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Two other churches in Nicaea and Trebizond that served as museums have already been converted into mosques. With Hagia Sophia in Constantinople as the symbol of Ottoman conquest, Erdogan's neo-Ottoman plans need such a symbol to cover up Turkey's economic and social crises. For Bartholomew I, Hagia Sophia could only reopen to worship as a Christian church.

With the conviction of the leaders of the secret organisation, whose aim, the court ruled, was to destabilise the government, the Kemalist Era has come to an end. Now, Erdogan's neo-Ottomanism has no one to block its path. This represents the revenge of a traditional Turkey whose new ideology combines elements of the old Kemalism with political Islam in opposition to the existing military-secularist complex.

For the Ecumenical Patriarch, the desire for democracy and justice is growing in Turkish society even though it creates "divisions and polarisation." He calls on the Turkish government to work for the release of the two abducted prelates from the Patriarchate of Antioch, and to keep its promise to reopen the Halki Theological School.

Recent demonstrations stem from a greater sense of freedom in the middle class created by the economic and political success of Turkish Prime Minister Erdogan. However, Turkish society could unravel as a result of his arrogance, if nothing is done to correct it. Standing guard for the West, Turkey is not a traditional Muslim nation, but a highly diversified society.

Hundreds injured in Taksim Square, opponents of a building project that destroys Gezi Park. Soldiers defend the protesters against the police. Growing opposition to Erdogan’s ambitious projects, based on economic successes, neo-Ottoman revival, creeping Islamization.

The two will travel to the Holy Land to mark the 50th anniversary of the embrace between Athenagoras and Paul VI. The pope has been invited to Constantinople for the feast day of Saint Andrew (30 November). For the ecumenical patriarch of Constantinople, the pope is the 'Good Samaritan of Latin America'; for the pope, the patriarch is "My brother Andrew'. Both are committed to the environment and to the struggle against poverty and materialism.

The telegram of greetings and congratulations of the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople to Pope Bergoglio. As with John Paul II and Benedict XVI, Bartholomew I renews his appreciation and support for the bishop of Rome.

From the Phanar visit to the ongoing ecumenical journey, fromthe recovery of theological dialogue to focus on the Petrine ministry, according to the tradition of the undivided Church: the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople reaffirms the strong link between his church and the pope, thanking him for his theological insights, culture, tenacity in pursuing the ideal for which Christ prayed that all may be one.

Bartholomew I highlights Pope Ratzinger's important theological and patristic culture as well as his modernity. His contribution to ecumenism with Orthodox was fundamental. Patriarch prays for a worthy successor.

A large wooded area confiscated during the Second World War. It is the largest amount of land to be returned after the government's decision to restore property to non-Muslim foundations. The decision praised in the last article by Turkish journalist Mehmet Ali Birant, who died a few days ago. Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I attended his funeral.

The ecumenical patriarch of Constantinople issues a vibrant appeal against religious and political excesses and economic abuses by the powerful against the weak. He calls on people to embrace the message from Bethlehem for true peace on Earth.

During the celebrations for the feast of Saint Andrew, patron saint of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, Bartholomew said we must work for and practice dialogue, trying to focus more on what unites us than on what divides us. The preparatory work for the upcoming pan-Orthodox synod has ended.