EU commented on Turkey changing status of Hagia Sophia

According to him, the Hagia Sophia has great "symbolic, historical and universal value."

“The decision of the State Council of the country on the abolition of one of the landmark decisions of modern Turkey and the decision of President Erdogan to place the monument at the disposal of the Department of Religious Affairs is regrettable,” said Bozel.

He also stated that Turkey, as one of the founders of the Alliance of Civilizations international organization, has committed itself to "committing itself to promoting inter-religious and inter-cultural dialogue."

On July 10, the Turkish State Council overturned the 1934 decision to turn Hagia Sophia (Hagia Sophia) in Istanbul into a museum.

Then Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan signed a decree on the transfer of the cathedral to the Religious Affairs Authority and authorized Muslim worship services in Hagia Sofia.

UNESCO Director General Audrey Azule expressed deep regret over the decision of the Turkish authorities.