Stand up for Hagia Sophia

A bill has been introduced in Turkish parliament to restore Hagia Sophia to a "symbol of the Conquest of Istabul" . Moreover, in November, Turkey's deputy prime minister promised that the building would be "smiling" again as a mosque soon.

The Hellenic American Leadership Council circulates a petition for supporters to sign in order for Hagia Sophia to remain a museum.

More than 21 thousand signatures have been gathered and the Council is still counting supporters....

For nearly 80 years, Hagia Sophia has operated as a museum, allowing millions of visitors across faiths and demographics to enter and appreciate the masterpiece mosaics, iconography and architecture.

Hagia Sophia is a former Orthodox patriarchal basilica which served as the seat of the Patriarchate of Constantinople. When the Ottomans consquered Constantinople, it was converted into a mosque but was eventually opened as a museum on February 1, 1935.

If your are interested, join the Hellenic American Leadership Council at www.action.hellenicleaders.com. The petition will be delivered to UNESCO, which has already declared Hagia Sophia part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Sign the petition here: http://action.hellenicleaders.com/p/dia/action3/common/public/?action_KEY=10215