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4, no. Berkley Center for Religion, Peace & World Affairs, 37th and O Streets, N.W. In this regard, the only way is that of cordiality and friendship. Muslim leaders such as Yasir Qadhi defended the move and provided justifications in Islamic jurisprudence for the conversion. July 31, 2020, Response: The Conversion of Hagia Sophia: Desire, Spectacle, and a Historical Re-Enactment, mr Harmanah Belgin Turan zkaya, Beyond Conquest Narratives: Hagia Sophia, Past and Present For example, later versions of the aman given to the Christians of Damascus allotted Muslims half of their homes and churches. In the earlier version of the document, there was no such clause. Can Okar suggested on X, formerly known as Twitter, that the unpleasant odor might be attributed to the stench of feet, pointing to the intent to use it as a cathedral in the original construction. Saint Sophia, whose. The Prophets spirit was best exemplified by his second successor, or caliph, Umar ibn Al-Khattab, soon after his conquest of Jerusalem in the year 637. President Erdoan [], alluding to Sultan Muhammad II, believes that turning the venerable patriarchal basilica [] into a mosque is a right of the conquerors. As a believing Muslim he considers the conqueror Muhammad II as the founder, Constantinople the capital of the Ottomans, and Hagia Sophia as the imperial mosque.. Located in the Sultanahmet neighborhood, just a three-minute walk to Hagia Sophia, the Seven Hills Hotel is a boutique property whose on-site seafood restaurant offers incredible views of the mosque. Hagia Sophia, famous for the grandeur of its immense and iconic dome, was converted into a mosque after Mehmed II the Conqueror held his first Friday prayers there in 1453, three days after . Public opinion matters in established democracies. The structure, considered a jewel of Byzantine architecture, was originally built as a cathedral in 537 CE by Roman Emperor Justinian I. Aya Sofya also had an almost five-century stint as a mosque when the Ottomans conquered Istanbul, then called Constantinople, in 1453 and converted the building into a religious space for Muslims. If a dialogue does not involve the heart, it is of little use.[25]. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Turkey, and in 2019 was admired by almost four million visitors. Today the Greeks still call it Constantinople. The use of religion in political contestations creates a backlash against not only those who use religion but the religion itself. After the ruling, U.S. State Department Spokesperson Morgan Ortagus said: "We are disappointed by the decision by the Government of Turkey to change the status of the Hagia Sophia. 20057. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Hagia Sophia has faced a series of challenges since its reversion to a mosque in July 2020 based on a controversial decision by President Recep Tayyip Erdoan. Yes, it is very much still in used today. July 13, 2020. Already in the days before the decision he denounced the risk of such a conversion: It will push millions of Christians around the world against Islam. By virtue of its sacredness, Hagia Sophia is a centre of life in which East and West embrace each other, and its reconversion into a place of Islamic worship will be a cause of rupture between these two worlds. In the 21st century it is absurd and harmful that Hagia Sophia, from a place that now allows the two peoples to meet and admire her greatness, can again become a reason for opposition and confrontation.[13]It is a negative sign, therefore, in a historical time that needs unity and mutual respect. [22]. Santa Sofia di Costantinopoli e la Descrizione di Paolo Silenziario,Rome, Viella, 2005, 42-45; 117. It has had several names over time, including the ancient name of Byzantium. He first visited the tomb of Muhammad II, the Conqueror, and then he himself started the prayer a unique event that does not normally happen in any Muslim country by reading asurafrom theKorancalled of victory or of conquest., In fact, the date of July 24 was not chosen by chance. However, to understand the move, we need to go back a few years. Revanche sur le trait de Svres,op. Now, the Hagia Sophia enters a new phase of its history and will soon host religious services in addition to welcoming visitors, taking on a status similar to the Notre Dame Cathedral or Sacr-Cur Basilica in Paris. Religious nationalism forms its identity against other religions or against secular nationalism. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. The Hagia Sophia opens for Muslim prayer on 24 July. [18]. Everyone is also invited to avoid any step that could undermine interreligious dialogue, confirming the need to give priority to the values of coexistence. The recent decision by the Turkish government to reconvert the majestic Hagia Sophia, which was once the worlds greatest cathedral, from a museum back to a mosque has been bad news for Christians around the world. A countercultural Catholicism could, In Scripture, Gods mercy gravitates toward the outlier, Todos, todos, todos: Insights from World Youth Day 2023, Pope at Angelus: Marys life marked by service and praise. Built in in the sixth century as a Byzantine cathedral, it was converted into a mosque in 1453 in the wake of the Ottoman conquest of Istanbul. What role might ecumenical and interfaith dialogue play in the aftermath of the decision? Isidore of Miletus and Anthemius of Tralles (architects), Hagia Sophia, Istanbul, 532-37. Le reazioni del mondo, inAvvenire, July 14, 2020; Le reazioni alla trasformazione di Santa Sofia in moschea (www.retesicomoro.it/reazioni-trasformazione-santa-sofia), July 