03.05.2026 23:01
Mark Lynch, a US Senate candidate from South Carolina, targeted Turkey over Hagia Sophia. Using scandalous rhetoric, Lynch announced he would draft a bill banning all imports from Turkey unless Hagia Sophia is reconverted into a church. In his statement, he described the 2020 status change as 'an injustice against Christian history' and also criticized current Senator Lindsey Graham.
Mark Lynch sparked controversy with his statements regarding Turkey. Lynch, a candidate for the U.S. Senate from South Carolina, argued that economic sanctions should be imposed on Turkey over Hagia Sophia.
“HAGIA SOPHIA IS ONE OF THE GREATEST INJUSTICES”
In a post on social media platform X, Lynch described the conversion of Hagia Sophia into a mosque in 2020 as “one of the greatest injustices in Christian history.” In his statement, he also criticized current Senator Lindsey Graham for remaining silent during this process.
Lynch said, "Under Lindsey Graham’s watch, the famous Christian cathedral Hagia Sophia was handed over to Muslims in 2020 on behalf of the United Nations. Instead of fighting against the transfer of Hagia Sophia to Muslims, Lindsey Graham remained silent. He did not threaten the United Nations or take any steps to stop this theft by using his political power against Turkey!"
THREAT OF IMPORT BAN ON TURKEY
Stating that if elected, he would introduce a bill called the “Hagia Sophia Return to Church Act,” Lynch said that if Turkey does not return Hagia Sophia to the Greek Orthodox Church, he will demand a complete ban on Turkey's imports, which exceed $17.5 billion annually.
PLAN TO PRESSURE RELIGIOUS LEADERS IN CONGRESS
Lynch also stated that on the day he presents the bill, he aims to create public opinion by inviting Orthodox, Catholic, and Protestant clergy to the U.S. Congress.
Lynch's statements drew backlash due to his harsh calls for sanctions against Turkey and his religiously based assessments.