies. A report claims that turkey is running scholarships and exchange programs for Indian Kashmiri and Muslim students. They are facilitated by state-sponsored NGOs. And once the students land in turkey, they are approached by Pakistani proxies. Reportedly, some individuals and groups have been identified. Some of them have links with Pakistan’s ISI. They have been brought in by entities in Turkey. People who are believed to have strong links to Recep Tayyip Erdogan. In this entire affair --- the name of one outfit stands out. The Turkey youth foundation or T.U.G.V.A. It's run by the Turkish president’s son Bilal. Allegedly, the T.U.G.V.A. has developed strong links in India. It has established contact with Islamic outfits. Like the student wing of the Jamaat-e-Islami. The student Islamic organisation. Turkey has been using education to make deep in-roads around the world. As of last year -- one Turkish government entity was educating 30,000 students in 34 countries. It is the Maarif Foundation, the international education juggernaut of Turkey. It's completely funded by the government. So far, the Maarif Foundation is active in 43 countries and is catering to almost 40,000 students. Some claim, that schools run by Maarif Foundation have a radical Islamist curriculum. That promotes the radicalization of youth and extremism which is why Germany is wary of Turkey’s moves. In January, German lawmakers had raised red-flags over Turkey’s decision to open three schools in Germany. These schools are supposed to come up in Berlin, Cologne and Frankfurt which are three major German cities. With large populations of Turkish citizens --- as well as Germans of Turkish descent. Why are german lawmakers worried? One lawmaker believes Turkish schools are “driving the islamization of German education system”. That is one side of the political spectrum. Another side --- calls out Erdogan for undermining democratic values in Turkey. A lawmaker of the left party said: “Erdogan polarizes and divides our society. His schools are poisonous for integration and democracy”. Here is how Germany is dealing with Turkish schools. Indian policymakers should listen carefully to this. Earlier this year, they began formulating a legal framework. That could dictate the rules for such schools. France went one step ahead. Last year, Erdogan wanted to open Turkish schools in France. The move was denounced by the Macron government. They saw it as an attempt to bolster influence and hard-line Islam among the Turkish population in France. According to a report, Erdogan’s plans are now on hold. As India gets ready to welcome foreign universities --- it must step up its defences against ideological education by Turkey and China.

What are China and Turkey doing in Indian campuses?

Major General S B Asthana (Retd) sheds light on why Turkish president is seeking a leadership of the Muslim world, and what it implies for the rest of the world.

Video Opinion: Turkish leadership and the free world

Turkey&nbsp;adopted a new social media law on Wednesday that critics say will create a "chilling effect" on dissenting voices who have resorted to Twitter and other online platforms as the government tightened its grip on mainstream media.

The law was backed by President Tayyip Erdogan's AK Party and its nationalist allies to make foreign social media sites more accountable. It requires them to appoint a local representative to address authorities' concerns.

The law would allow Turkish authorities to remove content from platforms rather than blocking access as they have done in the past.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/human-rights-watch-calls-on-turkey-to-probe-alleged-serious-abuses-by-police-316735" hreflang="en">Human Rights Watch calls on Turkey to probe alleged 'serious abuses' by police</a>

Turkey is an authoritarian regime in which checks and balances of the parliamentary system have been replaced by a centralised presidential rule. While traditional media is highly censored, now there is no freedom of speech on the internet either.

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Companies including Facebook and YouTube that do not comply could have their bandwidth slashed by up to 90 per cent, essentially blocking access, and face other penalties.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-parliament-passes-controversial-social-media-bill-316649" hreflang="en">Turkey parliament passes controversial social media bill</a>

They must also store local users' information in&nbsp;Turkey, raising concerns that a state that critics say has grown more authoritarian under Erdogan will gain easy access.

An estimated 90 per cent&nbsp;of major media in&nbsp;Turkey&nbsp;comes under the ownership of the state or is close to the government.

Turks are already heavily policed on social media and the new regulations, especially if user data is vulnerable, will have a "chilling effect", said Yaman Akdeniz, cyber rights expert and professor at Istanbul Bilgi University.

"This will lead to identifying dissenters, finding who is behind parody accounts, and more people being tried&nbsp;or people will stop using these platforms when they realise this," he said. "People in&nbsp;Turkey&nbsp;are already afraid to speak out."

