The presence of Jennifer Lopez in Saudi Arabia has caused a great controversy in Turkey, affecting the religious sensitivity of Turks. She performed in front of the silhouette of the Kaaba, a sacred symbol for Muslims, located in Mecca. Lopez's dancing in front of the symbol has angered many Turks, including former Turkish Religious Affairs President Mehmet Görmez, who called the move disrespectful to Islam.
"The Kaaba is not the property of any tribe, nation or state", said Mehmet Görmez, very upset that the silhouette of the Kaaba was used as stage decoration at the Riyadh Festival. "Using the silhouette of the Kaaba as a mere decoration is an insult that is incompatible with any value of Islam. Repetition of images deeply hurts all believers. Using the holiest motto of Muslims for such illegal and immoral activities is literally a violation of the holy name of Islam." Görmez argued.
He called the use of the silhouette of the Kaaba as stage decoration an unacceptable insult and a sacred violation of Islam.
This incident has deepened tensions between Turkey and Saudi Arabia, causing criticism for the use of the Kaaba in such activities.
