**Summary of Criticisms and Controversy Surrounding Hagia Sophia’s Reconversion**

- **Religious & Historical Controversy:**
  - The Hagia Sophia, built in 537 as a Byzantine cathedral, then later converted into a mosque after the Ottoman conquest, spent much of the 20th century as a museum, symbolizing secularism, religious coexistence, and Turkish republican identity.

- The 2020 decision by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan to reconvert it into a mosque has been controversial and widely criticized.

The same fate has recently befallen the Chora Church (Kariye Camii), another ancient Byzantine church that was previously a museum.

- These actions are seen by many as an assertion of Islamic identity over a site with profound Christian roots and global cultural significance.

For Christians—especially Orthodox—this has caused disappointment and a sense of loss, as these sites are no longer accessible in their original religious context.

- **Religious Freedom and Minority Rights:**
  - The reconversion impacts local Christian communities, with concerns over their rights and the management of historic churches and foundations.

Ongoing challenges exist regarding religious foundation governance for minorities, with unresolved consensus within these communities over new legal regulations.

- **International Criticism & UNESCO:**
  - The Hagia Sophia and Chora Church are both part of Istanbul’s UNESCO World Heritage listing.

The UN body and international community (including Greece and the Ecumenical Patriarchate) have expressed concerns over the threats to the universal, multi-faith, and historical value of these monuments, as well as the lack of consultation and transparency in the decision process.

- **Political Motives:**
  - Critics view these reconversions as strategic political moves by Erdoğan to bolster nationalist and religious credentials, especially during periods of domestic difficulty.

The actions reinforce his appeal to conservative and religious sections of Turkish society.

- Reactivating prominent Ottoman-era institutions, like the Ayasofya Fatih Madrasa (Istanbul’s first Ottoman religious school), is also part of presenting a narrative of cultural and religious revival.

- **Effects on Tourism:**
  - While the Turkish government has said tourists can continue to visit Hagia Sophia "without disturbing the prayer environment," there are worries about restricted access, degradation of the building (recent reports of damages such as fragments falling from the dome), and possible alienation of international visitors.

- This move may discourage tourists with Christian or secular backgrounds, or those concerned with global heritage protection.

However, some argue it could also attract visitors interested in Islamic culture and Ottoman history.

- **Challenges in Messaging:**
  - For guides and those in tourism: Presenting balanced, respectful explanations that emphasize Hagia Sophia’s deep, multi-layered history—as cathedral, mosque, and museum—while acknowledging present realities, is essential for maintaining diplomatic and welcoming attitudes toward all visitors.

***Key Takeaway for Tour Guides:***
When answering questions, recognize the site’s rich “shared heritage,” explain the current legal and cultural realities, and stress that access is still allowed for all, aiming to foster understanding and respect among diverse visitor backgrounds.

**Key Summarized Nuggets about the Controversy and Criticisms Surrounding the Hagia Sophia Reconversion:**

1.

**Religious and Political Symbolism:**
   - The reconversion of the Hagia Sophia from a museum back into a mosque by President Erdogan in 2020 has deep religious and political resonance.

It was seen as a major victory by conservative and religious groups within Turkey, especially in regions like inner Anatolia, who now feel empowered to present more demands to the government.

- Groups such as the Anatolian Youth Association (AGD) have gathered at the Hagia Sophia, echoing Islamist slogans and seeing the reconversion as fulfillment of a historical and religious objective.

**Domestic Political Calculations:**
   - The move is widely regarded as a strategic political maneuver by Erdogan to consolidate support among his conservative and religious base, especially as their electoral influence grows.

- It also serves to assert Turkish Muslim identity and sovereignty over a monument historically associated with both Christianity (as a Byzantine cathedral) and Ottoman heritage (as an imperial mosque).

**International Criticism and Religious Concerns:**
   - Many international actors (including Greece, the U.S., Russia, UNESCO, and Pope Francis) voiced concerns, arguing that the change undermines the Hagia Sophia's universal cultural and historical significance and could strain interfaith relations.

- Christian organizations such as the American Council for the Liberation of Hagia Sophia protested, demanding its restoration as a Christian church.

**UNESCO World Heritage Site Issues:**
   - The Hagia Sophia's status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site added to the controversy, with critics fearing that active religious use might damage its integrity as a monument open and accessible to all humanity, regardless of faith.

**Tourism and Accessibility:**
   - The practical ramifications include introducing a paid entrance fee for foreign tourists (currently €25), while Turkish citizens can visit for free if praying.

This effectively differentiates between religious usage (free for prayer, mostly by locals) and tourist visitation (paid and regulated).

- There have been concerns about rising prices for tourists – linked to Turkey’s economic difficulties, notably the devaluation of the lira, which could impact tourism revenues and accessibility for international visitors.

**Wider Implications and Symbolic Actions:**
   - The reconversion, timed close to the anniversary of the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople, was loaded with symbolic meaning and accompanied by Erdogan inviting leaders of Muslim states to attend the inaugural prayer.

- Some external voices, including political figures in rival countries, escalated rhetoric in response, highlighting how the move reverberates beyond Turkey's borders.

**In summary:**
Erdogan’s reconversion of the Hagia Sophia is both a religious and political act, serving domestic interests but provoking significant international outcry and concern for cultural heritage.

Criticisms focus on its religious exclusivity, symbolic timing, political motivations, and its implications for intercultural dialogue and tourism.

The issue remains a point of tension between Turkey and much of the Western world, as well as between secular and religious identities within Turkey itself.

Here are the main nuggets of information summarizing the controversies and diplomatic angles regarding the reconversion of Hagia Sophia into a mosque in 2020, as well as similar actions taken by the Turkish government:

**1.

Background and New Rules:**
- The Hagia Sophia is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Istanbul’s most significant landmarks.

- In 2020, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan signed a decree converting Hagia Sophia from a museum back into a mosque, reversing its previous status since 1934.

- Turkish officials have emphasized that the site's primary function is now for prayer, but state that it remains open to visitors from around the world, with some adjustments such as possible entrance fees and new visiting protocols.

Criticism and Controversy:**
- The conversion was met with criticism, especially from the Greek Orthodox Church, which views it as a cultural and religious affront given Hagia Sophia’s origins as a Byzantine cathedral.

- Greece’s foreign ministry condemned similar actions at other historical religious sites (e.g., Kariya/Khora Church/Museum, and Sumela Monastery), considering such moves an “insult,” “desecration,” and a disregard for the sensitivities of Christian heritage.

- The criticism highlights the site’s importance to both Christian and Muslim communities worldwide and the risk of its religious significance being overshadowed by politics.

Religious and Political Motives:**
- Detractors argue that the move has strong religious undertones geared toward consolidating support among conservative and nationalist segments of Turkish society.

- Many see Erdogan’s decision as politically motivated, reinforcing his leadership by appealing to Islamic identity, particularly ahead of significant elections or at times of domestic challenge.

- The reconversion of other buildings with shared Christian-Muslim histories (like the Khora/Kariye Mosque) has added to concerns about the broader trend of appropriating multi-faith heritage sites for political ends.

Impact on Heritage and Tourism:**
- There is concern among heritage organizations (notably UNESCO) about whether Hagia Sophia and similar sites can remain accessible, inclusive, and preserved for their universal value.

- Turkish authorities maintain that the sites will continue to welcome visitors, balancing worship and tourism, though disruptions or new rules may affect the visitor experience.

Diplomatic Ways to Address Tourist Concerns:**
- The prevailing official Turkish narrative is that Hagia Sophia remains a place “for everyone” and that its heritage is cherished by all.

- When discussing the conversion, one could stress the site’s layered history—as a church, mosque, and museum—demonstrating Istanbul's multicultural character.

- Emphasize ongoing global interest and access, respect for all faiths, and the hope that these remarkable buildings can foster understanding rather than division.

**Conclusion:**
The controversy over Hagia Sophia’s status is deeply intertwined with religious, cultural, and political currents in Turkey and internationally.

Certainly!

Here is a summary in the form of nuggets of information drawn from the provided text.

**Summary of Criticisms and Controversy Surrounding Hagia Sophia’s Reconversion**

- **Religious & Historical Controversy:**
  - The Hagia Sophia, built in 537 as a Byzantine cathedral, then later converted into a mosque after the Ottoman conquest, spent much of the 20th century as a museum, symbolizing secularism, religious coexistence, and Turkish republican identity.

Title:

Content: After Hagia Sophia, Turkey converts a second ancient Byzantine church into a mosque

Hundreds of worshippers filled the narrow streets of Istanbul's Fatih district on Friday to hear the sounds of Friday prayers ringing out from the newly inaugurated Kariye Mosque.

Once known as the Chora Church, the site spent the last 79 years as a museum. But it is now the latest structure to be converted back into a mosque by the government of Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, following the conversion of Hagia Sophia in 2020. While viewed as a triumph by many Turkish Muslims, the Greek Orthodox Church has decried it as an "ill-advised decision" that "makes a mockery of the Turkish government's commitment to religious tolerance and religious freedom."

Chora's conversion was announced shortly after Hagia Sophia's, but its opening for prayer was delayed by years of restoration work.

The showing for the first Friday prayers at Kariye was relatively quiet compared to Hagia Sophia, which drew hundreds of thousands who filled the streets with prayer rugs for blocks and blocks away from the building. By contrast, the crowd on Friday was relatively average for a mosque in one of Istanbul's more religiously conservative neighborhoods, where Friday worshippers frequently spill out onto the streets.

Both the Chora Church and Hagia Sophia are 4th-century Byzantine constructions. They spent nearly a millennium as Christian holy sites before being converted to mosques by the Ottomans after their conquest of Constantinople in the 15th century. Despite their conversions, they remained revered by Orthodox Christians. After the founding of a secular Turkish Republic in the early 20th century, the decision was made for both to be neither mosque nor church but simply museums.

"Both Hagia Sophia and Chora embodied Byzantine and Ottoman pasts, and they became symbols of co-existence and multi-faith living practices. Their conversion fundamentally implies a hierarchy, prioritizing the Islamic past over all other layers, Greek Orthodox, Armenian, Jewish, Syriac, et al," Dr. Özgür Kaymak, a lecturer and researcher on minority rights at Istanbul's MEF University, told Religion News Service in an email.

Rededicating the sites as mosques is more than just a status change. According to Islamic tradition, artwork of human figures are forbidden in places of prayer, while in Orthodox Churches, icons of Christ, saints and other biblical figures are a defining feature.

In Hagia Sophia, the mosaics of Jesus and Mary have been covered with curtains since the conversion. While Erdoğan promised Hagia Sophia would remain fully accessible and free to all visitors, Turkey reneged on that earlier this year, reimposing an entrance fee on tourists and relegating them to the upper level, while the main floor is exclusive to Muslim worshippers.

Observers have also criticized the Turkish Directorate of Religion's caretaking of the site, noting damage that did not exist when it was under the purview of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.

Though Chora is significantly smaller than Hagia Sophia, it is home to some of the best-preserved examples of late-Byzantine art, including mosaics, icons and frescoes, and is considered a UNESCO World Heritage site.

"For us it's a very important place because it remembers our culture and our traditions here," Father Evangelos Markantonis, an Orthodox priest who was leading a group of theology students to Chora on Friday, told Religion News Service.

"Though we cannot venerate as Orthodox Christians, we have to try to find things we can be united on. Only with dialogue and good deeds can we continue our lives," Markantonis, who is also a professor at the University of Athens, said when asked about the controversy.

Erdoğan had long refused calls from his right to convert churches like Hagia Sophia and Chora, telling supporters in 2018 to fill the nearby Sultan Ahmet Mosque (also known in English as the Blue Mosque) before they talked about needing to pray in Hagia Sophia.

Nonetheless, he made an about-turn in 2020.

"My dear nation, the conquest of Istanbul and the conversion of the Hagia Sophia into a Mosque are among the most glorious chapters in Turkish history," Erdoğan said at the time in a speech inaugurating the Hagia Sophia as a mosque.

"This is the most honorable day that Islam has been looking forward to, Greek Constantinople has become Turkish Istanbul," he added, quoting the Turkish poet Nazim Hikmet.

"The resurrection of Hagia Sophia heralds the liberation of the al-Aqsa Mosque. The resurrection of Hagia Sophia is the footsteps of the will of Muslims across the world to come out of the interregnum," Erdoğan said in his concluding remarks.

Chora's opening as the Kariye Mosque comes just weeks after Erdoğan's Justice and Development Party (AKP) suffered its largest electoral defeat in two decades during Turkey's nationwide municipal elections.

"The recent conversion of Chora into a mosque may be due to Erdoğan's many problems, including his geopolitical power politics, his appeal to religio-nationalism to revive his electoral popularity after the March elections or his tactic to divert attention from Turkey's economic downturn," Kaymak said.

Many analysts have attributed the loss to AKP bleeding votes to the more Islamist-leaning New Welfare Party, which has pressured Erdogan over his response to the Israel-Hamas war and humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip.

Muslim worshippers at the mosque on Friday said they viewed its rededication as an Islamic site to be a national win for Turkey.

"This mosque is one of the symbols of the Conquest. We are proud and happy. There are very beautiful frescoes inside. They were also nicely renovated before they were closed. May it be good for our country and our nation," a bystander, Ahmet Öteyüzoğlu, told Turkish media.

"Thank God for these days. Not everyone has the opportunity in their lifetime," another bystander named Mehmet Çelik told the Turkish news service Anadolu Agency, in reference to having been able to pray at both the rededicated Hagia Sophia and Kariye Mosques.

However, Greece, the U.S. State Department and Orthodox Christian institutions worldwide have all criticized the decision to revert the structure into a mosque.

"I want to publicly express my intense dissatisfaction, interpreting the feelings of all Greek women and men, for the completely unnecessary conversion of a historic Byzantine temple, the Monastery of Chora, into a mosque. It is, I believe, an action that offends the rich history of Istanbul itself as a crossroads of cultures," Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said shortly before leaving for Turkey for a planned meeting with Erdogan.

"We encourage the Turkish government to preserve and ensure access to sites and buildings that have hosted different religious communities in a way that respects their diverse histories," a State Department spokesperson said in response to questions from Greek media.

"The Turkish government's appropriation of both as the property of one faith group not only constitutes yet another sign of that government's contempt for Turkey's rich Orthodox Christian heritage but further imperils the religious freedom of the Ecumenical Patriarchate and the remaining Christians of that land," the Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate said in a statement.

© Religion News Service

How did the role of Hagia Sophia change following the Ottoman conquest?

Sultan Mehmed II converted Hagia Sophia into a mosque,

Hagia Sophia became a central Islamic religious site for centuries

What was the original historical and cultural significance of Hagia Sophia in the Byzantine Empire?

Served as the central church of Byzantine Christianity,

What was the significance of Hagia Sophia's conversion into a museum in 1934?