Erdogan has criticised social media and said a rise of "immoral acts" online was due to a lack of regulation. His AK Party says the law will not lead to censorship and that it aims to protect personal rights and data.

Ozgur Ozel, senior lawmaker from the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP), called the law an "act of revenge".

"Maybe you can silence us and opponents, but you cannot silence the youth," he told parliament before the law passed at around 7 a.m. after an overnight debate.

Turkey&nbsp;was second globally in Twitter-related court orders in the first six months of 2019, according to the company, and it had the highest number of other legal demands from Twitter.

Akdeniz said social media companies would need to comply with every request from authorities including accessing user data and content removal that they currently do not accept.&nbsp;Turkey recently arrested hundreds of its citizens for their social media posts about the Wuhan virus pandemic.

The country already leads the world when it comes to sending removal requests to Twitter.&nbsp;In the first half of 2019 alone, it had sent over 6000 requests. 408,000 websites are already blocked in the country as well.

Turkey is slipping into a conservative, less-tolerant future and it is a shame given the country was once pitted as a model for neighbouring states.

Turkey adopted a new social media law on Wednesday that critics say will create a "chilling effect" on dissenting voices who have resorted to Twitter and other online platforms as the government tightened its grip on mainstream media.

Turkey adopted a new social media law on Wednesday that critics say will create a "chilling effect" on dissenting voices who have resorted to Twitter and other online platforms as the government tightened its grip on mainstream media. The law was backed by President Tayyip Erdogan's AK Party and its nationalist allies to make foreign social media sites more accountable. It requires them to appoint a local representative to address authorities' concerns. The law would allow Turkish authorities to remove content from platforms rather than blocking access as they have done in the past. Also read: Human Rights Watch calls on Turkey to probe alleged 'serious abuses' by police Turkey is an authoritarian regime in which checks and balances of the parliamentary system have been replaced by a centralised presidential rule. While traditional media is highly censored, now there is no freedom of speech on the internet either. × Companies including Facebook and YouTube that do not comply could have their bandwidth slashed by up to 90 per cent, essentially blocking access, and face other penalties. Also read: Turkey parliament passes controversial social media bill They must also store local users' information in Turkey, raising concerns that a state that critics say has grown more authoritarian under Erdogan will gain easy access. An estimated 90 per cent of major media in Turkey comes under the ownership of the state or is close to the government. Turks are already heavily policed on social media and the new regulations, especially if user data is vulnerable, will have a "chilling effect", said Yaman Akdeniz, cyber rights expert and professor at Istanbul Bilgi University. "This will lead to identifying dissenters, finding who is behind parody accounts, and more people being tried or people will stop using these platforms when they realise this," he said. "People in Turkey are already afraid to speak out." Erdogan has criticised social media and said a rise of "immoral acts" online was due to a lack of regulation. His AK Party says the law will not lead to censorship and that it aims to protect personal rights and data. Ozgur Ozel, senior lawmaker from the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP), called the law an "act of revenge". "Maybe you can silence us and opponents, but you cannot silence the youth," he told parliament before the law passed at around 7 a.m. after an overnight debate. Turkey was second globally in Twitter-related court orders in the first six months of 2019, according to the company, and it had the highest number of other legal demands from Twitter. Akdeniz said social media companies would need to comply with every request from authorities including accessing user data and content removal that they currently do not accept. Turkey recently arrested hundreds of its citizens for their social media posts about the Wuhan virus pandemic. The country already leads the world when it comes to sending removal requests to Twitter. In the first half of 2019 alone, it had sent over 6000 requests. 408,000 websites are already blocked in the country as well. Turkey is slipping into a conservative, less-tolerant future and it is a shame given the country was once pitted as a model for neighbouring states.

Turkey tightens grip on social media with new law to silence dissent

Turkey's parliament has passed a bill that allows the Erdogan government to reduce internet bandwidth and cut access to Twitter Facebook, and Youtube, if they do not abide by censorship orders.

Gravitas: Erdogan pushes law to censor social media in Turkey

Turkey's parliament on Wednesday passed a controversial bill which would give the government greater control of social media.

According to the official Anadolu news agency, under the new law, social media giants such as Facebook and Twitter would have to ensure they have local representatives in Turkey. These representatives have to comply with Turkish court orders over the removal of certain content or face heavy fines.

