The Foreign Ministry of Greece has said that the party that took place in Turkey at the former Orthodox Christian monastery, Sumela, is 'offensive' and that is poses 'a desecration' of the monument.
The Ministry has now asked on Turkish authorities "to do their utmost to prevent such acts from being repeated" on the site, which is a candiadate for being oh the list of UNESCO's world heritage monuments.
The Ministry said:
"The recent images that were displayed on social media, in which a foreign band seems to be dancing disco in the area of the Historical Monastery of Panagia Soumela, are a desecration of this Monument."
The officials in Turkey have not yet responded.
The monastic complex of Sumela was built in the 4th century on a cliff above the Black Sea in eastern Turkey. It has been however stripped of its religious status and operates as a museum overseen by Turkey's Culture Ministry.
Orthodox Christian worshippers and thousands of tourists visit the monastery every year.
In 2015, the monastery was shut for restorations but reopened again in 2019.
In 2020 and 2021, a liturgy marking the Feast Day of the Virgin Mary was allowed on the monastery.
The Greek Foreign Ministry commented:
"It is surprising that the permit was given to the band, as the Monastery of Panagia Soumela opens only for pilgrims. These images are offensive and add to a series of actions by the Turkish authorities against World Heritage Sites."
[Based on reporting by: Reuters]
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