Symbolized Turkey's secular reforms under Ataturk

When was Hagia Sophia built and under whose rule?

- The 2020 decision by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan to reconvert it into a mosque has been controversial and widely criticized.

Title:

Content: Türkiye’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has launched the reopening and operation of Ayasofya Mosque's Fatih Madrassa — Istanbul’s first religious school under the Ottoman Empire.

The Turkish president has inaugurated the Ayasofya Fatih Madrassa, the first Ottoman school in Istanbul.

“We have taken a very important step to carry our magnificent past to the present and the future, and to bring it together with our people,” Recep Tayyip Erdogan told the inauguration ceremony on Friday.

“After the conquest of Istanbul, this place was put into service as the first madrassa of the city, next to Ayasofya," Erdogan added.

The religious school takes its name from Fatih (Conqueror), the title given to Sultan Mehmet II, who conquered the city in 1453. It was the first of its kind in the capital of the former Ottoman Empire.

Erdogan said the school continued to operate until 1924 with maintenance, repairs and construction during different periods, but was later demolished by "those who wanted to erase the country’s rich history."

Erdogan said the madrassa will again be an education centre, operated by the Fatih Sultan Mehmet University.

“Ayasofya Fatih Madrasa, which has been instrumental in the training of countless scholars for nearly four and a half centuries, will serve as an education centre from now on. I hope that tomorrow's scholars, intellectuals, scientists and researchers will be trained here,” the president said.

READ MORE: Türkiye to 'tirelessly' continue mediating Ukraine-Russia conflict: Altun

Ayasofya’s historical significance

Ayasofya was built in the year 532 CE, and turned into a mosque after the conquest of Istanbul by Fatih Sultan Mehmet, who later established a mosque foundation.

The historic place of worship was converted into a museum in 1934, and it regained mosque status in 2020.

Besides being a mosque, Ayasofya is also among Türkiye's top tourism destinations and remains open for domestic and foreign visitors.

In 1985, it was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List.

READ MORE: Istanbul Airport ranked second busiest in the world last year

Source: AA

How did Muslims and Orthodox Christians react to the reconversion?

Who was angered by the reconversion of Hagia Sophia in July 2020?

The same fate has recently befallen the Chora Church (Kariye Camii), another ancient Byzantine church that was previously a museum.

- These actions are seen by many as an assertion of Islamic identity over a site with profound Christian roots and global cultural significance.

How did Muslims and Orthodox Christians react to the reconversion?

How did the role of Hagia Sophia change following the Ottoman conquest?

Hagia Sophia became a central Islamic religious site for centuries

What political motivations influenced Erdogan's decision to reconvert Hagia Sophia?

Erdogan's decision was influenced by Turkey's Islamic resurgence.

What was the original historical and cultural significance of Hagia Sophia in the Byzantine Empire?

Who was angered by the reconversion of Hagia Sophia in July 2020?

For Christians—especially Orthodox—this has caused disappointment and a sense of loss, as these sites are no longer accessible in their original religious context.

How did Muslims and Orthodox Christians react to the reconversion?

What was the original historical and cultural significance of Hagia Sophia in the Byzantine Empire?

Who was angered by the reconversion of Hagia Sophia in July 2020?

- **Religious Freedom and Minority Rights:**
  - The reconversion impacts local Christian communities, with concerns over their rights and the management of historic churches and foundations.

Title:

Content: >
December 9, 2021

Christian leaders look forward to Turkey's new law on religious foundations

This is an issue of vital importance for local Christian communities whose places of worship are entrusted to and managed by their governing bodies

Religious minorities in Turkey are looking forward to the increasingly Islamo-nationalist government making good its promise of outreach to non-Muslims by giving them freedom to establish and run their religious and social institutions.

The Turkish government is preparing to issue a new regulation on the administrative management of foundations linked to non-Muslim faith communities, which have been paralyzed for years by a legislative impasse that blocks the renewal of their governing bodies.

This is an issue of vital importance for local Christian communities such as Armenians and Assyrians, whose places of worship – many of them historic --, other real estate and public institutions are entrusted to and managed by foundations.

Burhan Ersoy, head of the state-run Directorate of the Foundations, has confirmed that the plan for the drafting of a new regulation concerning the elections for the assignment of offices within the foundations has come into being, Fides reported.

The draft of the text has been drawn up, taking into account requests and proposals from the various minority communities, and it is expected that the new rules, after obtaining government approval, would be implemented by April 2022.

The previous electoral regulation for the top management of foundations had been suspended in 2013, after the government chose to establish new procedures to make the management of real estate more functional and transparent.

This led to some confusion with representatives of the various minority communities unable to come to a consensus to either accept or reject the new electoral rules, Ersoy said.

The Syrian Orthodox Christian Süleyman Can Ustabaşı, current representative of the non-Muslim Foundations within the Assembly of Foundations, has said that the structure of foundations and their membership profiles had changed over time.

The Turkish government already had consultations with the representatives of religious minorities to resolve the dispute over board elections for their foundations.

But Ustabaşı now urges Turkish authorities to carry out another consultation with representatives of minority communities before the new text is to be implemented in 2022.

The legal status of the Foundations is still based on the Peace Treaty of Lausanne, signed in 1923 by Turkey and the Entente powers (British Empire, France and Russian Empire) victorious from the First World War.

The treaty guaranteed equality before the laws and the freedom to promote and manage "religious and social institutions" for non-Muslim communities in Turkey.

However, the state had seized properties run by these foundations and had to contend with litigation as these foundations claimed the rights guaranteed by the Treaty of Lausanne.

Also, starting from 1936, legislative provisions had allowed foundations of non-Muslim communities to acquire new properties. But in 1974, this guarantee was canceled and the state begun seizing assets acquired by these foundations.

Between 2013 and 2018 about 1,084 properties were returned to the foundations linked to non-Muslim communities, and 20 places of worship restored and given back to the foundations, according to official data.

Greek Orthodox Laki Vingas, in a speech published by the Armenian-Turkish newspaper Agos, said that the legislative deadlock on the question of the regulation of the foundations has had a negative effect on the life of the different ecclesial communities.

The block in the processes of renewal of the governing bodies of foundations had led to the expulsion of young people from the institutions linked to their communities, and also that many voluntary activities were "unfortunately interrupted".

Non-Muslim places of worship

Within the general Assembly of the Turkish Foundations are some 167 minority foundations. The Turkish Greek community has 77, the highest number of foundations. The Armenian community has 54 and the Jewish community has 19 foundations.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan after a cabinet meeting held on October 25 announced that authorities had put on the agenda the question of the elections of the directorates of the foundations linked to religious minorities.

He also spoke of fundamental tools for the management of assets and resources destined for non-Muslim places of worship.

The issue of the foundations come at a time when Turkish authorities have expelled more and more Protestant Christians -- foreigners and Turkish converts-- on grounds they constitute a "threat to national security".

Turkey had also recently transformed museums into mosques, such as the Hagia Sophia and the Church of the Holy Saviour in Chora.

Both churches had been turned into museums after the end of the Ottoman Empire and the establishment of modern Turkey.

The Church of the Holy Saviour in Chora was built by the Byzantines in the 5th century. The Ottomans then turned it into a mosque after they captured Constantinople in 1453. And it remained a Muslim worship space until the end of the Second World War when it was transformed into a museum.

The same happened to the Hagia Sophia Museum in Iznik, and the high-profile reconversion of the Hagia Sophia Museum, Istanbul's most identifiable monument.

Many observers believe that President Erdogan, weakened internally by a bad economy and a lack of political perspective, is compensating with erasing part of the country's multiculturalism, aimed at shoring up the ranks of his Islamo-nationalist base.

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Who was angered by the reconversion of Hagia Sophia in July 2020?

Ongoing challenges exist regarding religious foundation governance for minorities, with unresolved consensus within these communities over new legal regulations.

- **International Criticism & UNESCO:**
  - The Hagia Sophia and Chora Church are both part of Istanbul’s UNESCO World Heritage listing.

Title:

Content: Experience Kazakhstan and Central Asia Like a Local: Indy Guide Showcases Hidden Gems Through Sustainable Tourism

ASTANA – Imagine being guided through the Altai mountains listening to local tales or learning about early trade and commerce at the site of an ancient city along the Silk Road from local travel experts. Indy Guide, the largest regional booking platform in Central Asia that connects guests with verified local hosts, might make this a reality. Alexandra Tosun, a co-founder of Indy Guide, spoke with The Astana Times about what Indy Guide has to offer to develop sustainable tourism in Kazakhstan as part of her visit to the International Conference on Sacred Heritage, Pilgrimage, and Sustainable Tourism in Turkistan.

Alexandra Tosun speaking at the International Conference on Sacred Heritage, Pilgrimage, and Sustainable Tourism.

Tosun said that the platform is on a mission to show the beauty of the region which is mostly unknown to the world through authentic and sustainable travel.

Founded in 2016 by the Swiss couple, ethnic Kazakh Atahan Tosun and his wife Alexandra, Indy Guide now brings together the largest travel community for Silk Road destinations with over 2,500 hosts and 5,000 listings. It connects travelers with thousands of service providers – guides, drivers, tour operators, and hosts in Central Asia, the Caucasus, Mongolia and beyond.

“Our hosts are the real travel experts. What we do at Indy Guide is to increase the visibility of our destinations mainly to western travelers. Our main goal is to share the beauty of this region and to support local communities that are engaged in tourism,” said Tosun.

Ethnic Kazakh Atahan Tosun and his wife Alexandra founded Indy Guide back in 2016. Photo credit: indyguide.com

She described Indy Guide travelers as “adventurous and independent.” “They seek the wilderness and the uniqueness of an unexplored destination and the adventures that come with that. In our hectic commercialized world that is full of materialism and stress, people are looking for something meaningful. Central Asia and the destinations along the Silk Road have all of this still to offer. That is the advantage of being an underrated destination that does not have to deal with mass tourism yet,” she added.

Often called the heart of Eurasia, Kazakhstan has a vast landscape, a sprawling travel destination, which is unlike anywhere else in the world. From the ancient cities of Otyrar and Sauran to endless steppe in the central part, mountain peaks in the east, not to mention the thriving Caspian Sea coastline in the west.

Kazakhstan has five UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Khoja Ahmed Yasawi mausoleum in Turkistan and Tamgaly petroglyphs in northern Kazakhstan as well as 14 sites on the tentative list.

The Khoja Ahmed Yasawi mausoleum in Turkistan is included in UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Photo credit: otyrar.kz

“With its natural and historical attractions, Kazakhstan has a lot to offer. Especially the culture of the nomads and in general, the hospitality here is a lifestyle that Europeans seem to be fascinated about,” said Tosun.

“The architecture, the culture, and the history are so different from the ones in Europe that it is a true experience and adventure for western travelers. I think that the vastness of the area in combination with the natural, cultural, and historical wonders are the main attractive factors why travelers come to this region,” she added.

Yet, few people outside of Kazakhstan are familiar with these incredible travel opportunities.

Tosun said she hopes that as the world loosens vaccination requirements and travel restrictions, people will be able to travel more freely.

She also noted that since the pandemic, more people travel to find spirituality, psychological and emotional security, and a connection to something meaningful. “They [travelers] also have the desire to experience an adventure in nature. This means that travelers want to include cultural and natural experiences in one trip,” she said.

The rise of sustainable tourism is another positive side effect of the pandemic.

“The numbers on our platform show an increase in independent and sustainable travelers. They do want to travel but with values that are important to them like respecting local traditions, protecting the environment and wildlife, and supporting local communities,” said Tosun. “That is the kind of impact that many travelers want to see from their travel. We believe that this is the way forward and Indy Guide wants to be an enabler for this development.”

South Kazakhstan is famous for a number of historical sites and ancient cities, like Otyrar located along the Silk Road. Photo credit: kazakhstan.travel

Particularly, in regard to historic monuments like the Khoja Ahmed Yasawi mausoleum, it is crucial not to forget the importance of the historic site and the well-being of the local communities that the historic heritage belongs to, according to her.

“For companies like ours, this means educating any type of traveler in the right behavior and bringing so-called ‘good tourists’ who are interested in the history of a country, want to make a real connection with the local people and respect their traditions and way of living,” she said.

Skilled Indy Guide hosts allow tourists and residents to gain firsthand insight into Kazakh culture, history, and heritage with an approach that rethinks conventional travel experiences.

Tosun also highlighted the rapidly developing tourist infrastructure in the region, particularly Turkistan city, which was named the nation’s spiritual and historical capital by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.

“There is a brand new airport with direct connections to Istanbul, Türkiye, which makes it reachable from all over the world. There is a new kind of entertainment area with a museum, a flying theatre, a visitor center, shops, restaurants, and an ethnic village right next to the mausoleum. This makes it easy for travelers to learn more about the traditions, music, food, and handicrafts of the Kazakh people,” said Tosun.

There are similar historical sites that can be found in the nearby area. Tosun mentioned the ancient Otyrar and Sauran cities located along the Silk Road.

“The tulip has its origins in Central Asia as well and in spring this flower can be found around Turkistan by thousands and there is even a festival to celebrate that. There is also a development project going on regarding yurt camps in the area,” said Tosun.

“It always surprises me how much there still is to discover. Even for me, who has been there several times, there are always new places to go and new things to learn about,” said the founder. “Central Asia has changed our lives, it can change yours too.”

The website is independent, as Indy Guide is not a tour operator. Users can browse a wide range of fixed-price offers with reviews from previous guests.

“We get so much feedback from our travelers saying that their travels in Central Asia impacted their views, led to lasting memories, and even made friends for life. They look for an authentic experience, not something superficial or artificial. Tourism and traveling mean understanding other cultures better and this creates acceptance, tolerance, and a better understanding of the world,” concluded Tosun.

Indy Guide tours are available for booking at indyguide.com.

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The UN body and international community (including Greece and the Ecumenical Patriarchate) have expressed concerns over the threats to the universal, multi-faith, and historical value of these monuments, as well as the lack of consultation and transparency in the decision process.

What was UNESCO's main complaint about the reconversion?

Who was angered by the reconversion of Hagia Sophia in July 2020?

- **Political Motives:**
  - Critics view these reconversions as strategic political moves by Erdoğan to bolster nationalist and religious credentials, especially during periods of domestic difficulty.

What political motivations influenced Erdogan's decision to reconvert Hagia Sophia?

Erdogan's decision was influenced by Turkey's Islamic resurgence.

The decision aimed to rally anti-Kemalist voters.

The actions reinforce his appeal to conservative and religious sections of Turkish society.

What kind of domestic reaction did Erdogan's reconversion of Hagia Sophia receive?

What political motivations influenced Erdogan's decision to reconvert Hagia Sophia?

Erdogan's decision was influenced by Turkey's Islamic resurgence.