The law would affect social networks with more than a million unique visits every day, and proposes servers with Turkish users' data must be stored in Turkey.

The law passed after debates beginning on Tuesday and lasting into Wednesday.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan vowed to tighten government control over social media earlier this month after he said "dark-hearted" users insulted Finance Minister Berat Albayrak and his wife Esra, the president's daughter, following the birth of their fourth child.

To this end, critics&nbsp;are worried over what they call the erosion of freedom of expression in Turkey, with thousands of people subject to criminal proceedings for "insulting" President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on social media.

Last month, Erdogan met with a spate of negative comments during a video-conference with young people.&nbsp;

The Turkish presidency then turned off comments but there were 388,000 clicks on the "thumbs down" button, compared with 114,000 on the "thumbs up" button.

Erdogan is not a fan of social media despite a large following on different platforms, including Twitter. He once compared the media platforms to a "murderer's knife" and previously promised to "eradicate" Twitter.

His government previously blocked Twitter and YouTube in 2014 after audio recordings were posted implicating the president, then prime minister, and his inner circle in an alleged corruption scandal.

A Turkish court in January lifted a ban on the online encyclopaedia Wikipedia after almost three years.

According to Twitter's latest "transparency report" for the first half of 2019, Turkey ranked number one for seeking content removal with more than 6,000 requests.

Turkey's parliament on Wednesday passed a controversial bill which would give the government greater control of social media. According to the official Anadolu news agency, under the new law, social media giants such as Facebook and Twitter would have to ensure they have local representatives in Turkey.

Turkey's parliament on Wednesday passed a controversial bill which would give the government greater control of social media. According to the official Anadolu news agency, under the new law, social media giants such as Facebook and Twitter would have to ensure they have local representatives in Turkey. These representatives have to comply with Turkish court orders over the removal of certain content or face heavy fines. The law would affect social networks with more than a million unique visits every day, and proposes servers with Turkish users' data must be stored in Turkey. The law passed after debates beginning on Tuesday and lasting into Wednesday. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan vowed to tighten government control over social media earlier this month after he said "dark-hearted" users insulted Finance Minister Berat Albayrak and his wife Esra, the president's daughter, following the birth of their fourth child. To this end, critics are worried over what they call the erosion of freedom of expression in Turkey, with thousands of people subject to criminal proceedings for "insulting" President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on social media. Last month, Erdogan met with a spate of negative comments during a video-conference with young people. The Turkish presidency then turned off comments but there were 388,000 clicks on the "thumbs down" button, compared with 114,000 on the "thumbs up" button. Erdogan is not a fan of social media despite a large following on different platforms, including Twitter. He once compared the media platforms to a "murderer's knife" and previously promised to "eradicate" Twitter. His government previously blocked Twitter and YouTube in 2014 after audio recordings were posted implicating the president, then prime minister, and his inner circle in an alleged corruption scandal. A Turkish court in January lifted a ban on the online encyclopaedia Wikipedia after almost three years. According to Twitter's latest "transparency report" for the first half of 2019, Turkey ranked number one for seeking content removal with more than 6,000 requests.

Turkey parliament passes controversial social media bill

Turkey’s parliament approved a law early on July 29 that gives authorities greater power to regulate social media despite concerns of growing censorship. Watch report.

Govt to regulate social media in Turkey: Fears on curbs on freedom of speech

Human Rights Watch on Wednesday called on the Turkish government to investigate "serious abuses" allegedly committed by police and "nightwatchmen" against more than a dozen people in the southeast and in Istanbul.&nbsp;

"The cases illustrate a worrying pattern of violent arrest, beatings, and other abuse that seems to be part of an increase in violent treatment in custody," the rights group said in a report. "They should be fully investigated."

In June, the Turkish parliament passed a controversial bill that gives nightwatchmen greater powers, with critics accusing the government of seeking to build a loyal "militia".

