Growing reactions to the conversion of the Mosque in Manastir into a Museum

The decision to convert Kadı Mahmud Mosque (Yeni Cami) in Manastir (Bitola), North Macedonia, into a "Christian and Islamic Cultural Heritage Museum" has sparked outrage among Turkish and Muslim communities. Built in 1558 during the Ottoman era, the mosque was first repurposed as an art gallery and has now been designated as a museum.

Turkish civil society organizations and political parties have condemned the decision, stating that it undermines both religious freedoms and the Ottoman-Turkish cultural heritage. MATÜSİTEB, TMBH, and TDP have expressed strong objections to the decision, while Abdullah Eren, President of Turkey's Presidency for Turks Abroad and Related Communities (YTB), called for the mosque to be restored to its original function.

TDP Chairman Beycan İlyas and Salih Murat, a Member of Parliament from the Turkish Rights and Democracy Movement in Macedonia, criticized the conversion, arguing that it violates the constitution and international law. Murat announced that he would pursue legal action to overturn the decision and hold those responsible accountable.

The Turkish community calls for greater sensitivity toward the preservation of Ottoman monuments, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the mosque’s religious function.