The decision aimed to rally anti-Kemalist voters.

- Reactivating prominent Ottoman-era institutions, like the Ayasofya Fatih Madrasa (Istanbul’s first Ottoman religious school), is also part of presenting a narrative of cultural and religious revival.

What political motivations influenced Erdogan's decision to reconvert Hagia Sophia?

Erdogan's decision was influenced by Turkey's Islamic resurgence.

- **Effects on Tourism:**
  - While the Turkish government has said tourists can continue to visit Hagia Sophia "without disturbing the prayer environment," there are worries about restricted access, degradation of the building (recent reports of damages such as fragments falling from the dome), and possible alienation of international visitors.

Title:

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Turkey's ancient ruins: Explore rich past of Temple of Artemis, Troy and more

Updated on Jan 08, 2023 06:36 PM IST

In recent years, more and more people have been drawn to the ruins of Turkey, eager to explore the country’s rich past. The ruins of Turkey are some of the most impressive in the world. Visit these best-preserved archaeological sites on your next travel

By | Edited by Zarafshan Shiraz, Delhi

The Ancient Ruins of Turkey have been a source of fascination for travellers for centuries. From the majestic city of Istanbul to the ancient ruins of Ephesus, Turkey is a country that is full of history and culture. In recent years, more and more people have been drawn to the ruins of Turkey, eager to explore the country’s rich past.

The ruins of Turkey are some of the most impressive in the world. The ancient city of Ephesus is one of the best-preserved archaeological sites in the world, and it has been a popular destination for tourists for many years. The ruins of the city are a testament to the power and wealth of the ancient city. The city was once home to the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The ruins of the temple are still visible today and are a popular attraction for tourists.

Other ancient ruins in Turkey include the ruins of Troy, the ancient city of Hattusa, and the ruins of Aphrodisias. Troy was the site of the legendary Trojan War, and the ruins of the city are still visible today. The ruins of Hattusa are the remains of the capital of the Hittite Empire, and they are an impressive sight. The ruins of Aphrodisias are the remains of an ancient Greek city, and they are also a popular tourist attraction.

Exploring the ancient ruins of Turkey can be a very rewarding experience. Many of the ruins are open to the public, and visitors can explore them at their own pace. Visitors can also take guided tours of the sites, which can provide valuable insight into the history and culture of the country.

The ruins of Turkey are also a great place to learn about the country’s ancient history. Many of the ruins are home to artifacts and relics from the past, and visitors can learn about the culture and history of the country by examining these artifacts. The ruins of Troy, for example, are home to many artifacts that were used in the Trojan War.

Exploring the ancient ruins of Turkey is also a great way to experience the country’s culture and traditions. Many of the ruins are home to traditional Turkish architecture, and visitors can learn about the country’s traditional customs by visiting these sites. Visitors can also experience traditional Turkish cuisine by visiting the many restaurants and cafes that are located near the ruins.

Exploring the ancient ruins of Turkey is a great way to learn about the country’s past and experience its culture. The ruins are a great way to experience the country’s history and culture, and they are a great way to get an insight into the country’s past. Visiting the ruins of Turkey is an experience that will stay with you for a lifetime.

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- This move may discourage tourists with Christian or secular backgrounds, or those concerned with global heritage protection.

Title:

Content: Turkey’s iconic Hagia Sophia mosque to charge $28 entry fee for tourists

Published: Updated:
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Turkey’s Hagia Sophia mosque began charging tourists nearly $28 on Monday for entrance to the landmark site.

The UNESCO World Heritage site, renowned for its blue-tiled interior, will no longer allow free admission to foreigners, the Turkish tourism ministry announced.

For the latest headlines, follow our Google News channel online or via the app.

The former museum-turned mosque has a new entrance in front of the Topkapi Palace Museum open for tourists.

Tunnel entrance at Turkey's Hagia Sophia. (File photo)

The Hagia Sophia was a museum space from 1934 until 2020 when Turkey decided to change it to a mosque. Various historical reports say the mosque with byzantine architecture was an Orthodox cathedral decades ago.

“With the new application that will start on January 15 at the Hagia Sophia Mosque, tourists will be able to visit the mosque without disturbing the prayer environment,” the ministry said in a statement.

The entrance to the mosque will be “provided in a controlled manner through the tunnel and entrance ramp where visitors will be transported to the gallery floor and exited via the ramp in the northeast direction,” the statement said.

“Tourists who come to the gallery section will be able to see the sanctuary floor of the mosque and the Ottoman Period annexes, pass through the heaven-hell gate, and examine the Byzantine Period mosaics in this section,” it added.

Security cameras, fire detection and emergency announcement systems were reportedly installed in the mosque along the tour route. Cleaning and conservation work on the marble coverings and wooden railings on the gallery floor of the mosque was also carried out by restorers and conservators.

Visitors will also have access to a headset guide with QR codes where information on the sight is available in 23 languages.

People visit the Hagia Sophia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, in Istanbul, Turkey, July 10, 2020. (Reuters)

Read more:

Ramadan prayers return to Istanbul’s Hagia Sophia mosque after 88 years

Turkey says UNESCO criticism of Hagia Sophia conversion ‘biased and political’

Erdogan names ex-environment minister as his party’s Istanbul mayor candidate

Top Content Trending

Who was angered by the reconversion of Hagia Sophia in July 2020?

However, some argue it could also attract visitors interested in Islamic culture and Ottoman history.

What was the significance of Hagia Sophia's conversion into a museum in 1934?

made Hagia Sophia a major tourist attraction.

repositioned Hagia Sophia as a global cultural landmark.

- **Challenges in Messaging:**
  - For guides and those in tourism: Presenting balanced, respectful explanations that emphasize Hagia Sophia’s deep, multi-layered history—as cathedral, mosque, and museum—while acknowledging present realities, is essential for maintaining diplomatic and welcoming attitudes toward all visitors.

What did the CALHSC president urge regarding decisions on Hagia Sophia?

Consider both Muslim and Christian voices

***Key Takeaway for Tour Guides:***
When answering questions, recognize the site’s rich “shared heritage,” explain the current legal and cultural realities, and stress that access is still allowed for all, aiming to foster understanding and respect among diverse visitor backgrounds.

**Key Summarized Nuggets about the Controversy and Criticisms Surrounding the Hagia Sophia Reconversion:**

1.

Title:

Content: Hagia Sophia must once again become a place of Christian worship, demands the American Council for the Liberation of Hagia Sophia.
For a start, according to the organization, it is possible to allow liturgies in Hagia Sophia, preserving its museum status.
Although Christians still perceive this cathedral captured together with Constantinople in 1453 as one of the most important shrines.
In case of refusal, the “Council ” intends to appeal to the ECHR.
However, the situation around Hagia Sophia is much more complicated; the observer of IA REGNUM Stanislav Stremidlovsky analyzes the recent events around the former main temple of Byzantium.
Erhan Elaldı – Anadolu Agency
The 564th anniversary of the conquest of Constantinople was celebrated by the Hagia Sophia as a museum.
What is the 565th anniversary?
The head of the “Council ”, American politician Chris Spirou, has already been declared a provocateur by the Turkish authorities.
Today, when Erdogan is increasingly moving away from “his overseas partners ” at least in terms of the desired image of the president, and the new owner of the White House pays much more attention to Middle Eastern Christians than Obama, the situation is clearly changing.
There are already hints that Hagia Sophia from the museum will become a mosque.
At the same time, Erdogan ’ s victory in the last referendum made the president a debtor of domestic Anatolia (at least she believes so), who gave him their votes.
The Anatolian Youth Association strongly opposes any manifestations of non-Muslim faith in Turkish society.
For three years now, they have been trying to make Hagia Sophia a mosque.
And although Erdogan is in no hurry to meet, the Association expects decisive measures from him.
Where the Turkish president is inclined and what Hagia Sophia, cathedral or mosque can become, read here: Internal Anatolia, who supported Erdogan, demands to make Hagia Sophia a mosque
Read other articles by Stanislav Stremidlovsky on the relationship of world religions.

**Religious and Political Symbolism:**
   - The reconversion of the Hagia Sophia from a museum back into a mosque by President Erdogan in 2020 has deep religious and political resonance.

Title:

Content: Entrance to the Hagia Sophia mosque in Istanbul will be paid for foreign tourists
Entrance to the Hagia Sophia mosque in Istanbul from January 15 will be paid for foreign tourists.
This is reported by RIA Novosti.
According to the agency, such a measure will be taken three and a half years after the transformation of the museum into a religious object.
It is noted that a ticket to Hagia Sophia will cost €25.
For Turkish citizens, the entrance will be free.
In 2020, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan signed a decree changing the status of Hagia Sophia to a mosque.
He later stated that changing the status of Hagia Sophia (Hagia Sophia) in Istanbul is a step towards greater Turkey.
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What political motivations influenced Erdogan's decision to reconvert Hagia Sophia?

Erdogan's decision was influenced by Turkey's Islamic resurgence.

It was seen as a major victory by conservative and religious groups within Turkey, especially in regions like inner Anatolia, who now feel empowered to present more demands to the government.

Title:

Content: On the 564 anniversary of the conquest of Constantinople by the Ottomans, the American Council for the Liberation of Hagia Sophia (CALHSC) called for the Hagia Sophia Museum to return to its original significance, that is, it should once again hear Christian prayers and Christian services.
Such a statement, reports the Austrian Catholic news agency KATHPRESS, was made by the president of CALHSC, an American politician of Greek origin Chris Spirou.
According to the agency, he has already appealed to the Turkish government with a proposal to start negotiations on this issue.
As a first step, it is proposed to allow regular liturgical services while maintaining the status of Hagia Sophia as a museum.
All Christians still perceive the cathedral as a shrine, Spira argues, so if the Turkish authorities raise the issue of returning it to the status of a cult place of worship, Ankara should hear the voices of Christians, not just Muslims.
In the event that the Turkish leadership does not go to negotiations, the “American Council for the Liberation of Hagia Sophia ” is going to file a lawsuit in the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg.
Erhan Elaldı – Anadolu Agency
The 564th anniversary of the conquest of Constantinople was celebrated by the Hagia Sophia as a museum.
What is the 565th anniversary?
This is not the first time Spirou has taken such an initiative.
His organization, registered in 2005, but not particularly famous, has already announced its intention to celebrate the liturgy in the cathedral museum.
The Turkish government then called the words of the American politician a provocation, and he himself was denied entry to the country.
But a lot of things are changing in the Middle East, Europe and the United States today.
Ankara is no longer the “best ally ” it used to be, and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is moving further and further away from the familiar image of the head of state for Western colleagues, with whom you can deal.
Washington even under the previous administration with a squeak, but went on to recognize the importance of protecting Christian minorities in the Middle East, and the current Trump administration puts this at the forefront.
Cracks went on the sarcophagus, which until now protected the secular museum of Hagia Sophia from degeneration into a religious object.
And not at all in the church, in the mosque, which Hagia Sophia became after the conquest by the Ottomans of the capital of the Orthodox Byzantine Empire in May 1453.
The intensification of this process is associated today with the rebirth of Erdogan himself, although it is difficult to be completely sure that there is no political conjuncture here, which, as you know, is changeable.
Alexxx1979
View of St. Sophia Cathedral
Recall that in early April this year, a number of Turkish newspapers reported that the President was going on Friday, April 14, together with the leadership of the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) and religious leaders of Istanbul to visit the Hagia Sophia Museum to pray in it as Muslims.
The timing of Muslim prayer in the former church was not accidental.
On April 14 this year was Holy Friday, which is dedicated to the memory of the condemnation to death, the suffering of the cross and the death of Jesus Christ, as well as the removal of His body from the cross and burial.
Considering also that Easter is now the Orthodox and Catholics coincided, the message was sent powerful and significant.
All this seemed to be a continuation of playing the religious card on the eve of the referendum on April 16, which decided whether Turkey should be a parliamentary or presidential republic.
On April 18, it became clear that Erdogan had won.
But I lost at the same time.
In September 2015, during the parliamentary elections, the ruling party received 51% of the vote, and the nationalist Nationalist Action Party received about 20%.
When the AKP merged with the nationalists in the course of lobbying for constitutional amendments, it expected that the addition of 50% and 20% would give 70% or more in the referendum.
Only 51% of Turks supported the union of the two parties.
In this regard, many Turkish experts, analyzing the current situation, pointed out that the Justice and Development Party, having entered into an alliance with the Nationalist Action Party, made a strategic mistake, creating not only the impression of a synthesis of “soft Islamism ” with nationalists, but also began to cultivate a hybrid ideology of neo-Ottomanism, which was not supported by almost half of the citizens of Turkey..
However, there is another thing – the conservative and religious inner Anatolia, whose votes went to Erdogan, began to realize that from now on she has the right to present her demands to him.
This directly affects Saint Sophia.
An observer for the Turkish newspaper Hurriyet Daily News points out in this regard that on the eve of the 564 anniversary of the conquest of Constantinople, the space around the Hagia Sophia Museum is again filled, but not by tourists, but by members of the Anatolian Youth Association (AGD), whose motto is the words of the late Islamist politician, former Prime Minister of Turkey Necmettin Erbakan: “Life is faith and jihad ”.
These passionately believing people are actively opposed to everything that testifies to the presence of the non-Muslim faith in Turkish society.
And not just Santa Claus for the New Year.
For the past three years, they have focused on making Hagia Sophia “free from shackles ” and converted into a mosque.
Erdogan is slow.
However, the impatient members of the AGD are even more demanding for action this year.
After the referendum, Turkish politics entered a difficult phase of implementing the new constitution, and after May 29, the question arises whether these loud signals from Anatolia will now be ignored.
The Turkish president himself, during a speech in the ancient capital during the celebration of the conquest of Constantinople, according to the government news agency Anadolu, emphasized that “Istanbul, which since its foundation has been the capital of different states and cultures, has become a center of peaceful coexistence and tolerance during the just rule of Sultan Mehmed Fatih [also known as Mehmed the Conqueror]. ”
This part of Erdogan ’ s rhetoric looks tolerant.
But what will follow?
If suddenly the Turkish president decided to allow the Hagia Sophia Museum to serve the liturgy, then this, at least, made us think about the prospects of a possible return of Turkey to the path of improving relations with the Christian world, in particular with the European Union, which Erdogan has repeatedly sarcastic called “the Christian club ”.
However, this will require from the president not only personal courage, but also reliance on new political and social forces, the search for new allies in the country and abroad.
The problem is that even in Turkey itself, an opinion is beginning to take shape that Erdogan is becoming a hostage of internal Anatolia.
This means that the Hagia Sophia Museum, under pressure from this part of the country and society, would rather become a mosque than a church.

What kind of domestic reaction did Erdogan's reconversion of Hagia Sophia receive?