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-parliament-passes-controversial-social-media-bill-316649" hreflang="en">Turkey parliament passes controversial social media bill</a>

Under the law, the nightwatchmen are allowed to carry firearms and have the powers to stop and search people during neighbourhood patrols.&nbsp;

The alleged torture took place in Kurdish-majority Diyarbakir and in Istanbul and targeted 14 people in the last two months, according to the Human Rights Watch report.&nbsp;

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/five-countries-where-environmental-activism-could-get-you-killed-316724" hreflang="en">Five countries where environmental activism could get you killed</a>

In two incidents, police dogs were set on people in their homes, leaving them with bite marks on their limbs, the report said.&nbsp;

In two others, involving the detention of suspects in the fatal shooting of police officers, images of the detainees with signs of having been beaten and otherwise abused were posted on private social media accounts.&nbsp;

Human Rights Watch said it had reviewed photos, videos, and legal and medical documents and interviewed lawyers, families, and witnesses and, where possible, the victims.

"Turkish authorities should immediately investigate these credible allegations of serious abuse and hold those responsible accountable," said Tom Porteous, deputy program director at Human Rights Watch.

The Turkish government has adopted a policy of "zero tolerance" for torture. New York-based Human Rights Watch said in four of the cases, the authorities have publicly refuted or countered allegations of abuse.

Human Rights Watch on Wednesday called on the Turkish government to investigate "serious abuses" allegedly committed by police and "nightwatchmen" against more than a dozen people in the southeast and in Istanbul.

Human Rights Watch on Wednesday called on the Turkish government to investigate "serious abuses" allegedly committed by police and "nightwatchmen" against more than a dozen people in the southeast and in Istanbul. "The cases illustrate a worrying pattern of violent arrest, beatings, and other abuse that seems to be part of an increase in violent treatment in custody," the rights group said in a report. "They should be fully investigated." In June, the Turkish parliament passed a controversial bill that gives nightwatchmen greater powers, with critics accusing the government of seeking to build a loyal "militia". Also read: Turkey parliament passes controversial social media bill Under the law, the nightwatchmen are allowed to carry firearms and have the powers to stop and search people during neighbourhood patrols. The alleged torture took place in Kurdish-majority Diyarbakir and in Istanbul and targeted 14 people in the last two months, according to the Human Rights Watch report. Also see: Five countries where environmental activism could get you killed In two incidents, police dogs were set on people in their homes, leaving them with bite marks on their limbs, the report said. In two others, involving the detention of suspects in the fatal shooting of police officers, images of the detainees with signs of having been beaten and otherwise abused were posted on private social media accounts. Human Rights Watch said it had reviewed photos, videos, and legal and medical documents and interviewed lawyers, families, and witnesses and, where possible, the victims. "Turkish authorities should immediately investigate these credible allegations of serious abuse and hold those responsible accountable," said Tom Porteous, deputy program director at Human Rights Watch. The Turkish government has adopted a policy of "zero tolerance" for torture. New York-based Human Rights Watch said in four of the cases, the authorities have publicly refuted or countered allegations of abuse.

Human Rights Watch calls on Turkey to probe alleged 'serious abuses' by police

Mosul train station wears a deserted look as it was destroyed by ISIS in 2014. Rebuilding efforts have been halted due to COVID-19. Watch report.

Your Story: Mosul train station destroyed by ISIS in 2014 still lies in ruins

A new report has claimed that Turkey is deporting Uighur Muslims back to China via a third country. WION spoke to Uighur activist Arslan Hidayat in Istanbul - who shared details about the deportation of Uighurs from Turkey.

Gravitas: Erdogan's Islamic Hypocrisy, Turkey deports Uighurs back to China via third country

Turkey's prominent art figure and activist Osman Kavala story are no less than a nightmare. Kavala has been imprisoned in Turkey for almost 3 years without ever been convicted of a crime. Watch report.

Osman Kavala seen as a threat by Erdogan

After 86 years, the sound of Islamic prayers echoed in the Hagia Sophia. The Turkish state-media is glorifying its re-conversion by citing historical wrongs. WION's Executive Editor Palki Sharma Upadhyay gets you a report.

Gravitas: Friday prayers held at Hagia Sophia

Chinese government has already attracted widespread criticism for its treatment of Uighurs in the northwest region of Xinjiang, where up to one million members of mostly Muslim Turkic-speaking minority groups are held in internment camps.&nbsp;

China's government considers many members of the Uighur ethnic minority to be "terrorists" and "separatists." It has imprisoned them on a mass scale and has turned Xinjiang into one of the world's most tightly controlled police states.

