Looting and destruction of Greek Orthodox temples in Asia Minor

Question for written answer  E-000673/2021
to the Commission
Rule 138
Ioannis Lagos (NI)

At a time when ‘exploratory contacts’ are under way and Greece has received millions of euros for the refurbishment of dozens of mosques, which are the heritage of over four centuries of Turkish rule, the Turkish Government has chosen to abandon historical Greek churches in Asia Minor to the tender mercies of treasure hunters, one example being the historic church of St John in Bursa (over 1000 years old), which was abandoned when the Greeks were expelled from their ancestral homes. Its roof has been completely destroyed, while massive holes have been gouged into its floor by treasure hunters still in search of valuables beneath hidden there by Greeks fleeing for their lives from their Turkish oppressors!

In view of this:

• 1.Can the Commission say what action it will take in response to Turkey’s criminal failure to prevent incalculable damage to Christian monuments and churches within its territory?
• 2.Does it consider that the protection of temples and monuments testifying to the presence of Greece in Asia Minor and the Pontos region should be included on the agenda of exploratory contacts between Greece and Turkey?