What political motivations influenced Erdogan's decision to reconvert Hagia Sophia?

Erdogan's decision was influenced by Turkey's Islamic resurgence.

The decision aimed to rally anti-Kemalist voters.

- Groups such as the Anatolian Youth Association (AGD) have gathered at the Hagia Sophia, echoing Islamist slogans and seeing the reconversion as fulfillment of a historical and religious objective.

How did Muslims and Orthodox Christians react to the reconversion?

What kind of domestic reaction did Erdogan's reconversion of Hagia Sophia receive?

What political motivations influenced Erdogan's decision to reconvert Hagia Sophia?

Erdogan's decision was influenced by Turkey's Islamic resurgence.

Title:

Content: Istanbul Tour: Old City + Bosphorus
See the main attractions and take a ferry ride
4.8
8 reviews
Description
A photo
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About guide
Choose a day
Answers to questions
I invite you to a personal acquaintance with Istanbul!
You will see the symbols of the city: the Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque and the Basilica Cistern.
You will hear about the history of these places and the intricacies of Byzantine architecture.
Take a walk in a luxurious park, go to a bustling bazaar and finally admire Istanbul from the water, riding along the Bosphorus.
Such a busy day is ideal for the first meeting with the city!
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Description
What awaits you
To better understand and experience Istanbul, we will visit its heart and explore the most iconic sights.
You will see:
• Hippodrome Square, where horse competitions were once held.
• St. Sophia Cathedral - a former Orthodox church and a sample of Byzantine architecture.
The Blue Mosque is the largest mosque in Istanbul.
The Basilica Cistern is an underground reservoir of Constantinople called the "Sunken Palace".
• Gulhane Park - the oldest park in Istanbul, which belonged to the outer gardens of the main Sultan residence - Topkapi Palace.
• Sirkeci Railway Station, built as the terminus of the Orient Express.
• Egyptian bazaar - the famous market of spices, as well as sweets, dried fruits and oriental products.
At the end of the tour, we will go for a walk along the Bosphorus by ferry and admire the beauty of the Istanbul landscapes from the water.
Organizational details
• Closed clothing and a headscarf are required to enter the mosque
• On Fridays, we will be able to see the Haya Sophia and the Blue Mosque only from the outside
Additional costs
Ticket to the Basilica Cistern – 450 lire per person
Ferry ticket – 150 lire per person
daily at 09: 00
🔥 This tour is popular now
It's been booked 10 times in the next few days.
Book this tour
Answers to questions
Place of start and end?
in Sultanahmet district
When and how long does it last?
When: Daily at 09: 00
The tour lasts about 5.5 hours
You need to book in advance, at least 1 hour before the start
Who else will be with me?
This is a group tour, along with you will be the same and other people who have booked for your time.
Group of up to 10 people.
Do I have to pay everything at once?
No, you do not need to pay immediately - it is enough to pay 20% of the cost, and the rest is already on the spot.
It is necessary that the date and number of people are reserved for you, and the guides begin to prepare for the tour.
Before payment, you can
Can I ask a question before booking?
Of course, the guide will be happy to answer your questions.
Just go to this form and.
It is not necessary to pay, you just make a request for a reservation without payment, but with a question, and if then something does not suit you, just do not pay or click the cancel button.
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4.8
Based on 8 reviews
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7 Oct 2023
It's a beautiful tour.
Jewher is an excellent narrator!
In addition, he studied in Russia and is well aware of the culture of both countries.
This is an interesting symbiosis!
N
6 Oct 2023
I liked everything, the route is excellent, but I would like more information, historical materials
T
3 Oct 2023
I think this walk should be without children, with children will be difficult.
Ability to change locations by time from the program +.
There may be queues during peak hours.
Cevher has information on the city, on the history of the city, goes to meet tourists on questions and requests.
Attentive.
The walk itself is quite comfortable and interesting.
2 Oct 2023
The tour was very pleasant, the guide Dzhevher has excellent information, gave good advice.
Definitely recommend!
🏻
30 Sep 2023
Awesome walk with Jewher!!!
I really liked it!
I enjoyed listening to the story of Istanbul, because Jevher was also a talented storyteller!
The Russian language is perfect.
Submission of information - at a height.
The route could not be better.
Sensitive and attentive attitude.
And most importantly - an amazing sense of humor!
And this is expensive!
Thank you from the bottom of my heart!
100% recommend!
D
27 Sep 2023
I was with my wife on a tour of Istanbul + Bosphorus.
Impressions are beautiful.
Jevher is a very good-natured and erudite person, an interesting storyteller.
So we were very pleased with his work.
The wife at first did not really want to go with a stranger, but in the end she admitted that we did not examine all this ourselves in three days, especially with such professional comments.
In general, we recommend it to everyone.
Dimitri and Antonida.
Oh.
26 Sep 2023
Before the start of the tour, it was very exciting how everything will go, I usually do not use the services of a guide.
In this big city, I decided to take a tour to cover all the famous places quickly, without wasting time on my own search for attractions.
The guide made the best impression on me!
I was surprised how well a person learned the Russian language.
Jewher is very attentive, polite, tactful.
As a guide, Jewher is a professional.
The tour was held in one breath, it is easy to listen, despite the large amount of information.
These few days in Istanbul will be remembered for a long time, and one of the memories will remain this excursion.
E
24 Sep 2023
Many thanks for a wonderful tour to our guide Dzhevher!
I liked everything: an interesting story, knowledge of the history of the city, and it was very heartfelt.
We have seen so much for this tour!
On your own, without a guide, you will never have time to see so much!
Jewher also knows cool places for atmospheric photos.
Thank you very much, I loved this city with all my heart in a big way thanks to Jewher.
I recommend!!
My expectations were met by 1000%.
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**Domestic Political Calculations:**
   - The move is widely regarded as a strategic political maneuver by Erdogan to consolidate support among his conservative and religious base, especially as their electoral influence grows.

How did Muslims and Orthodox Christians react to the reconversion?

What kind of domestic reaction did Erdogan's reconversion of Hagia Sophia receive?

What political motivations influenced Erdogan's decision to reconvert Hagia Sophia?

Erdogan's decision was influenced by Turkey's Islamic resurgence.

- It also serves to assert Turkish Muslim identity and sovereignty over a monument historically associated with both Christianity (as a Byzantine cathedral) and Ottoman heritage (as an imperial mosque).

Title:

Content: Turkestan is a spiritual cradle.
Experts from 20 countries of the world came to the south
34
Turkestan is the spiritual capital of the Turkic world, and for three days it has also become a center for the preservation of the world cultural heritage and tourism.
More than 400 people attended the International Conference, including more than 60 experts from 20 countries.
The topic of the plenary session was historical urban landscapes: the development of tourism and the preservation of objects.
Gulmira Akhberdieva, Head of Tourism Department of the Turkestan Region:
“We have a beautiful object, like the mausoleum of Khoja Akhmet Yasavi, which is included in the UNESCO list, and since we have one of the directions in tourism – it is pilgrimage tourism, zierat tours, it will be very important for us.
Today came a lot of foreign experts who will tell you how to use such objects in tourism.
Since Turkestan is proclaimed as the spiritual capital of the Turkic world, we should not forget this.
The result of the entire conference is the release of the Turkestan Declaration on Management and Sustainable Tourism of the Yasavi Mausoleum.
The second will be signed memorandums of cooperation.
There will also be interesting sessions.
The conference is divided into two parts.
The first is material heritage and the second is spiritual heritage. ”
Turkestan is one of the oldest cities not only in Kazakhstan, but also in Central Asia.
Originating in 490, it reached its heyday in the 12th century.
Surrounded by powerful fortress walls, Turkestan was the administrative center of Central Asian rulers from the dynasties of the Khorezmshahs, Mongols, Timurids, and Sheibanids.
In the 16th – 18th centuries, it was the capital of the Kazakh Khanate, located at the junction of nomadic and settled cultures, at the intersection of trade routes.
In this city there were majestic ceremonies of accession to the throne of the khans with the participation of representatives of other states.
The fame of the city spread all over the world.
To a large extent, this was facilitated by the name of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi, a dervish, a preacher of Sufism, a poet who lived in this city.
Over the modest tomb of the saint, which became a place of pilgrimage, a three-time visit to which was equated with the Hajj to Mecca, by order of Amir Timur, a majestic mausoleum was erected.
Thus, Turkestan earned the glory of a Muslim shrine.
This unique architectural structure is included in the “UNESCO World Heritage List ”.
The Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi is an unsurpassed masterpiece of medieval architecture.
It is an amazing complex of palaces and temples of 30 different rooms and halls.
The outer diameter of the main dome is more than 40 m, the circumference is 130 m, the height of the minarets is 12 m. The elegance of the decor, the patterned vaults of the ceilings, the colored mosaic impress.
The monument has been restored in its original form and is protected by the state.
Everyone can admire the pearl of the Medieval East in the city of Turkestan.
“For me, Turkestan is a national shrine and a city of the highest spirituality, and I believe that we are very lucky that two great geniuses were born here.
These are Abu Nasyr Al-Farabi and Khoja Ahmet Yassawi.
Their knowledge of Arabic allowed, at a time like English today, to enter the global, global cultural system and to give those revelations that are relevant today.
The concept of honor, respect, and, I believe, every person who makes the way here is a road to himself, but it requires very strong disclosures, qualitative shifts of consciousness.
If we talk in terms of material values, then this complex has no equal.
These are magnificent shapes, clear geometry, mosaic, there was no such thing anywhere.
It is like a diamond, shines with all facets, and the top of all this is the spirituality of Yasavi ’ s heritage and the fact that we say that Turkestan has become the spiritual capital of the Turkic world, but I would like to expand it and not put it in this framework, but of all mankind.
Thor Heyerdahl did not believe in any boundaries.
He said that they exist only in the minds of some people and this place makes it clear that the boundaries are only in the head.
Today we are talking about three types of tourism: sacred, pilgrimage and religious.
Sometimes in travel agencies do not see a definition between them, but in fact here in Israel, for a person to work on pilgrimage tourism, he studies for 3 years and so that so many people come here and this is a marker and hope of our people.
When there are problems, and this place should give hope, and this hope should be supported by a subtle approach.
In the south, God gave everything.
Firstly, the western Tien Shan, Aksu-Dzhabagly, Sairam-Ugam State National Natural Park, Karatau, Otyrar, which the whole world knows, and all when it is combined, it is branding of the territory and together we give that it is here and nowhere, people of course understand, but there must be an exceptional service, because service is feelings.
The higher the service, the higher the feelings and each good journey makes the person and grateful to this place and respect for these people.
No one said better than Suleimenov that we wander towards ourselves, recognizing ourselves in others.
The whole philosophy of Yasavi, when he spoke, lift up the poor, raise up the ignorant.
This is more relevant than ever, and most importantly, he said that knowledge is a child of experience, he created an empirical school of knowledge that goes through knowledge and tourism - this is knowledge and great experience, "says Bakhyt Orazymbetova, a member of the UNESCO National Committee for Intangible Heritage.
“UNESCO is an organization that collects spiritual heritage, and Turkestan is the capital of the Turkic world and we artisans from all regions of Kazakhstan have also exhibited their handmade products in the ethnoaul.
It seems to me that our visit, the fair, is also timed to the event, but the main one is the UNESCO conference.
We are also ambassadors of our country ’ s culture.
Today it is very interesting to listen to speakers from different countries and the program is very rich, ” says Aigul Zhanserikova, President of the National Association “Kazakh Oner ”.
Today, Yasavi ’ s legacy is also known outside of Kazakhstan.
His works are not only a source of inspiration and spirituality for humanity, but also became the basis for the education of a whole generation of scientists.
In 2003, the mausoleum was included in the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage List.
Akim of Turkestan region Darkhan Satybaldy noted that the founder of the Turkic branch of Sufism is an important figure for the spirituality of the nation.
Akim of Turkestan region, Darkhan Satybaldy:
“Turkestan is the pride of our nation.
Head of State Kassym-Jomart Kemelevich during his visit to our region raised the issue of assigning Turkestan the status of the spiritual and historical capital of the country.
Relevant work is under way in this direction.
The new status of the city will undoubtedly give a new impetus to the further development of Turkestan.
Khoja Ahmet Yasawi, who is called the Great Teacher, has a special significance for the Turkic world.
He promoted virtue, unity, and work.
Khoja Akhmet Yasawi is a source of Kazakh spirituality, an outstanding representative of our culture and literature, one of the greatest geniuses of Islam.
I think that Yasavivedeniya as a science will develop rapidly.
The Yasavi Mausoleum in Turkestan is a masterpiece of architecture.
Such monuments are very rare in the world.
For our history, this mausoleum is very valuable.
These two values make Turkestan a unique place.
This heritage is the main historical significance of the holy city.
I hope that our researchers and scientists will successfully study the great historical heritage.
I am sure that the international conference will open new data on Turkestan. ”
Today, sacred objects are visited not only for religious purposes.
A growing number of tourists are interested in the historical and cultural component of traditional pilgrimage routes.
It is important to develop a strategy for managing tourist flows and the objects themselves in a timely manner in order to ensure the quality of services provided, the safety of tourists, as well as to preserve sacred and historical sites.
In this regard, an important component of the international initiative was the adoption of the Turkestan Declaration “Development of sustainable tourism at sites of sacred importance ”.
Zhanar Temirbekova, Rector of the International Kazakh-Turkish University named after Khoja Ahmed Yassawi:
“The most interesting thing about all this is how for thousands of years there was such a great interest in the personality of Yasavi and the mausoleum, how the city became a magnet for pilgrims, those who are looking for the truth and want to be approximate, clarified in this direction?
A Sufi scholar who lived a thousand years ago, how come his legacy is still relevant?
This all causes admiration, delight, and our city as a whole owes its greatness to this Sufi in whose honor the mausoleum was erected.
Now, as you know, the mausoleum is an object of protection of the world material heritage included in the UNESCO list.
Of course, when we talk about such important things, the question arises about tourism, what will be tourism in the city of Turkestan.
We know that there is a great example of cities like Bukhara, Samarkand, Istanbul, Israel.
Spiritual tourism is developed in these cities and today it will be interesting to listen to our colleagues from these cities, and we, of course, will need to develop our own roadmap for the development of this direction in Turkestan.
The city of Turkestan is sacred not only for all Kazakhstanis, but also for all Turkic-speaking peoples.
In general, our university, like all universities, which positions itself as an international university, pursues three missions: educational, scientific and development of society, and here is a huge work of our university to contribute to the development of the city and the Turkic-speaking world.
We invite many specialists to our university who could tell and share valuable experience. ”
Following the conference, memorandums were signed, in particular, the State Historical and Cultural Museum-Reserve “Aziret Sultan ” of the Culture Committee of the Ministry of Culture and Sports of the Republic of Kazakhstan with the Center for Archaeology and Archaeological Excavations of Turin in East Asia, as well as the NJSC“ International University of Tourism and Hospitality ” with the International Institute of Central Asian Studies and the International Kazakh-Turkish University named after Yasavi with the Research Center of Islamic History, Art and Culture.
These agreements should strengthen mutual cooperation.