According to a report of The Telegraph, Turkey is helping China repatriate Uighur Muslims by sending them to third countries from which they can be extradited by Beijing. The Telegraph documented several cases in which Turkey had sent Uighurs to countries like Tajikistan, where it is easier for China to secure their extradition.&nbsp;

China has stridently maintained that Uighurs and Xinjiang affairs are its internal matter. China is taking extreme measures to silence anyone who speaks out against its government.

Reports leaked last month suggested that China detained Muslim minority Uighurs for beards, wearing veils, visiting foreign countries and having "too many" children.

Uighurs' birth rates have dropped by more than 60 per cent from 2015 to 2018. Across the Xinjiang region, birth rates fell 24 per cent last year as compared to just 4 per cent in the rest of the country.

Beijing has maintained that vocational training being carried is meant to help stamp out Islamist extremism and separatism and to teach locals new skills.

(With inputs from agencies)

Chinese government has already attracted widespread criticism for its treatment of Uighurs in the northwest region of Xinjiang, where up to one million members of mostly Muslim Turkic-speaking minority groups are held in internment camps.

Chinese government has already attracted widespread criticism for its treatment of Uighurs in the northwest region of Xinjiang, where up to one million members of mostly Muslim Turkic-speaking minority groups are held in internment camps. China's government considers many members of the Uighur ethnic minority to be "terrorists" and "separatists." It has imprisoned them on a mass scale and has turned Xinjiang into one of the world's most tightly controlled police states. According to a report of The Telegraph, Turkey is helping China repatriate Uighur Muslims by sending them to third countries from which they can be extradited by Beijing. The Telegraph documented several cases in which Turkey had sent Uighurs to countries like Tajikistan, where it is easier for China to secure their extradition. China has stridently maintained that Uighurs and Xinjiang affairs are its internal matter. China is taking extreme measures to silence anyone who speaks out against its government. Reports leaked last month suggested that China detained Muslim minority Uighurs for beards, wearing veils, visiting foreign countries and having "too many" children. Uighurs' birth rates have dropped by more than 60 per cent from 2015 to 2018. Across the Xinjiang region, birth rates fell 24 per cent last year as compared to just 4 per cent in the rest of the country. Beijing has maintained that vocational training being carried is meant to help stamp out Islamist extremism and separatism and to teach locals new skills. (With inputs from agencies)

Turkey deports Uighur Muslims back to China via third countries: Reports

Church bells across&nbsp;Greece&nbsp;tolled mourning on Friday as the first Islamic prayers in nine decades were held at Hagia Sophia in Turkey, marking the monument's conversion into a mosque.

At midday, churches around the country flew their flags at half-mast in protest against what the head of the Church of&nbsp;Greece, Archbishop Ieronymos, called an "unholy act of defiling" the former cathedral.

Religious and nationalist groups also staged protests in Athens and Thessaloniki.

Later on Friday, the archbishop held a special service at the Athens Metropolis, during which he chanted the Akathist Hymn in honour of the Virgin Mary. According to Greek tradition, the same service was held in Hagia Sophia on the eve of the Byzantine Empire capital's fall to the Ottomans.

Hagia Sophia is "a symbol of our faith and a universal monument of culture," Ieronymos said.

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/how-turks-mark-hagia-sophias-first-friday-prayers-post-reconversion-315781" hreflang="en">How Turkey marked Hagia Sophia's first Friday prayers post reconversion</a>

Turkey's President Tayyip Erdogan joined huge crowds in Istanbul for prayers at Hagia Sophia, sealing his ambition to restore Muslim worship at the ancient site which most Greeks consider as central to their Orthodox Christian religion.

Greek criticism of the conversion has been scathing, underscoring often tense relations between&nbsp;Greece&nbsp;and Turkey.

In a message marking&nbsp;Greece's 46th anniversary of the restoration of democracy on Friday, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis called Turkey a 'troublemaker', and the Hagia Sophia conversion an 'affront to civilisation of the 21st century'.

"What is unfolding in Constantinople today is not a demonstration of strength, but proof of weakness," Mitsotakis said, referring to Istanbul by the old name of the city used by Greeks.

Nevertheless, the move would not "diminish the radiance of a global heritage monument", he said.

