LAST UPDATE: 18:45
The Turkish government targeted the Ecumenical Patriarch, with President Erdogan’s coalition partner, Devlet Bahçeli, denying the existence of both the Ecumenical Patriarch and the city of Constantinople. Bahçeli publicly stated, “There is no Ecumenical Patriarch, nor a city named Constantinople.”
According to a report by Skai.gr, Bahçeli expressed nationalist sentiments, emphasizing territorial claims. He said, “Our inspiration is the cry that says ‘I will include in Turkey islands, Western Thrace, and Thessaloniki.'”
Bahçeli criticized the invitation of the “Greek Patriarch of the Phanar” to a recent summit and condemned the title “Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople,” particularly objecting to the Patriarch’s signing of the summit’s final declaration.
He continued to dispute the existence of Constantinople within Turkey’s borders, stating that the title holds no validity. He asserted, “There is no city named ‘Constantinople’ within the borders of the Republic of Turkey. The universal title has no validity and legitimacy. Those who claim otherwise are lovers of Byzantium and enemies of the Muslim Turkish nation. No one has the power to turn Constantinople into a second Vatican.”
Bahçeli highlighted the significance of Constantinople as a symbol of national and spiritual honor, mentioning the conversion of Hagia Sophia into a mosque as a source of controversy.
Turkey Demands Removal of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew’s Signature from Ukraine Summit Declaration
Turkey intensified pressure on the Ecumenical Patriarch following his inclusion in the joint declaration from the recent Ukraine summit. Turkey successfully lobbied for the removal of his signature from the official document.
The Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs sought clarification on Bartholomew’s signing of the declaration and expressed dissatisfaction over his involvement as an observer. Following Turkey’s intervention, the Patriarchate’s signature was excluded from the summit declaration.
The spokesperson for the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs explained the actions taken by Turkey to address their concerns about Bartholomew’s participation in the summit.
Translated by: Konstantinos Menyktas