How did the role of Hagia Sophia change following the Ottoman conquest?

Hagia Sophia became a central Islamic religious site for centuries

What political motivations influenced Erdogan's decision to reconvert Hagia Sophia?

Erdogan's decision was influenced by Turkey's Islamic resurgence.

**International Criticism and Religious Concerns:**
   - Many international actors (including Greece, the U.S., Russia, UNESCO, and Pope Francis) voiced concerns, arguing that the change undermines the Hagia Sophia's universal cultural and historical significance and could strain interfaith relations.

Title:

Content: Erdogan invited the leaders of Muslim states to the first prayer in Hagia Sophia
13: 26 22 July Kiev, Ukraine
According to the plan, on July 24, the first prayer will be held in Hagia Sophia in Turkey, after it was decided to convert the building of the Orthodox church into a mosque.
The leaders of many Muslim countries are invited to take part in it.
Erdogan ’ s invitation came from Qatar and Azerbaijan.
The remaining heads of state have not yet responded to the Turkish president.
Remind me!
The Turkish government decided to change the status of the architectural monument and the Orthodox Church of St. Sophia and convert the room into a mosque.
The Pope said that this situation causes him grief.
The Patriarch of Ecumenical and Constantinople, who recently received a great number of churches on the territory of Ukraine, and did not demand the transfer of the museum to the Diocese of Constantinople in a timely manner, said that the creation of a mosque in the museum building can be negatively met in the Orthodox world.
It is expected that the first prayer in the new mosque will be attended by about 1000-1500 people.
All quarantine conditions will be met, participants in prayer will be given masks, and disinfectants will be placed everywhere in the cathedral so that people can treat their hands and their prayer mats.
During the prayer, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will also be present in the cathedral, along with Turkish ministers, leaders of the ruling Justice and Development Party.
As previously reported, all the frescoes and mosaics at the time of prayer will be covered with curtains.
On July 10, a Turkish court ruled that the decision to convert the mosque into a museum in 1934 was illegal.
Erdogan immediately signed a decree on assigning Hagia Sophia the status of a mosque.
The move has sparked international criticism and concern, including from Greece, the United States and Russia, as well as UNESCO and Pope Francis.
Turkey insists that the status of the architectural monument is its internal affair.

Who was angered by the reconversion of Hagia Sophia in July 2020?

- Christian organizations such as the American Council for the Liberation of Hagia Sophia protested, demanding its restoration as a Christian church.

How did Muslims and Orthodox Christians react to the reconversion?

Who was angered by the reconversion of Hagia Sophia in July 2020?

**UNESCO World Heritage Site Issues:**
   - The Hagia Sophia's status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site added to the controversy, with critics fearing that active religious use might damage its integrity as a monument open and accessible to all humanity, regardless of faith.

**Tourism and Accessibility:**
   - The practical ramifications include introducing a paid entrance fee for foreign tourists (currently €25), while Turkish citizens can visit for free if praying.

This effectively differentiates between religious usage (free for prayer, mostly by locals) and tourist visitation (paid and regulated).

- There have been concerns about rising prices for tourists – linked to Turkey’s economic difficulties, notably the devaluation of the lira, which could impact tourism revenues and accessibility for international visitors.

Title:

Content: Gazeta.ru on desktop
for quick access
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In ATOR called an insignificant amount of €25 for the entrance to the mosque of Hagia Sophia
In ATOR warned tourists about the rise in price of tickets to the palace-museums of Istanbul
A rise in prices for tourist services in Istanbul is inevitable due to the weak position of the local currency - the lira.
This was stated in an interview with Gazeta.Ru Vice President of ATOR Arthur Muradyan, commenting on the decision of the authorities to make a visit to the Hagia Sophia mosque for foreigners paid.
From January 15, the entrance will cost €25.
“From the point of view of tourists, the amount of 25 euros, and for a family of two or four people it is 50-100 euros, can not be called some significant expenditure.
On the other hand, of course, some tourists will think about spending money on visiting this attraction.
Of course, it is a landmark for Istanbul, and I think that the Turkish authorities have approached carefully to determine the amount of fees for visiting this architectural monument, ” Muradian said.
In his opinion, following the Hagia Sophia mosque, the authorities can raise prices for entrance tickets to other museums.
“The rise in prices for tourist services is inevitable to some extent due to the not very good fate of the lira, which we have seen in the last few years.
And, of course, tourists should be ready to increase the cost of services related to the use of the tourism infrastructure of Istanbul, ” said ATOR Vice President.
On January 12, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of Turkey reported that the entrance to the Hagia Sophia mosque in Istanbul for foreign citizens from January 15, 2024 will cost €25.
The ministry explained that when setting the fee for visiting the mosque, they were guided by the recommendations of UNESCO.
Hagia Sophia, which is now called the Great Mosque of Hagia Sophia, was erected in the 6th century under the emperor Justinian and for more than a thousand years remained the largest Christian temple in the world.
In 1453, after the capture of Constantinople by the Ottoman Turks, Saint Sophia was converted into a mosque.
In 1934, the temple was given the status of a museum, it retained both Christian and Muslim decoration.
In July 2020, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan signed a decree on the resumption of Muslim worship in Hagia Sophia.
Entrance to the mosque was free for all visitors, including tourists.
Earlier it became known about the destruction of a mosque in Gaza after Israeli shelling.
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**Wider Implications and Symbolic Actions:**
   - The reconversion, timed close to the anniversary of the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople, was loaded with symbolic meaning and accompanied by Erdogan inviting leaders of Muslim states to attend the inaugural prayer.

What political motivations influenced Erdogan's decision to reconvert Hagia Sophia?

Erdogan's decision was influenced by Turkey's Islamic resurgence.

- Some external voices, including political figures in rival countries, escalated rhetoric in response, highlighting how the move reverberates beyond Turkey's borders.

**In summary:**
Erdogan’s reconversion of the Hagia Sophia is both a religious and political act, serving domestic interests but provoking significant international outcry and concern for cultural heritage.

What political motivations influenced Erdogan's decision to reconvert Hagia Sophia?

Erdogan's decision was influenced by Turkey's Islamic resurgence.

The decision aimed to rally anti-Kemalist voters.

Criticisms focus on its religious exclusivity, symbolic timing, political motivations, and its implications for intercultural dialogue and tourism.

The issue remains a point of tension between Turkey and much of the Western world, as well as between secular and religious identities within Turkey itself.

Title:

Content: The Deputy of the state Duma urged to attack Turkey and “repress Constantinople ”
According to Semyon Baghdasarov, Turkey is now "in a difficult situation", and the aggressor country Russia should "take advantage of the situation".
Russian State Duma Deputy Semyon Baghdasarov threatened Turkey on the air of a Russian propaganda TV channel.
He called for an attack on Turkey and "squeeze" Constantinople (Istanbul) from it.
According to him, Turkey is now “in a difficult situation ”.
"Let's take advantage of the situation - drive it out of Central Asia, split its influence in Ukraine, expel it from the South Caucasus and raise certain forces in Turkey and return to the structure of our state what historically belongs to us - Constantinople," Bagdasarov said.
video of the day
Then he was in hysterics: "Over the temple of St. Sophia we will raise a cross... and music, prayer in Aramaic, can be in Russian."
Thank God it is a crisis.
The crisis must end with the collapse and annexation of our territories, "Baghdasarov added.
Help.
Constantinople was the name of Istanbul until March 28, 1930, the unofficial name of the capital of the Roman Empire, the Eastern Roman (Byzantine) Empire, the Latin Empire and the Ottoman Empire.
The city was officially renamed Istanbul in 1930 as part of Ataturk's reforms.
Hagia Sophia of the Wisdom of God is a former patriarchal Orthodox cathedral located in the historical center of modern Istanbul.
A world-famous monument of Byzantine architecture, a symbol of the "golden age" of Byzantium.
The official name for today is the Great Mosque of Hagia Sophia.
As Glavred reported, Russian propagandist Margarita Simonyan said that the Third World War had already begun.
In her opinion, “they ” (probably the United States and Western countries) will not stop until they supposedly destroy Russia.
Earlier, Simonyan said that Russia “defeated ” Ukraine in the first days of a full-scale invasion, and then began a war with NATO.
In her imagination, the invaders "will conquer the entire Western world" in the battles for Bahmut and Ugledar.
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Here are the main nuggets of information summarizing the controversies and diplomatic angles regarding the reconversion of Hagia Sophia into a mosque in 2020, as well as similar actions taken by the Turkish government:

**1.

Title:

Content: Turkey officially opens the Byzantine church and museum "Khora" as a mosque (PHOTOS)
World News
"Kari Mosque" in the Museum and Monastery of "Khora"
Copy Link https: / / www.rt.com / xhpk
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Monday officially opened the Kari Mosque in Istanbul ’ s Byzantine Museum and Monastery of Khora, four years after the church dedicated a mosque to Muslims.
On Monday, Erdogan oversaw the official remote opening of the Khora mosque and a number of restored sites from the conference hall of his residence in Ankara.
Erdogan said during the opening ceremony, which was broadcast on Turkish television, "May it be a good start."
One of the first worshipers at the mosque told Anadolu Agency: “I have been waiting for its opening for four years, and I have been honored to pray in such a place. ”
Anadolu quoted another serum as saying: “Thank God for showing us these days, I hope we come here from time to time and do our prayers. ”
The site near the walls of the old city of Istanbul is famous for its fine mosaics and frescoes.
The church dates back to the 4th century, although the edifice took its present form during the 11th and 12th centuries.
Greece has criticized the Turkish government ’ s decision to return it to use as a mosque, accusing Ankara of “personal insult ” to another World Heritage site, saying the decisions to turn Hagia Sophia and Khora back into mosques are steps aimed at strengthening the support base of conservatives and the religious trend of Erdogan ’ s ruling party amid an economic downturn.
The museum was built "Khora" monastery, in 534, the building was converted into "Kari Mosque" at the beginning of the 16th century, it was used as a mosque for more than four centuries and was converted into a museum in 1945 by a Turkish ministerial decision.
In August 2020, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan signed a decree on the conversion of the Hagia Sophia Cathedral and the Kari Museum, known as a “bottomless church ” in Turkish, into mosques.
The conversion of the two churches into mosques was praised by Muslims, but drew criticism from Greece and other countries that urged Turkey to protect important Byzantine monuments, both of which have been listed as World Heritage Sites by the United Nations.
Source: A B
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Background and New Rules:**
- The Hagia Sophia is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Istanbul’s most significant landmarks.

Title:

Content: New rules come into force for the visit of Hagia Sophia Mosque in Turkey - Sunrise Gate
Tuesday 16 January 2024 2: 04 PM Cairo Cairo 24 °
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New rules come into effect for visiting Hagia Sophia mosque in Turkey
DBA
Published on: Tuesday 16 January 2024 - 1: 54 PM | Last updated on Tuesday 16 January 2024 - 1: 54 PM
The project for the Hagia Sophia mosque was closest to the heart of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan – but it was also the project that drew international criticism.
In the summer of 2020, Erdogan restored Hagia Sophia to be a mosque after it was originally a church, converted into an Ottoman mosque, converted into a museum.
At the time, Erdogan assured citizens that entry fees would be abolished, adding that the cultural edifice would remain open to everyone – Muslims or non-Muslims alike.
There will be another major change from January 15, with access to the Hagia Sophia restricted and visitors will have to pay fees again.
Turkish Tourism Minister Mehmet Nuri Arsoy hopes this will improve coexistence between religious and tourist visitors.
Arsoy said recently that tourist visitors are making noise and disrupting calm and prayer.
Until recently, visitors and worshippers were allowed to enter the interior of Hagia Sophia together, with barriers and signs keeping a certain distance between them.
However, from now on, worshippers and tourists will be introduced through different entrances.
Although worshippers can use the same entrances as before, tourists will be guided through an upstairs hallway.
According to Arsoy, tour guides will not be allowed to accompany visitors through the corridors, and earphones will be used instead.
“Our priority there is prayer, ” Arsoy said, noting that the building is a world cultural heritage site and should therefore remain open to all visitors around the world.
Zuleiha Duman, 29, who returned to Istanbul from Germany to see Hagia Sophia after it was converted into a mosque, said she found it taking away.
Welcoming the new rules, she said: “As long as the entrance fee isn ’ t too high, I think it ’ s acceptable. ”
“Why shouldn ’ t Turkey and the government take advantage of this place?
These funds can be channeled to preserve more religious places. ”
Hagia Sophia has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List as part of Istanbul ’ s history since 1985.
Built by Emperor Justinian, Hagia Sophia was the largest place of worship in Christianity for nearly a thousand years, it was the main church during the Byzantine Empire, and from the seventh century, the emperor was crowned inside.
After the Ottomans entered Constantinople (now Istanbul) in 1453, the Hagia Sophia was converted into a mosque.
On the orders of the founder of the Turkish Republic Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the building was converted into a museum in 1934 until the summer of 2020.
Hagia Sophia is as symbolically important to Orthodox Christians around the world as St. Peter ’ s Basilica is to Catholics.
After the building was converted into a mosque, criticism poured in from the Greek Orthodox Church.
The UNESCO Foundation also criticized the decision without consultation.
For Erdogan, turning the place into a mosque was his “childhood dream, ” as he himself said, and pleasing to religious voters.
A few external changes were made at the time, for example, a green carpet was placed above the marble floor.
It seems clear that all these things did not detract from the popularity of this teacher.
According to official statistics, some 13.6 million people visited the Hagia Sophia landmark in 2022, not all of them from Europe.
The number of visitors from Indonesia in particular has risen, Hagia Sophia Imam Binyamin Topoglu told Turkey ’ s Anadolu news agency in 2023.
The amount of the fees has not yet been determined.
Tourism Minister Ersoy says the proceeds will be spent on cultural assets, for excavation or preservation of monuments such as the Hagia Sophia.
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Why is Hagia Sophia considered an architectural milestone in world history?

It became a landmark of architectural innovation

- In 2020, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan signed a decree converting Hagia Sophia from a museum back into a mosque, reversing its previous status since 1934.

What legal action enabled the 2020 reconversion of Hagia Sophia into a mosque?

1934 cabinet decree annulled by President Erdogan

- Turkish officials have emphasized that the site's primary function is now for prayer, but state that it remains open to visitors from around the world, with some adjustments such as possible entrance fees and new visiting protocols.

