The biennial video displayed at Alaca İmaret Mosque angers Muslims in Thessaloniki

ABTTF President Halit Habipoğlu: The Greek state must apologize for such disrespectful action and satisfy the demand of Muslims for opening of Alaca İmaret Mosque to worship

The French artist Ange Leccia’a video work titled “Nimfea” displayed at Thessaloniki Biennial in the historical Alaca İmaret Mosque- which is now closed to worship and used as a museum and exhibition area- angered Muslims living in the city. Turkey also reacted against the projection of Nimfea video which is depicting a seemingly naked woman down to her chest in water at this very important mosque for Muslims living in Thessaloniki.

The President of Eastern Macedonia-Thracian Muslims Education and Culture Association Mr. Osman İsmailoğlu complained about this video to Thessaloniki Mayor Yiannis Butaris which he found erotic and requested its removal from the mosque. The Turkish Consulate General in Thessaloniki sent a letter to the Greek authorities including Thessaloniki Mayor and the Bishop Anthimos of Thessaloniki and stated it the letter that “Alaca İmaret is built as a mosque and its closure to worship now does not diminish its importance for Muslims” and asked removal of the obscene video from the mosque.

Due to reactions from Turkey, Eastern Macedonia-Thracian Muslims Education and Culture Association and Muslim tourists visiting Thessaloniki, Nimfea was removed from Alaca İmaret Mosque and displayed at another space, but last week it was again projected at the mosque. Turkey once again reacted, and Nimfea was again removed from Alaca İmaret.

Federation of Western Thrace Turks in Europe (ABTTF)’s President Halit Habipoğlu made the following explanation on the issue: “Alaca İmaret Mosque is of utmost importance for Muslims living in Thessaloniki. While expecting its opening for worship on religious holidays and days, the display of an art work at the biennial in the Mosque is a disrespectful act on religious sensitivities of Muslims living in the city. This action which might be considered as provocative in this regard is taken not by extreme rightist or atheists, but by the state itself. The Greek state must apologize for such disrespectful action and grant the request of Muslims living in the region for opening of Alaca İmaret Mosque to worship.”