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Ottawa’s Global Call for Research Excellence

Industry Minister Mélanie Joly at a press conference in Montreal about a federal push to attract top global researchers in Canada on Dec. 9, 2025. The federal government is stepping up efforts to strengthen Canada’s position as a global leader in innovation by attracting top-tier research talent. Ottawa has announced new initiatives designed to bring world-class scientists, scholars, and innovators to Canadian institutions, with a particular focus on Canadians currently working abroad. The strategy emphasizes creating competitive opportunities in universities and research centers, offering funding packages, and fostering collaborations with international partners. By encouraging Canadian researchers overseas to return home, Ottawa hopes to reverse the “brain drain” and ensure that Canada benefits from their expertise. Officials highlight that this move is not only about filling positions but also about building a vibrant ecosystem of discovery and innovation. The goal is to accelera...
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Turkey Converts Former Byzantine-Era Church into Mosque: A Controversial Move

 

 On Monday, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan formally opened the former Byzantine church of St. Saviour in Chora, known as Kariye in Turkish, as a mosque. This move comes four years after the Turkish government designated it a Muslim house of prayer, despite criticism from neighboring Greece1.

Historical Context

The Church of St. Saviour in Chora has a rich history. Dating back to the fourth century, it underwent significant transformations over the centuries. The current structure took shape during the 11th and 12th centuries. It served as a mosque during Ottoman rule before being converted into a museum in 1945. Like Istanbul’s iconic Haghia Sophia, which also underwent a similar transformation, the Chora Church is listed as a U.N. World Heritage Site.

Controversy and Criticism

Greece and other countries had urged Turkey to protect these important Byzantine-era monuments. The decision to convert both Haghia Sophia and the Chora Church back into mosques drew praise from Muslim faithful but raised concerns internationally. Critics accused Ankara of “insulting the character” of these World Heritage Sites. The moves were seen as part of an effort to consolidate the conservative and religious support base of Erdogan’s ruling party amid an economic downturn.

Restoration and Formal Launch

The formal launch of the Chora Church as a mosque was delayed due to restoration work. Erdogan presided over the ceremony remotely from a conference hall at his palace complex in Ankara. The church, located near Istanbul’s ancient city walls, is renowned for its elaborate mosaics and frescoes. Despite the controversy, Erdogan expressed hope that the conversion would bring good fortune.

Turkey’s decision to convert historical sites like the Chora Church and Haghia Sophia has sparked debates about cultural heritage, religious identity, and political motivations. As the world watches, these monuments continue to be at the center of a complex and multifaceted discussion.

The Associated Press, founded in 1846, remains a trusted source of factual reporting and essential news services worldwide. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s latest move adds another layer to the ongoing dialogue about the intersection of history, religion, and national identity.


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