"Especially to us Orthodox Christians, Hagia Sophia today is in our hearts more than ever. It is where our heart beats," Mitsotakis said.&nbsp;

Greece&nbsp;and Turkey disagree on a range of issues from airspace to maritime zones and ethnically split Cyprus. Tensions upped a notch this week with verbal jousting over the delimitation of their continental shelves in the eastern Mediterranean, an area thought to be rich in natural resources.

From Crete to small Greek islands lying just off the Turkish coast, church bells tolled and in some areas flags flew at half mast.

"We thought someone had died but we were told it was for Hagia Sophia. It’s very sad, very sad," said Katerina, 40, a shop owner on the island of Astypalea.

Church bells across Greece tolled mourning on Friday as the first Islamic prayers in nine decades were held at Hagia Sophia in Turkey, marking the monument's conversion into a mosque.

Church bells across Greece tolled mourning on Friday as the first Islamic prayers in nine decades were held at Hagia Sophia in Turkey, marking the monument's conversion into a mosque. At midday, churches around the country flew their flags at half-mast in protest against what the head of the Church of Greece, Archbishop Ieronymos, called an "unholy act of defiling" the former cathedral. Religious and nationalist groups also staged protests in Athens and Thessaloniki. Later on Friday, the archbishop held a special service at the Athens Metropolis, during which he chanted the Akathist Hymn in honour of the Virgin Mary. According to Greek tradition, the same service was held in Hagia Sophia on the eve of the Byzantine Empire capital's fall to the Ottomans. Hagia Sophia is "a symbol of our faith and a universal monument of culture," Ieronymos said. Also see: How Turkey marked Hagia Sophia's first Friday prayers post reconversion Turkey's President Tayyip Erdogan joined huge crowds in Istanbul for prayers at Hagia Sophia, sealing his ambition to restore Muslim worship at the ancient site which most Greeks consider as central to their Orthodox Christian religion. Greek criticism of the conversion has been scathing, underscoring often tense relations between Greece and Turkey. In a message marking Greece's 46th anniversary of the restoration of democracy on Friday, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis called Turkey a 'troublemaker', and the Hagia Sophia conversion an 'affront to civilisation of the 21st century'. "What is unfolding in Constantinople today is not a demonstration of strength, but proof of weakness," Mitsotakis said, referring to Istanbul by the old name of the city used by Greeks. Nevertheless, the move would not "diminish the radiance of a global heritage monument", he said. "Especially to us Orthodox Christians, Hagia Sophia today is in our hearts more than ever. It is where our heart beats," Mitsotakis said. Greece and Turkey disagree on a range of issues from airspace to maritime zones and ethnically split Cyprus. Tensions upped a notch this week with verbal jousting over the delimitation of their continental shelves in the eastern Mediterranean, an area thought to be rich in natural resources. From Crete to small Greek islands lying just off the Turkish coast, church bells tolled and in some areas flags flew at half mast. "We thought someone had died but we were told it was for Hagia Sophia. It’s very sad, very sad," said Katerina, 40, a shop owner on the island of Astypalea.

Greek church bells toll for Hagia Sophia, PM calls Turkey a 'troublemaker'

After 86 years an all-faiths museum once again echoed to the sound of Islamic prayers in Turkey. For Turkish Islamists, the&nbsp;re-conversion is a landmark moment as it was a long-awaited restoration of the symbol of Ottoman might.

However, for many others in Turkey and around the world, it&nbsp;is a setback to one of the world's greatest cultural landmarks.

The Hagia Sophia has nothing to do with religion, or Jesus Christ or Prophet Muhammad. It is revered by Christians and Muslims alike, but is not sacred to either of them.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-friday-prayers-held-at-hagia-sophia-315819/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The structure was constructed by one sovereign as a church and was then converted into a mosque by another sovereign. The process went on for centuries as there were crusades and wars.

While it is a symbol of religious pride and of the conquest mentality, there is nothing particularly sacred about this monument's heritage.

In a picture posted on Instagram of TRT World of the cathedral of Cordoba, the caption read, "Over the centuries, hundreds of mosques across Europe have been turned into churches as part of an attempt to erase the Muslim identity."

