My question is why did Ottoman converted churches into mosques instead of building them in new land? I have heard numerous times that Islam respects other faiths and Muslim kingdoms particularly Ottomans were known for their religious tolerance then why they did not build new mosques and let Christians practice their religion in their churches?
Some of these are symbols of the Crusaders, and probably were strongholds. Their conversion into a Mosque had more to do with symbolism then anything else. Otherwise, you wouldn't find Churches from Ottoman age still today if they were out to be tyrants, would you?
As for this decision. I don't agree with it. I think it's unnecessary and uncalled for. What good does it do, God knows.
It would be better for Turkey to show some ground on things that do matter if the President is really trying to make some impression on Muslims or doing it for his vote bank;
but what can we do, Muslims have reached the point where they have nothing left in their heads. Their priorities are in converting Museums to Mosques, making useless diplomatic statements regarding Muslims being oppressed, forcing religion down each person's throat, being more concerned about the clothes one wears, being more concerned about controlling another person's personal life, suppressing other religions or sects, getting at each other's throats for money and kingship, and blaming each other for things that happened a century, and over, ago.
These priorities over what? Palestine Issue, Kashmir Issue, the absolute devastating state of Afghanistan, Syria, Iraq, Libya and Yemen, and the complete lack of unity and cooperation in between. If we had our heads together, there would have never been a USA, or any western country, entering these countrys and wrecking havoc, and there never would've risen any terrorist groups either if we could control what we taight and how we taught.
But you know... museums to mosques, your clothing, shoving religion down throats, money and throne, ethnic pride, lifestyle of every citizen, are much, much, more important matters.