The recent images that appeared on social media, in which a foreign band is seen dancing to disco music on the premises of the Historical Panagia Soumela Monastery, constitute a desecration of this Monument, which is included on the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List.
It is surprising that the aforementioned band was given permission to this complex, as the Panagia Soumela Monastery is open solely for the purpose of pilgrimage visits.
These images are offensive and add to a series of actions by Turkish authorities against World Heritage Sites.
We call on the competent Turkish authorities to take the appropriate steps so that such acts are not repeated and the sacred site of the Monastery is respected.
February 7, 2022