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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CDAyfCMKU-g/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">Over the centuries, hundreds of mosques across Europe have been turned into churches. As a part of an attempt to erase the Muslim identity, several components such as domes and arches reflecting Islamic or Turkish architecture were purposely destroyed or altered, says architect Mehmet Emin Yilmaz. Yilmaz, who explored the Turkish architectural works in the lands dominated by the Ottoman Empire by travelling country by country, determined that 329 Turkish architectural works such as mosques, lodges and tombs were converted into churches across 18 countries. Swipe for some of the mosques that have been converted into churches around Europe. Photos: @mimaremin and Getty ∙ #Conversion #Architecture #GreatMosqueofCordoba #MezquitaCatedral #Europe #Greece #Bulgaria #Mosque #Church</a>

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The cathedral, popularly known as&nbsp;the cathedral of our lady of the assumption, is located in Cordoba, Spain. It was previously&nbsp;an Islamic place of worship, but was converted into a cathedral the 13th century.

The caption on the picture&nbsp;reads, "An attempt to erase Muslim identity".&nbsp;This media network is using a 13th century conquest to justify Erdogan's current decision. The post used one wrong to justify another and is&nbsp;trying to blur the lines between ancient empires and modern-day republics.

Although, it&nbsp;expected from the TRT World as the media house is considered to be Erdogan's propaganda arm.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/how-turks-mark-hagia-sophias-first-friday-prayers-post-reconversion-315781">Have a look:&nbsp;How Turkey marked Hagia Sophia's first Friday prayers post reconversion</a>

However, what TRT World does not highlight is Erdogan's&nbsp;authoritarianism.

Not once did Erdogan consult any of the stakeholders in the Turkish parliament before taking this decision and&nbsp;did not allow any deliberation on his decision.

In&nbsp;doing so, he has reversed the very secular and democratic credentials of Turkey. His&nbsp;country anyway does not have an impressive record of tolerance for Christians, and&nbsp;most of them have escaped to Europe. Only about a hundred thousand Christians are said to be living in the Turkey,&nbsp;as of today.

This decision carries the danger of causing more frictions between the Christian and Islamic communities as critics believe that&nbsp;Erdogan is using the Hagia Sophia as a tool to legitimise his ambitions.

After 86 years an all-faiths museum once again echoed to the sound of Islamic prayers in Turkey. For Turkish Islamists, the re-conversion is a landmark moment as it was a long-awaited restoration of the symbol of Ottoman might.

After 86 years an all-faiths museum once again echoed to the sound of Islamic prayers in Turkey. For Turkish Islamists, the re-conversion is a landmark moment as it was a long-awaited restoration of the symbol of Ottoman might. However, for many others in Turkey and around the world, it is a setback to one of the world's greatest cultural landmarks. The Hagia Sophia has nothing to do with religion, or Jesus Christ or Prophet Muhammad. It is revered by Christians and Muslims alike, but is not sacred to either of them. The structure was constructed by one sovereign as a church and was then converted into a mosque by another sovereign. The process went on for centuries as there were crusades and wars. While it is a symbol of religious pride and of the conquest mentality, there is nothing particularly sacred about this monument's heritage. In a picture posted on Instagram of TRT World of the cathedral of Cordoba, the caption read, "Over the centuries, hundreds of mosques across Europe have been turned into churches as part of an attempt to erase the Muslim identity." View this post on Instagram Over the centuries, hundreds of mosques across Europe have been turned into churches. As a part of an attempt to erase the Muslim identity, several components such as domes and arches reflecting Islamic or Turkish architecture were purposely destroyed or altered, says architect Mehmet Emin Yilmaz. Yilmaz, who explored the Turkish architectural works in the lands dominated by the Ottoman Empire by travelling country by country, determined that 329 Turkish architectural works such as mosques, lodges and tombs were converted into churches across 18 countries. Swipe for some of the mosques that have been converted into churches around Europe. Photos: @mimaremin and Getty ∙ #Conversion #Architecture #GreatMosqueofCordoba #MezquitaCatedral #Europe #Greece #Bulgaria #Mosque #Church A post shared by TRT World (@trtworld) on Jul 23, 2020 at 10:00pm PDT × The cathedral, popularly known as the cathedral of our lady of the assumption, is located in Cordoba, Spain. It was previously an Islamic place of worship, but was converted into a cathedral the 13th century. The caption on the picture reads, "An attempt to erase Muslim identity". This media network is using a 13th century conquest to justify Erdogan's current decision. The post used one wrong to justify another and is trying to blur the lines between ancient empires and modern-day republics. Although, it expected from the TRT World as the media house is considered to be Erdogan's propaganda arm. Have a look: How Turkey marked Hagia Sophia's first Friday prayers post reconversion However, what TRT World does not highlight is Erdogan's authoritarianism. Not once did Erdogan consult any of the stakeholders in the Turkish parliament before taking this decision and did not allow any deliberation on his decision. In doing so, he has reversed the very secular and democratic credentials of Turkey. His country anyway does not have an impressive record of tolerance for Christians, and most of them have escaped to Europe. Only about a hundred thousand Christians are said to be living in the Turkey, as of today. This decision carries the danger of causing more frictions between the Christian and Islamic communities as critics believe that Erdogan is using the Hagia Sophia as a tool to legitimise his ambitions.

