Spiritual leader of the world Orthodox Christians Patriarch Bartholomew I, based in Istanbul, said that he feels "crucified" living in Turkey and that he was treated as a second-class citizen.
Reacting to the Patriarch's criticisms, Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu said that history and centuries would testify that Turkey and Turkish history was built upon religious tolerance.
Describing the Patriarch's words as "unfair", State Minister Hayati Yazıcı said that he may have some problems, but that in his opinion the Patriarch has exaggerated the situation.
Yazıcı noted that Turkey is one of the free countries in terms of using rights and freedoms.
Meanwhile, the lawyer of the Patriarch said he will make a statement next week for not letting a misunderstanding of his client's words.
The Greek people have lived centuries both in the Ottoman era and today's Turkish Republic reserving all their rights including freedom of worshipping, education and language.