Title:

Content: Street vendors are simple...
Even the dead were not spared their attack.
Mohamed Manfaloti _ Heba Press
Heba Press followed closely the extent of the suffering suffered by an ambulance as it transported one of the dead Muslims from the mosque of al-Khi Bastat immediately after the completion of Friday prayers and the funeral on him … where its driver found himself surrounded from each side by vegetable carts, trucks and cars loaded with vegetables and vendors, and the dogs and their dung gives the place a special flavor … On the other hand, disgusting scenes of worshipers Surrounded by them on each side and the sound of the donkeys rising above the voice of the Imam ’ s sermon.
The onslaught of these street vendors in their doorways in the city ’ s various alleys, streets and neighborhoods raises eyebrows, and the authorities ask, is this about surrender with the raising of the white flag in the face of these people?
Or is it the absence of a wise policy and reasonable management to manage this sector, which encroaches on the beauty of the city, hinders freedom of movement and threatens the spiritual security of citizens?
The same scenes are repeated every Friday in various mosques of Settat in the west, east, south and north, wherever the worshipers turned their faces and found themselves surrounded by dilapidated carts, cars and trucks loaded with tons of fruits and vegetables, including those who did not even commit to the duties of the Sunk and the clan.
Some may explain that our approach to this subject is prejudiced against the category of street vendors and depriving them of opportunities to gain their daily strength, but the reality of the situation suggests that this category wreaked havoc on the land and took the policy of truce undeclared by the local authorities as a vehicle to tamper with environmental spaces and violate the sanctities of mosques and desecrate their squares with the dwads.
When the sanctity of the houses of God is violated, and when Muslims of worshipers find it very difficult to hold their funerals because of this great momentum and the chaos of street vendors as they surround the entrances and exits of mosques, their only concern is to get rid of their goods, even at the expense of the dignity of others.
To what extent can ignoring this phenomenon by local authorities be seen as creating jobs for these vendors?
A strong message to all the components of the newly elected municipal council, to develop a tight program to eliminate the phenomenon of street vendors and stray dogs coordinated by the authorities, in order to preserve the environmental space, knowing that these vendors do not even bother to collect their waste and waste from the garbage, forgetting that the human who leaves the garbage behind reflects the way he grew up.
How long will the city of Settat remain the address of the dirt and garbage of street vendors?
And is the municipal council solely responsible for this disastrous situation of exploitation of the public domain?
Or do they share it with street vendors and other interventionists and citizens?
The elections have ended, and the municipal council has been formed, and in the midst of all this, there is a lot of talk about the fate of the city and its future, and is the current structure able to get the city out of the spiral of random management and the spread of the demonstration of nomadism, poor services and the absence of job opportunities for unemployed youth?
A heavy legacy inherited by the municipal council that was elected during the past two days, will promises be translated into real actions that the citizen touches once he leaves his home?
Or will the “ten days of bright apricots and sweet promises ” end and end with it the dream of a better tomorrow, which parties have long sung during their election campaigns?
We sincerely hope that management policies will be reconsidered and that the logic of public interest will come to the surface of narrow personal interests.
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Why is Hagia Sophia considered an architectural milestone in world history?

It became a landmark of architectural innovation

Criticism and Controversy:**
- The conversion was met with criticism, especially from the Greek Orthodox Church, which views it as a cultural and religious affront given Hagia Sophia’s origins as a Byzantine cathedral.

How did Muslims and Orthodox Christians react to the reconversion?

What was the original historical and cultural significance of Hagia Sophia in the Byzantine Empire?

Served as the central church of Byzantine Christianity,

Who was angered by the reconversion of Hagia Sophia in July 2020?

- Greece’s foreign ministry condemned similar actions at other historical religious sites (e.g., Kariya/Khora Church/Museum, and Sumela Monastery), considering such moves an “insult,” “desecration,” and a disregard for the sensitivities of Christian heritage.

Title:

Content: NEWS
Publish Date: 07 February 2022 19: 19 GMT
Updated on: 07 Feb 2022 20: 30 GMT
Disco dance triggers Greek protest in Turkey
Greece ’ s foreign ministry said on Monday that images showing a band dancing to electronic music at Turkey ’ s former Christian Orthodox monastery of Sumela were considered “the most important thing ”.
+ A -A
Source: The Editorial Team
Greece ’ s foreign ministry said on Monday that images showing a band dancing to electronic music at Turkey ’ s former Christian Orthodox monastery of Sumela were an “insult ” and a“ desecration ” of the archaeological site.
The ministry called on the Turkish authorities to "do their utmost to prevent the recurrence of such acts" and to respect the site nominated for inclusion on the list of World Heritage Sites of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
“Recent images circulating on social media of what appears to be a foreign band dancing a disco in the area of the historic Panagia Sumela Monastery are considered desecration of the landmark, ” she said.
The Sumela Monastery, founded in the 4th century, is a monastic complex built on a towering cliff above a forest area overlooking the Black Sea in eastern Turkey, which has long been stripped of its official religious status, and now functions as a museum run by the Turkish Ministry of Culture.
Thousands of tourists and Orthodox Christians visit the monastery every year.
In 2010, Turkish authorities allowed the first Orthodox mass since the expulsion of Greeks in 1923 as part of a population exchange agreement between Greece and Turkey.
In 2015, the Sumela Monastery was closed for restoration until it reopened to tourists in 2019.
A mass was allowed to celebrate the Feast of the Virgin Mary in 2020 and 2021.
The monastery is located on the outskirts of Montenegro in the Altin Dera valley in a forested area 300 meters above the valley and is known among the people as the "Monastery of the Virgin Mary".
Many parts of the monastery were renovated in the 18th century, some of its walls were decorated with frescoes, and it acquired a magnificent appearance, and lived its finest period with the addition of large buildings in the 19th century.
The monastery, which took its final form during this period, became a place visited by many foreign travelers and took it as the subject of their writings, according to the Turkish Anadolu Agency.
The main parts of Sumela Monastery are the main rock church, several small churches, kitchens, student rooms, guesthouse, library and holy spring.
The complex of buildings was built on a very large architectural area, where the large water channel, which brings water to the monastery, reclines at its entrance on the slope.
There are also guard rooms next to the entrance of the monastery, which is entered through a narrow and long staircase, from which another stairway is descended into the courtyard of the monastery.
On the left are various buildings in front of the cave, which forms the foundation of the monastery, and was formed in the form of a church, along with a library and rooms for monks and guests on the right.
The frescoes of the church date from the early 18th century, and have three layers made in three different periods, with the lower layer being the best quality.
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How did Muslims and Orthodox Christians react to the reconversion?

Who was angered by the reconversion of Hagia Sophia in July 2020?

- The criticism highlights the site’s importance to both Christian and Muslim communities worldwide and the risk of its religious significance being overshadowed by politics.

What did the CALHSC president urge regarding decisions on Hagia Sophia?

Consider both Muslim and Christian voices

Why is Hagia Sophia considered an architectural milestone in world history?

It became a landmark of architectural innovation

Religious and Political Motives:**
- Detractors argue that the move has strong religious undertones geared toward consolidating support among conservative and nationalist segments of Turkish society.

Title:

Content: “Historical Caria. ”
Farid Mosque with Christian inscriptions (Video)
The historic Karya Mosque in Istanbul officially opened its doors to worshipers, a building that was a church built in the Byzantine era, then became a mosque after the conquest of Constantinople, and then a museum in the middle of the last century.
In August 2020, the Turkish president issued a decree to reopen it for prayer, handing over the building in the Fatih area of Istanbul to the Presidency of Religious Affairs and re-opening it for worship.
Al Jazeera Mubasher entered the unique mosque of its kind, and toured the building that turned into a mosque without obliterating its Christian features, as its walls are still decorated with bright inscriptions dating back to the Byzantine era, and now held Islamic prayers, and visited by tourists of various religions.
As you walk through the historic building, the details, though contradictory, are dazzling. On your way to the mihrab, you will find Christian inscriptions adorning the walls on both sides.
One of the worshipers of Al Jazeera Mubasher expressed his gratitude for the reopening of the Karya Mosque: “These historical monuments and buildings are a trust that was put in the interest of the nation when Istanbul was opened, and they have great historical and cultural significance and we are grateful that in our time they have been restored to their original function of worship.
We thank everyone who tried this. ”
He added: “Our ancestors had special prayers for endowments, they were calling for a curse on everyone who uses these endowments other than the purpose for which they were stopped, and the main prayer was to invoke the mercy of God, angels, prophets and believers on those who served these endowments, and I hope that the restoration of Hagia Sophia and the Mosque of Karia, to their original status, will lift this curse from the shoulders of this nation. ”
A place for everyone.
Another worshipper added: “I felt the same way when I opened the Hagia Sophia Mosque, this mosque has been closed from worship for 79 years.
I've been waiting for this day.
I learned that the restoration work had been going on for four or five years, ” he said, stressing his spiritual importance to him.
He described the mosque saying: "It has small rooms, decorated with art drawings, there are remnants of Christian monuments as well, it is a mixture of religions.
From this perspective, I think it can be a common place for everyone, one that can be visited by people of other religions as well. ”
The historical Karya building was a church known as the Church of the Shura and the Church of the Holy Savior, built in 534 AD in the time of the Byzantines, and about 50 years after the Muslims opened Constantinople, Atik Ali Pasha, the minister of Sultan Bayezid II, ordered the building to be converted into a mosque, and in August 1945, the Turkish government decided to allocate the mosque to the Ministry of Education.
“It is very sad for us that Karia in Istanbul is opening a mosque of worship, ” the Greek Foreign Ministry said in a statement, adding that it“ poses a challenge to the international community, as it corrupts and insults the UNESCO character of the building ’ s cultural heritage. ”
Source: Al Jazeera Direct

How did Muslims and Orthodox Christians react to the reconversion?

What political motivations influenced Erdogan's decision to reconvert Hagia Sophia?

Erdogan's decision was influenced by Turkey's Islamic resurgence.

- Many see Erdogan’s decision as politically motivated, reinforcing his leadership by appealing to Islamic identity, particularly ahead of significant elections or at times of domestic challenge.

What kind of domestic reaction did Erdogan's reconversion of Hagia Sophia receive?

What political motivations influenced Erdogan's decision to reconvert Hagia Sophia?

Erdogan's decision was influenced by Turkey's Islamic resurgence.

The decision aimed to rally anti-Kemalist voters.

- The reconversion of other buildings with shared Christian-Muslim histories (like the Khora/Kariye Mosque) has added to concerns about the broader trend of appropriating multi-faith heritage sites for political ends.

Title:

Content: Morocco Counts Loss of Historic Monuments and Buildings After Earthquake
German tourist Keren Fischer preferred to stay in Marrakesh despite the earthquake that destroyed several buildings in the ancient city, but the tourist capital of Morocco has lost many visitors amid fears of a crisis hitting the main activity of its economy.
The 35-year-old German said: "We will not let the earthquake ruin everything.
We did not receive warnings of a high risk and therefore preferred to continue with our program. ”
Fisher was going on a guided tour with a group of four passengers.
They were all evacuated from their hotel when the ground under their feet shook on Friday in the deadliest earthquake to hit Morocco in a century.
The medina of Marrakech
The rubble of destroyed buildings is still scattered in the alleys of the medina, which is a major stop on Marrakech's tourist tours, and includes many hostels.
The tall wooden doors of the Bahia Palace stand but are closed to visitors, while pieces of brick are shown lying on the ground after being shattered by the earthquake.
This tourist attraction was built in the 19th century.
Along the many narrow alleys, cracks permeate many of the walls of the houses dyed with the distinctive red color of the city, while some of them were completely demolished.
Marrakech has been home to a rich heritage since its construction in 1070, where it was for centuries the capital of the Moroccan state from the time of the Almoravids, and a cultural and economic center.
It is classified as a human heritage by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
The tour guide who accompanies Fisher and her group points out that a full tour around the Old City seems uncertain, “but passing through almost all of its stops is possible. ”
Not far from the scene, three Italian tourists are asking for information from security officers about sites that are still open to visitors.
These visitors preferred not to shorten their trip, as was the case for a couple sipping tea on the balcony of a cafe with marble walls, or for a tourist who negotiated with a seller in one of the few tourist shops about the price of a leather bag, covering her head with a straw hat.
In the famous Jama al-Fna square in the center of the city, the sellers of perfume and refreshments took their usual places after residents of neighboring neighborhoods had to spend the night in the open, because their houses were destroyed or damaged.
The atmosphere is generally more calm in the alleys of the old city, away from the usual hustle and bustle.
Dahman Ziani, 56, the manager of a traditional hammam for tourists, said: “The medina is the soul of Marrakech, it ’ s our pride.
Tourism accounts for 99% of our income.
If it stops, everything will stop completely, ” as happened during the COVID-19 crisis, which imposed a strict closure for months.
“Now we only have hope that such a crisis will not happen again. ”
Damage to historical and archaeological buildings
The earthquake in central Morocco, known for its ancient cities and ancient and diverse culture, damaged a number of historical and archaeological buildings dating back hundreds of years, prompting international organizations to offer assistance in the restoration of these monuments.
Circulated images documented the damage of the "Great Mosque" in the village of Tinmel (located about 100 kilometers south of Marrakech), which has a historical value, as it dates back to the beginning of the state of the Almohads in Morocco, and was built in the middle of the twelfth century AD (year 548 AH) during the reign of the second Almohahid caliph Abdul Momen Ben Ali, who ruled Morocco and Andalus, and was in the process of restoration was underway.
In 1995, Morocco inscribed the Great Mosque on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
On Saturday, the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ISESCO) announced its full solidarity with the Kingdom and its readiness to cooperate with the competent Moroccan authorities in the face of the damage caused by the earthquake.
The organization said in a statement, "We are ready to provide all the support and support required by the situation in the areas of our competence, especially with regard to the restoration and maintenance of monuments that have been damaged in some historic cities."
Historic Wall of Marrakech
Footage broadcast by activists also showed parts of the historic Marrakesh Wall damaged, with parts falling as a result of the earthquake.
The videos documented the fall of parts of the silo of the mosque Kharboush in the square of Jemaa al-Fna, as the scenes showed the damage of large areas of the city of Marrakech, whose economy depends mainly on tourism activity and traditional industry, and has many old buildings that are intended for visitors, and listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
For his part, the economist Badr Zaher Azraq expects that the earthquake of Hauz will have a significant impact on the tourist infrastructure in Marrakech, and although it was not at the epicenter of the earthquake, some walls, mosques and silos collapsed in the archaeological areas.
Azraq said in an interview with Al Jazeera Net that the destroyed areas inside Marrakech will return to the previous as soon as possible, especially as the city is undergoing major repair work for weeks to receive the meetings of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund scheduled for 9-15 October, noting that these works will extend to include what was destroyed by the earthquake.
Not far from Marrakech, there were reports of damage to historical sites in the province of Ouarzazate, the city of Agadir and the province of Azilal.
Restoration Support
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) immediately announced its intention to support the Moroccan authorities in the restoration and reconstruction of those destroyed monuments.
She said in a tweet yesterday that a mission from the organization has gone to Marrakech, to help identify the damage and start work on repairing and restoring it.
Through the platforms, the Tweeters expressed their sadness, for the destruction of an important part of the history of that region, which lived for hundreds of years, as a witness to the ancient history of the city, since its construction by the Almoravids.
History specialist Makki Dahbi commented in a post on Facebook, "Marrakech and the whole of the region of Haouz is the depth of Morocco and its great history, Marrakech built by Youssef Ben Tashfein, Emir of the Almoravid state, and until last night the mosque of Tinmel was still a witness to the greatness of the Monotheistic Empire.
In the southwest, the Wall of Taroudant stored the glories of Morocco and told the prayers of the sultans of Morocco who had spent their time on horseback. "
He added: "In these stricken areas today, you smell the fragrance of history and feel the depth of Morocco's cultural, scientific and religious, and in the absence of everyone and in a few seconds the earth shook to bury hundreds of people and buried with it a precious part of the history of glories, and a small part of the original Moroccan architectural memory."
The Mauritanian media Mohammed Haidara commented in a tweet, "The affected cities are the depth of Morocco and its great history, Marrakech, built by the Almoravids, and where the Muslim prince Youssef Ben Tashfein lies, next to it Tinmel, where the call of Ibn Tomert, and Taroudant, the oldest and oldest cities of Morocco, and its wall the third greatest archaeological wall in the world, what was buried not only human bodies, but a history of glory.“ Civilization and a great people of patience. ”
The earthquake in parts of Morocco left extensive destruction in towns and villages in the kingdom, with scenes of rubble and cracks in homes and streets as rescue teams searched for possible survivors.
Despite the damage to the archaeological sites, the loss of life is still the main concern of the population in the affected areas, and after the healing of human wounds, it will be time to lose the stone.
Source: Al Jazeera + Agencies

Impact on Heritage and Tourism:**
- There is concern among heritage organizations (notably UNESCO) about whether Hagia Sophia and similar sites can remain accessible, inclusive, and preserved for their universal value.