Is Hagia Sophia a new tool for Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan?

Protests and special service held in Greece over conversion of Hagia Sophia

Turkey on Saturday slammed Greek statements against the move to convert Hagia Sophia back into a mosque after the first Muslim prayers were held there.

Relations between the NATO allies have been uneasy in recent months -- over the issue of migration -- but tensions increased over Hagia Sophia and energy riches in the eastern Mediterranean.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan joined thousands for the first Islamic prayer on Friday since Hagia Sophia was reconverted from a museum into a mosque this month.

Greek prime minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis on Friday said what was happening in Istanbul was "not a show of force, but proof of weakness".

The reaction to Hagia Sophia opening for Muslim worship "once again revealed Greece's hostility towards Islam and Turkey," Turkish foreign ministry spokesman Hami Aksoy said.

Aksoy "strongly condemned" the burning of the Turkish flag in Thessaloniki, and accused the Greek government and parliament of "provoking the public with hostile statements".

"The spoiled children of Europe, who cannot accept renewed prostration in Hagia Sophia, are once again delusional," Aksoy added in a statement.

The UNESCO World Heritage site was originally the Byzantine Empire's main cathedral before its conversion into a mosque after the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople in 1453.

The founder of modern Turkey ordered Hagia Sophia to be turned into a museum in 1934 but Turkey's highest administrative court on July 10 said the building was registered in property deeds as a mosque, allowing Ankara to change its status once more.

 
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Turkey on Saturday slammed Greek statements against the move to convert Hagia Sophia back into a mosque after the first Muslim prayers were held there. Relations between the NATO allies have been uneasy in recent months -- over the issue of migration -- but tensions increased over Hagia Sophia and energy riches in the eastern Mediterranean.

Turkey on Saturday slammed Greek statements against the move to convert Hagia Sophia back into a mosque after the first Muslim prayers were held there. Relations between the NATO allies have been uneasy in recent months -- over the issue of migration -- but tensions increased over Hagia Sophia and energy riches in the eastern Mediterranean. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan joined thousands for the first Islamic prayer on Friday since Hagia Sophia was reconverted from a museum into a mosque this month. Greek prime minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis on Friday said what was happening in Istanbul was "not a show of force, but proof of weakness". The reaction to Hagia Sophia opening for Muslim worship "once again revealed Greece's hostility towards Islam and Turkey," Turkish foreign ministry spokesman Hami Aksoy said. Aksoy "strongly condemned" the burning of the Turkish flag in Thessaloniki, and accused the Greek government and parliament of "provoking the public with hostile statements". "The spoiled children of Europe, who cannot accept renewed prostration in Hagia Sophia, are once again delusional," Aksoy added in a statement. The UNESCO World Heritage site was originally the Byzantine Empire's main cathedral before its conversion into a mosque after the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople in 1453. The founder of modern Turkey ordered Hagia Sophia to be turned into a museum in 1934 but Turkey's highest administrative court on July 10 said the building was registered in property deeds as a mosque, allowing Ankara to change its status once more.

Turkey calls Greek reaction to Hagia Sophia prayers 'hostile'

Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan joined thousands of worshippers at Hagia Sophia on Friday (July 24) for the first prayers there since he declared the monument, revered by Christians and Muslims for almost 1,500 years, a mosque once again.

Muslim prayers in Hagia Sophia for first time in 86 years

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