Greece Accused by Türkiye of Marginalizing Ottoman Heritage Around the Acropolis

[duluxe]

urkish Media Provokes Debate: Greece Accused of Marginalizing Ottoman Heritage Around the Acropolis


The Greek Ministry of Culture's new infrastructure and cultural route projects around the Acropolis aim to highlight overlooked ancient monuments. However, the initiative has sparked sharp criticism from Turkish "experts" and pro-government media, who accuse Athens of deliberately sidelining the city's Ottoman-era cultural layers.

What Turkish Outlet Türkiye Today Claims​

According to the English-language pro-government site turkiyetoday.com, Greece's enhanced cultural paths near the Acropolis focus almost exclusively on classical ancient heritage while treating Ottoman remains as "neglected or marginalized."


Key accusations include:

• Abandonment or secular repurposing of Ottoman buildings in Athens.
• Inadequate maintenance of Ottoman tombstones, cannons, and other artifacts around the Acropolis.
• Closure or change of use for historic mosques (though a modern mosque currently operates in Athens, contradicting claims of Athens being "the only European capital without a functioning mosque").
• Overall "hierarchy of history" that downgrades the Ottoman period as secondary or unwanted.

The article frames these new Ministry interventions—presented as neutral and visitor-friendly—as reinforcing a selective narrative that omits later historical periods.

Background – Ministry of Culture's Acropolis Projects​

The controversy intensified after announcements about upgrading the Koile Road and other areas to better showcase ancient sites. Greek authorities emphasize preserving and promoting the classical core of the Acropolis, a UNESCO World Heritage site central to global tourism.


Turkish commentators argue these efforts should equally integrate the "multi-layered" history of Athens, including nearly 400 years of Ottoman rule (1458–1821), during which the Acropolis and city saw mosques, fortifications, and other additions.

Fact-Checking Key Claims​

• No functioning mosque in Athens? Incorrect. A purpose-built modern mosque in Athens has been operational since late 2020.
• Neglect of Ottoman artifacts? While some Ottoman-era structures have indeed been repurposed or face preservation challenges (common in densely layered historic cities), Greek heritage authorities prioritize classical antiquities due to international obligations and visitor interest.

Broader Implications of the Cultural Heritage Debate​

This exchange highlights ongoing tensions in how post-classical layers are presented in national narratives. Similar discussions arise globally when sites balance multiple historical periods (e.g., Roman/Byzantine/Ottoman influences across the Mediterranean).


Experts in cultural heritage stress the value of inclusive storytelling, but critics view the Turkish piece as provocative amid broader Greece-Turkey geopolitical frictions.


For the original Turkish perspective, see: Türkiye Today article (January 23, 2026).


What do you think—should modern heritage projects equally highlight all historical layers, or prioritize the most visited ancient elements? Share in the comments below.

 

[syed putra]

Maybe turkiye should consider invading greece again.

 

[laksaboy]

Turkey = rump state of the Ottoman Empire, still dreaming of the 'good old days'.

It wasn't the Greeks who desecrated Haga Sophia and turned it into a mosque.

 

[syed putra]

Turkey = rump state of the Ottoman Empire, still dreaming of the 'good old days'.

It wasn't the Greeks who desecrated Haga Sophia and turned it into a mosque.

I believe the sultan bought the building from the greek orthodox church

 

[bigozt]

Mudslime leeligion should be confined to Saudi Arabia where it truly belongs.

 

[eatshitndie]

when turks were in charge in athens they kept an officer’s quarters at the acropolis with the intention of abducting greek chiobus to fuck and chuck. what is left of the quarters is still there on top of the hill.

 

[laksaboy]

I believe the sultan bought the building from the greek orthodox church

Desecration is desecration. Doesn't matter how the Muslim fuckstains obtained the building.

 

[eatshitndie]

Desecration is desecration. Doesn't matter how the Muslim fuckstains obtained the building.

they covered up images of seraphim with muslim text in haga sophia. original carvings and statues have been covered up. at least covers can be removed. in ccp tiongcock the red scarved cultural revolutionists would have destroyed them.