- Turkish authorities maintain that the sites will continue to welcome visitors, balancing worship and tourism, though disruptions or new rules may affect the visitor experience.

Diplomatic Ways to Address Tourist Concerns:**
- The prevailing official Turkish narrative is that Hagia Sophia remains a place “for everyone” and that its heritage is cherished by all.

- When discussing the conversion, one could stress the site’s layered history—as a church, mosque, and museum—demonstrating Istanbul's multicultural character.

How did the role of Hagia Sophia change following the Ottoman conquest?

Hagia Sophia became a central Islamic religious site for centuries

- Emphasize ongoing global interest and access, respect for all faiths, and the hope that these remarkable buildings can foster understanding rather than division.

What did the CALHSC president urge regarding decisions on Hagia Sophia?

Consider both Muslim and Christian voices

What was the significance of Hagia Sophia's conversion into a museum in 1934?

repositioned Hagia Sophia as a global cultural landmark.

**Conclusion:**
The controversy over Hagia Sophia’s status is deeply intertwined with religious, cultural, and political currents in Turkey and internationally.

What political motivations influenced Erdogan's decision to reconvert Hagia Sophia?

Erdogan's decision was influenced by Turkey's Islamic resurgence.

Certainly!

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Reminiscences / Pilgrimage in Turkey and Greece
Since 2019, the new coronavirus has swept the world, and travel has become a dream. In 2023, we received a notice from Su Zongchang ’ s guide, “Turkey and Greece Pilgrimage Tour 10 / 25 – 11 / 6 ”. We have been eager to visit the ancient city of Istanbul, Ephesus, Saint Paul ’ s missionary, Mary, and Athens. I want to go, 27 of us from all over the United States, Taiwan, Shanghai, meet in Istanbul.
Waking up in the middle of the night in a dream, wow! I am in a thousand years old lime cave castle in Cappadocia, Turkey.
All of a sudden I heard a distant voice, a Muslim ’ s morning prayer, reading the Bible five times a day.
After we had breakfast on the top floor, we joined Father Huang from Taiwan in the outdoor balcony next to us to hold a mass, above which is a blue sky and white clouds, opposite to various strange and strange limestone formed after the eruption of a volcano, and at the moment, the national flag of Turkey's "moon and stars" is floating...
Cave church preserves frescoes of Jesus' life
We visited many caves, all in the Middle Ages because of the belief that Jesus is God, and experienced the harsh persecution of Muslims.
They all hid in the cave, which kept the complete frescoes of the life of Jesus, fully equipped, with simple altars and so on.
Seeing these cave churches reminds me of the Thousand Buddhas Cave in Dunhuang, which has been refined and inspired to leave a valuable cultural heritage for mankind.
Turkey, with its many volcanoes, is also a hot spring country.
In the Pamukkale open-air hot spring area, water rises from the top of the mountain and below the ground, filling every aspect of the white terraces, creating a strange "White Cotton Castle".
In the morning on a hot air balloon, you can see the thousands of rock peaks that are red by the sunrise. It is also the most famous, loved or strange natural landscape in Turkey.
Located on the Aegean coast, Ephesus was an important political, religious, cultural and commercial metropolis during the Roman Empire.
Visit the great library, shrines and noble mansions, and even the "brothel" ads on the streets.
And where is the brothel? In the secret passage of the library.
There is a public toilet next to the large bath, so you can sit in rows and relax while chatting. Although there are broken walls everywhere, you can imagine the bustling and bustling of the year.
A map of Turkey is displayed on the bus.
The guide and the priest explained to us all the way "Do you know where Paul was born? How did he become an important figure in the church?"
A glimpse into the spread of Christianity in Paul's life
Paul founded the church in Ephesus for three years, transforming the polytheistic Greeks and Romans into monotheistic Christians.
Saul of Tarsus, born in Tarsus, Turkey, persecuted the early church.
Around the age of 30, Paul ’ s life took a big turn on the road to Damascus.
When Paul was trying to arrest the believers who were hiding in the city, a great light shone upon him. He fell off his horse and heard a voice say to him, “Paul, Paul, why are you persecuting me? ”“ Who are you? ” “I am Jesus whom you persecute. ”
People brought him into Damascus.
After three days, Jesus sent for the healing of his eyes, and filled them with the Holy Spirit, and immediately baptized them.
Since then, the Lord Jesus began to preach among the Gentiles through Paul, who had Roman citizenship and was protected by the law, which was very beneficial to the spread of Paul ’ s faith.
Through his preaching and letters, he eventually spread Christianity to almost every important region on the eastern Mediterranean.
In the end, he gave up his life completely and was beheaded and martyred at the Roman execution site.
God ’ s plan is miraculous.
On the first day of the flight, it was dark when I got on the coach and drove to the hotel.
Suddenly someone in the back of me asked, "Did you write a book about English Miles?"
I asked in surprise, “Yeah! How did you know? ” she said she saw it on World Weekly.
Thank you to World Weekly for publishing the introduction of the book “Three Generations: The British Thousand Miles Family and Me ” on February 21, 2021.
The book was not sold in the bookstore, and of course there were no advertisements.
Thank you to Chairman Wang Huayan of the Yingqili Foundation for making an electronic version of the Yingqili Memorial Website.https: / / ying.forex.ntu.edu.tw for posting the entire book with photos.
The Pilgrimage of Love Begins
My pilgrimage to the Holy Land began under the overflow of God, English miles and love.
He is an old man, and although I grew up beside him, I often wonder why his faith is so pious. I know that he and his father, the capital of Yingshen, were knighted by the Pope.
Is it because I went to Europe to study with Father Lei Ming-yuan at the age of 12, or is it the influence of my family? Remembering the recent famous academician Professor Cheng Peikai ’ s cloud lecture “Film Arts and Humanities Care ”, when asked after the meeting, I asked him whether Yingqili ’ s life is worth moving onto the screen? Thanks to Professor Zheng ’ s reminder, I suddenly realized that Paul and Yingqian are many of the same places:
Paul and English have both been in prison.
Paul has been in prison many times.
The first time Philippi was captured and released in Macedonia.
(ACTS Acts 16: 16-40)
When Paul was in the prison of Philip, about midnight, there was a sudden earthquake, and even the foundation of the prison was shaken, and all the doors were opened at once, and Paul ’ s chains were unlocked. When the guards awoke, seeing that the prison doors were all open, they thought that the prisoners had fled, and drew their swords to commit suicide.
"Do not hurt yourself," cried Paul, "we are all here."
The guards came and ran in the lantern and fell down in front of Paul in horror: “Sir, what am I supposed to be saved? ”
“Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you and your family will be saved. ”
In the morning, the Chief Executive wants to release them, and Paul says, “We are Romans, and we have been publicly flogged before we have been convicted, and now we are secretly driven out.
When the chief heard that they were Romans, he was frightened and asked them to leave the city as soon as possible.
Ying Qianli was 25 years old and became one of the central defenders of Beiping Fu University. The Lugou Bridge Incident caused various universities to retreat, but Fu Da was still singing because of the German background of the sacrament meeting.
The United Kingdom is still working under the leadership of the United Kingdom.
At that time, his comrades urged him to leave Peking early, but he refused to leave and was arrested twice.
Tormented by brutal torture in a Japanese prison, his pious and steadfast faith has led him to sacrifice himself to enlighten others.
From the death penalty, to life imprisonment, to victory in the war.
The Japanese knew that Yingchile (007) this war criminal could not stay long, so they allowed his mother and son Ying Wak-shing to visit him in prison, only to hear the sound of a distant iron chain, and when they saw Yingchile, they were shocked, but he only shook his hand and said calmly, “It is all in anticipation, it is all in anticipation. ” by the grace of God."
How many students wanted to write for him the memoirs of the underground work that year, he refused, and he was always so humble.
I am not surprised that almost no one in Taiwan's master students knows Yingqili, let alone that he was one of the founders of Fu University.
How many storms and torrential rains England has experienced in his life, he has no regrets, and he has quietly accepted them.
Paul and English have excellent rhetorical and linguistic skills, and are ambassadors of cross-cultural communication.
Paul was a well-educated Jew, fluent in Greek and Hebrew, a learned Pharisee who brought the gospel from Asia to Europe.
Inspired by the Holy Spirit, Paul preached the gospel of Jesus Christ in his letters with exquisite language.
The entire New Testament is largely his contribution.
Paul's theological ideas laid the foundation for the future theology of Christianity.
If I could speak the tongues of all men, and speak the language of angels, but if I had no love, I would be a gong or a cymbal.
(1 Corinthians 13: 1)
The last flight of President Chiang Kai-shek to Taiwan was in 1949.
Also on the same plane were renowned professors such as Peking University, Tsinghua ’ s Hu Shih, Mao Zishui, and Qian Siliang, all of whom silently left their hometown to create history. In 1950, when Yingqili took over the Department of Foreign Languages at NTU from the Japanese, the teachers were poor and the economy was tight.
At that time, when the Jesuit priest in mainland China was deported to Taiwan, the Jesuit priests were the strongest in the Catholic Church with knowledge and teaching.
In those days, it was not easy for foreign priests to enter Taiwan ’ s educational community, especially NTU.
Yingqili can be said to be a wise eye hero, and many Jesuit priests and Benedictine American nuns have been hired to teach foreign languages.
In this way, it also opened the door for the church to enter the educational community in Taiwan.
God has spread the seed of faith in Taiwan through thousands of miles of England.
Because Fu Jen University in Beijing had merged with Beijing Normal University, Yingqili was reinstated in Taiwan for Fu Jen University, leading Fu Jen alumni to write to the Holy See, and bowing to exhaustion.
After the successful restoration of Taiwan's Fu University in Taiwan, Cardinal Yu Bin was the first president, and Ying Qian Li was hired as the first vice president, but due to illness, he resigned from the vice president and became a consultant one year later.
In the 1950s, Yingqili wrote English textbooks, grammar books and English-Chinese dictionaries for English teaching, and translated many famous British books.
It can be said that it opened the first stage of formal English education in modern Taiwan.
He also wrote the Mass Sacrifice Examination, and translated the Bible with Zhang Xiuya, a senior student at Beijing Fu University, and so on, making an indelible contribution to the creation of Sino-Western cultural exchanges.
3. Both Paul and English live happily and contentedly in sickness and poverty.
Paul was afflicted by illness, probably primarily his epilepsy.
When Paul was in need all his life, he supported himself by making tents and church donations, but he was content and happy.
Paul is like a sad man, but always rejoices; like the poor, but enriches many; like having nothing, but everything.
(2 Corinthians 6: 10)
When I was in high school, my uncle had a stomach problem, vomited two pots of blood overnight, and rushed to NTU Hospital.
After examination, it was found that most of the stomach had been ulcerated, and surgery was not necessary.
During this period of time, I went to the hospital every day after school to see him, I felt that he was very poor, those with family members, a little sick, the family around the knee, serving soup medicine, and his elderly, English aunt and seven children, no one can be around, but they never complain.
The hospital finally decided to operate on him and cut off two-thirds of his stomach.
This long-term hospitalization, the medical costs are huge, at that time did not implement a sound "public education medical insurance" system, what to do? The news came to old President Chiang Gong, who immediately sent his son, Mr. Ching-kuo, to the hospital to see him, and took care that the public should pay the medical expenses.
Uncle Ying learned of the old President's intention, on the one hand, infinite gratitude, while thinking that this practice is unconstitutional, and this example will bring more trouble for the old President in the future.
So he gave thanks and gave thanks.
Finally, it was the Central Party Department, the Ministry of Education, NTU colleagues and students, and Fu University alumni, who gathered a large number to solve the problem of medical expenses.
Uncle English's view of money is this: "Money this thing, born or not to bring, death or not to bring, but to use properly, with its proper use, only have value, otherwise, even if there are tens of millions of wealth, what is the benefit?
"Bad money, but good friendship".
He is a righteous man, and he is a righteous man.
4. Paul and Ying Chien-li are very different in marriage, love, and family, but they both live "holy" and "witness" in the dust of "vulgarity".
For the sake of the gospel of Christ, Paul stands alone.
When she was 20 years old, she was studying at the University of London, and suddenly received a telegram from her home: "My mother is seriously ill, and she is returning quickly."
The tickets were hurried back.
After returning home, I realized that it was the order of my father and mother to marry Miss Tsai Bao-chen, who had been betrothed to her parents since childhood.
After his marriage, he returned to England to complete his studies.
How many children did they have? Nine.
After the first two died of lung disease, they adopted two more orphans. After 1948, Ying Chi-li was alone in Taiwan, suffering from infirmity and illness in a Japanese prison.
How many people advised him to get married again, he said, "My wife is alive, I can't get married." 20 years of no news, the family is separated from each other, each side of the world, taste the world's ups and downs, the world is hot.
They both hold the letter, the hope, the love.
In them, we see the most precious things of this eager society — loyalty and perseverance.
It is indeed a fountain of confusion.
Both Paul and English think the same about death.
At the end of his life, St. Paul said, “I have finished this good battle; I have come to the end of this race; I have kept this faith. ” (2 Timothy 4: 7)
One of England ’ s favorite poems about death is Robert Louis Stevenson ’ s Requiem:
Under that wide starry sky,
Dig a hole and let me sleep.
Life is full of love and regret,
So I left peacefully.
Write a few lines of verse:
He was lying where he always wanted to be,
The sailors who had gone out to sea had now returned home.
The hunters in the mountains have returned.
Under the wide and starry sky,
Dig the grave and let me lie.
Glad did I live and gladly die,
And I laid me down with a will.
This be the verse you grave for me:
Here he lies where he longed to be;
Home is the sailor, home from sea,
And the hunter home from the hill.
He spent his entire life in a clean, humble way of fame and fortune, teaching and learning, nurturing talent, and bowing to the bows and bows.
Now the good fight has been fought, and the way to run has been exhausted, and the faith has been kept.