16, 2020. Why might the Ottomans have converted Hagia Sophia into a mosque? See the history of the city in F. Cardini, Un luogo di controversie. And heres our email: letters@nytimes.com. Hagia Sophia stripped of museum status, paving its return to a mosque Nearly 44 percent of the population think the move is designed to divert attention from the current economic crisis and nearly 12 percent think the government believes the debate will politically benefit it in case of a possible snap election, according to Turkish pollster MetroPoll. The Hagia Sofia Mansions Istanbul is a collection of individual mansions offering a prime location for exploring Istanbuls most iconic landmarks. A. Erdoan, Sainte-Sophie en mosque est une gifle au visage des ceux qui croient encore que la Turquie est un pays laque, inLe Monde, July 17, 2020. This week the Berkley Forum asks: How does the Hagia Sophia controversy map onto broader trends in Turkish domestic politics and foreign policy behavior,including soft power projection? Using a disputed license of the Hanafi school of jurisprudence they followed, they converted Hagia Sophia and a few other major churches. Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay. On Sunday, July 12, International Day of the Sea, at theAngelusPope Francis said: The sea takes my thoughts a little farther, to Istanbul. The Christian artworks had been rediscovered and partially restored prior to this change. The Christian historian Eutychius even tells us that when Caliph Umar entered the city, the patriarch of Jerusalem, Sophronius, invited him to pray at the holiest of all Christian shrines: the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. Although Mehmed II, in line with the norms of his time, converted Hagia Sophia into a mosque after the conquest in 1453, he provided religious minorities with strong protections as compared to his contemporaries. Breakfast is available for a surchage and guests can benefit from the hotels roundtrip airport shuttle. As in every mosque, visitors must take off their shoes before entering; there are hundreds of shoe lockers provided at the entrance. 2023 Lonely Planet, a Red Ventures company. It turns out that Isidore of Miletus and Anthemius of Tralles didnt have the foresight in 537 AD to aerate it more in case it became a mosque, Okar tweeted. Turkey's decision to change the former cathedral into a mosque flies against the pluralist instincts of Islam's founders. The Hagia Sophia that stands today was originally built as the cathedral for the capital of the Eastern Roman Empire in the sixth century, and became a mosque in 1453 with the Ottoman conquest of . Just like in Barcelonas Sagrada Familia and the Vaticans St. Peters Basilica, there is a dress code to adhere to in order to enter this religious building. But they also did other things that represent the better values of Islam: They gave full protection to not only Greek but also Armenian Christians, rebuilt Istanbul as a cosmopolitan city, and soon also welcomed the Spanish Jews who were fleeing the Catholic Inquisition. The conversion to mosque can be a way to cover the economic and monetary crisis that is affecting Turkey, now aggravated by the Covid-19 pandemic. In addition, Erdoans party lost local elections in Ankara and Istanbul in March, as well as the re-run of the vote in the capital, granted because of electoral fraud on May 25, 2019. If you prefer an Airbnb to a hotel, check out Matadors selection of Airbnbs in Istanbul to experience the best of the city. The tormented history of the basilica has given it a unique value and extraordinary significance through the centuries; it has become a model of dialogue and an emblem of coexistence. Years later, when the Prophet ruled Medina, he welcomed a group of Christians from the city of Najran to worship in his own mosque. Ali Yaycolu, Erasing History at the Hagia Sophia But the conqueror of Jerusalem in 1187 is still waiting for his visit.[23]. laciviltacattolica.com/human-fraternity-for-world-peace-and-life-together/). Sign up to receive more information about our events and programs. On behalf of the Greek government, the Minister of Culture, Lina Mendoni, called the decision of the Turkish court a provocation to the civilised world. She also made it clear that she did not want to interfere in the internal politics of the Turkish government, but underlined the unique value and ecumenical nature of the monument for humanity. Finally, she said that the decision revealed the nationalism of the Turkish President and takes his country back six centuries. There is no need to be secular anymore," one supporter of the move said. Is it safe to visit Europe during the heat wave? Leaders should choose to act morally when there is room to do so. Rejecting the idea that he decision the decision would prevent different faiths from coming together, he said: "Like all of our other mosques, the doors of Hagia Sophia will be open to all, locals or foreigners, Muslims and non-Muslims.". Heres what he learned. Heghnar Zeitlian Watenpaugh, History and Boundary-Building at the Hagia Sophia Over the years, silently and without causing a stir, it has become a symbol of fraternity in the heart of Istanbul, a sacred space for everyone: Christians, Muslims, religious and non-believers, for anyone who believes in the dialogue between West and East, the encounter of cultures, spirituality and diversity. The central 160-foot-tall dome, built between 532 and 537 and restored several times over the centuries, is one of its most impressive features, along with the precious and spectacular mosaics that adorn its inside and the marble used throughout.