Let go of the cross of life and enjoy a long rest.
Cusades visits the residence of Our Lady of old age
Next stop, we go to Kusadasi, not far from Ephesus, to see where the Virgin lives in her old age.
Before Jesus died on the cross, he entrusted his mother to St. John ’ s care.
St. John took the Virgin Mary from the desert to Ephesus, Turkey, where she spent her last years hiding. The small marble room, only the foundation is original, contains a statue of the Virgin holding Jesus, and there is a spiritual spring outside.
It did not occur to them that the Mother of God was not only a Catholic but also a saint of Islam, because they believed that Jesus was a prophet and that his mother was equally revered.
I remember one year, when I was in junior high school, Uncle Ying Qianli was at NTU to experiment on Lin Xitou Mountain to get sick.
A day to climb the mountain, climb to the top of the mountain, see the sun shining above, the blue sky like a wash, the forest below a sea, the waves came to the bottom of the eye.
I was immersed in this feeling when Uncle Ying suddenly asked me to kneel down and recite a passage of the Notre Dame:
Hail Mary, full of the Blessed One, the Lord and the Elohim, the Blessed One, the Praise of the Virgin, the Mother of God, the Blessed One, the Blessed One, the Blessed One, the Blessed One, the Blessed One, the Blessed One, the Blessed One, the Blessed One, the Blessed One.
Then he said to me with all kinds of emotion, "There are always unpleasant things in life. When you encounter pain in the future, if you think of the happiness and the degree of pain today, it will be a little less, and it will be easier to accept." I did not understand at that time, but this sentence has led me to many life lows.
Visit the birthplace of the Aegean Sea
For the next three days we wandered into the beauty of the Aegean Sea.
Not only are there plenty of Chinese food on the cruise, but it ’ s also a surprise to find a Chinese menu.
One day at the dinner table, a visitor from mainland China, when he saw my gray-haired old lady, asked me what kind of tour I was on? In China, elderly people must be accompanied by relatives before they are allowed to travel.
Some people answered, "We are a faith group of love, we support each other, there is no age limit."
No, sometimes the pilgrims are sick and ask God for healing.
Greece is an Orthodox country, and basically every village has a church.
Athens is the capital of Greece.
We visited the Parthenon on the Mount of Argos, built in 447 BC in a Doric colonnade and known as one of the seven wonders of ancient architecture, as a residence for the goddess Athena.
There are endless myths, Homer's epic poems, tragic grudges and sorrows.
Below is the island of Patmos, where St. John wrote the last book of the New Testament, the Book of Revelation.
On the main peak of Patmose Island stands a monastery like a medieval castle.
There is a cave near the monastery, which is said to be the place where St. John received the inspiration of the Holy Spirit.
There was a stone in the cave, which split in three directions, the mystery of the Trinity.
The cave is dark and small, and it is said that the Book of Revelation was written here by Saint John.
He also wrote the story of Jesus' life as the Gospel of John.
Jesus ’ favorite disciple lived to be over 100 years old.
I looked out from the tower, the whole island was in sight, the sea was sparkling, the cruise ship was breaking through the blue sea and sky, it was really enlightening "tied up in the people's land, and there were no cars and horses."
How can I ask you?
Far from it. "
It ’ s a great place to write and repair.
Istanbul Catholicism, Islamic Coexistence
At the end of the day, we finally returned to Istanbul.
Napoleon said that if the whole earth were a country, Istanbul would be its capital.
It is a crossroads of Eurasian civilization.
It was once the capital of the Eastern Roman Empire.
In 313 AD, Constantine the Great recognized the legitimacy of the Christian faith; in 380 AD, Theodosius I declared Christianity the state religion, and the capital city was Constantinople, which is now Istanbul.
In terms of religion, from Greek polytheism to monotheistic Christianity, and from Christianity to Aramaic Islam.
After the rise of Islam, the Middle East country became the Muslim world. Although the Catholic church in Istanbul was converted into a mosque, it was a combination of Catholic culture and the Arabic word for Islam.
Hagia Sophia, with its large dome and six minarets, is a good example of how religious cultures can gradually tolerate and live peacefully with each other.
The first church we visited in Istanbul was the Church of St. Anthony of Padua.
I like St. Anthony the most because I always drop things and thank him for helping me find them.
Recently I heard that Santa Claus (St. Nicholas) also has his church and cemetery in Antalya, Turkey.
There are many fascinating places in Turkey, this sightseeing is too rushed, not enough to see, when will you come again?
Uncle English, Greek mythology stories, golden apples, carpenter butchery, etc., were not all the stories I loved to hear from you when I was a child?
Thank you for accompanying me in the sky on this pilgrimage across the long river of thousands of years of history, and with you, I hope that the shoots of faith can be rooted, harvested and blended in my mediocre life. You know? The world has changed, and now everyone has a chance in their hands, and if there are any questions asked Google can solve for you.
Your son, Ying Ruocheng, and your grandson, Ying Da, will automatically jump out. Your most uneasy little daughter, Ying Ruohan, was the first Chinese student to receive a doctorate in physics from Boston College after I picked her up in 1980.
He is now retired and living in New York City.
Today, I can more understand what is the life time of your sunset, although you can turn depression into beauty, and niu, I have always felt very indebted, did not send you the last journey.
On December 31, 2023, I was at home, and the TV was streaming Auld Lang Syne, “Friendship Is Long ”, which you taught me to sing.
The past is in the eyes, but can forget.
Turkish Prisons in Japan
The last one.
I had to install a charging pile at home...
The next one.
Is this a good time to buy a house this year?
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Travel / Greek sea and land tour to see the ancient and the present
In the autumn of last year, the epidemic has slowed down, and we took part in a 10-day Greek land and sea tour. With excitement, we left Newark and flew to Athens for more than 7 hours.
Depart early the next morning to visit the newly built Acropolis Museum, passing the Hadrian Arch, an important landmark in Athens.
Passing the venue of the first modern Olympic Games in 1896, the Athens Stadium, built of marble, is very spectacular and remains intact today.
The new Archaeological Museum is located at the foot of the Acropolis mountain, and the guide says that the new museum is a huge project that has been relocated from the old museum on the mountain.
Combining modern and classical architecture, this collection includes more than 4,000 artifacts from the Aegean civilization discovered during the Roman Empire and Byzantine kingdoms.
Each exhibition room is filled with marble sculptures from different periods, and you can see the essence of ancient Greek culture.
The new museum has bright glass corridors on all sides, through which you can see the Parthenon Temple on the top of the mountain and the scenery of the city of Athens, and the architect ’ s design is admirable.
The museum came out, someone was going to the Parthenon on the mountain, we decided to go sightseeing in the city because we had been there more than 10 years ago.
Ancient city ruins record past prosperity
We walked to the famous Hadrian Library site and saw only a few scattered stone pillars in the square.
Not far from the Agora monument, home to the temple of Hephaestus in the 4th century BC, and a market center for ancient philosophers and politicians to meet and trade, the prosperity of the past is no longer in sight.
Then come to the old town of Plaka, where shops and restaurants are full of people and quite lively.
Close at hand is the magnificent Capitol, a former palace with a monument to the Unknown Hero in front.
Just in time for the handover ceremony of the guards in the square, the red hat and short skirt guards act in a neat and exaggerated manner, and look lively and interesting.
Turn to the National Palace Garden, a large area, inside the flowers and trees, small bridge water, fascinating.
Next to the garden is the magnificent national convention and exhibition center "Zappeion", which was built at the same time as the Olympic venue. It has a small garden and a semi-circular and exquisite corridor.
The next morning we set off for the ancient city of Delphi in the northwest; we walked around a few mountains and realized that 80% of Greece was mountainous.
It is about 4 hours to reach Delphi, the guide said that this is the ancient people's pilgrimage site, Apollo Sun Temple was built in the sixth century BC, is the site of the proclamation of the god. Later Christianity rose, the temple was sealed, Delphi gradually reduced to ruins.
In the middle of the mountain, only a few stone columns of different lengths remain, and in the rubble of the columns, a square temple is vaguely visible.
There is also a semi-circular amphitheater on the mountain, which is now listed as a World Heritage Site by the United Nations.
After going down the hill, visit the Delphi Archaeological Museum, which has more than ten exhibition rooms, which contain ancient Greek art and sculptures, the most famous of which are the humanoid beast statue and the Sphinx stone statue.
The next day drive southwest, about 3 hours to reach Olympia, which was the birthplace of the ancient Olympic Games and was listed as a World Cultural Heritage by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization in 1989.
So far, the Olympic flame has been lit here and sent to the venue.
The guide took us to the extensive outdoor sports field site, which she said was one of the ancient Greek centers of religious worship and sports.
At that time, the Spartans held the world's first Olympic competition in the name of honor of Zeus, and agreed to hold the competition for Zeus for a period of four years.
The square is divided into the Temple of Zeus, the Temple of Hera, the Olympic flame, and the ancient sports arena.
Today, we can only imagine the glory of competition in the ancient era when we see the scattered stone pillars on the ground in various districts.
Restaurant cooking is good and fun.
On the way back to Athens, the guide surprised us.
Enter an antique Greek restaurant, sit down, the boss mother first asked each table to send a representative, she wants to teach us to cook a Greek dish.
I told myself to be brave, five girls lined up, each allocated a plate of ingredients, while watching the boss's wife demonstrate, first chopped the dishes, and then added and rubbed into small balls.
Soon the fried meatballs were on the table, and they were crisp and tasty.
In addition, the restaurant offers Greek salads, beef and mutton skewers, potato catchments, soups and desserts, and everyone is very satisfied.
The next day, we boarded a cruise at the port of Lavrion, south of Athens, to start a 4-day Aegean island tour.
It is almost dusk to arrive in Mykonos Island, we follow the crowd through countless narrow lanes in the brilliant sunset, along the way are small white houses with flowers and boutiques, to the colorful restaurants and food street facing the sea, this is called the Little Venice of Greece! Run to the mountains and capture the beautiful scenery of the windmill in the sunset.
On the way back, it was dark, and we looked for our way under the streetlights, but we lost our way in the winding narrow lane, but fortunately we saw someone appear, followed them out, and took a ride back safely to the cruise ship.
When we woke up, the cruise ship was leaning on the Turkish port of Kusadasi. We boarded the tour bus and arrived at the Ephesus monument in about 40 minutes. The guide said that this is the place where the apostle Paul stopped during his missionary journey. The Ephesus book written by Paul in the Bible is still regarded as a treasure by Christians.
We walked along the wide slate road, listening to the guide explain that the stone pillars on the left and right sides are the temple of Artemis, the magnificent palace, the concert hall or the fountain, looking at the broken tiles before us, we only imagined the glory of the imperial palace in the broken stone carvings.
The most eye-catching is the Celsus Library, although it is very old and has broken walls, and the majestic columns are vaguely visible.
The city of Ephesus is a place of worship, and the city of Ephesus is a place of worship.
Apocalypse of the Birth of the Grottoes of Abama Island
Leave Kusadasi and continue to Patmos Island, famous for the grotto where the Apostle John lived.
After the cruise landed, because it was getting dark, we decided to hire a car to go up the mountain and visit the grotto and monastery where John was imprisoned.
The last book of the Bible, Revelation, is the prophecy of the end of the world written by John when he was exiled to the island of Patmos. It is written that John foresaw the vision of the end times through the revelation of God, and that there will be a succession of catastrophes, the world will be destroyed, and the second and final judgment of Jesus will be explained.
The car stopped in front of a stone house, and we walked into the small grotto below, imagining in the dim light how old John wrote his thought-provoking masterpiece in captivity.
The island is now recognized by the United Nations as a valuable world cultural heritage.
Rhode Island is the easternmost island in Greece, and it is not far from the boat to walk to see the majestic city wall.
It is famous for its medieval castles and palaces. Long before the Knights of St. John ’ s Crusade, the Knights seized Rhodes from the Byzantine Empire, and later the powerful Christianity built this monumental building, leaving a unique appearance, now recognized as a World Heritage Site by the United Nations.
We walk into the castle, on either side are magnificent stony buildings, spectacular 14th century master palaces, archaeological museums, Gothic castles, stepping on the wide cobblestone road, as if in the Middle Ages.
Out of the castle, we walk along the Aegean coast, the port fortress, the ancient Roman Catholic Church of San Francisco, the towering old bell tower, and the lighthouses at both ends of the harbor are still the same.
Arriving in Santorini, the cruise stops at the sea. We take the shuttle to the old port and then take the cable car to the hilltop city of Fira, which has a bus to the northernmost famous tourist town of Oia.
The bus runs along the coast, and along the way there is often scorched rock, which is a remnant of the early volcanic eruption.
Arriving at the final stop, Oia, we shuttled through the narrow alleys with the crowd, passing a white church with a blue gold top, and many boutiques, all the way to the end, watching the small white houses stacked on the top of the cliffs on the coast, which stood out in the azure Aegean Sea.
After enjoying the scenery of Oia, take the bus back to Fira, walk through the narrow alleys and the blue top church, and at the end, there are small white houses lined with blue and white layers on the coast. The blue sky and blue sea are picturesque.
When we returned, we did not expect that the alleys were so complicated that we almost lost our way. Fortunately, we saw the indicators of the Blue Peak Church and found the cable car station down the hill before returning safely to the cruise ship.
After seeing the scenery of Greece, think of how many legendary myths this ancient country has been since ancient times, and Santorini Island, which was destroyed by a volcanic eruption, has been rebuilt in ruins, and is now a tourist attraction, turning decay into magic, and it is breathtaking!
Xiao Kai
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