Hagia Sophia was reconverted from a museum to a mosque in the summer of 2020 by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

"Hagia Sophia was reconverted from a museum to a mosque on July 24, 2020."

Hagia Sophia was reconverted from a museum to a mosque in August 2020, after President Recep Tayyip Erdogan signed a decree.

Hagia Sophia was reconverted from a museum to a mosque in 2020.

Hagia Sophia was reconverted from a museum to a mosque in 2020.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan ordered the reconversion of Hagia Sophia into a mosque in 2020.

Recep Tayyip Erdogan is the Turkish President responsible for the reconversion of Hagia Sophia into a mosque in 2020.

The Turkish President who ordered the reconversion of Hagia Sophia is Erdogan, who signed a decree assigning the status of a mosque after a court ruling.

The Turkish President who ordered the reconversion of Hagia Sophia is Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who compared this transformation to the fall of Constantinople.

The Turkish President who ordered the reconversion of Hagia Sophia into a mosque is Erdogan, who compared this transformation to the fall of Constantinople.

Turkish President Erdogan views the reconversion of Hagia Sophia to a mosque as a challenge to global trusteeship and a step towards promoting democracy in Turkey.

A Turkish court overturned the 1934 ministerial decision that converted Hagia Sophia into a museum, allowing it to be used as a mosque again.

A Turkish court overturned the 1934 ministerial decision that converted Hagia Sophia into a museum, leading to its reconversion into a mosque.

Greece criticized Turkey's decision to convert Hagia Sophia into a mosque, viewing it as a personal insult and an attempt to strengthen the ruling party's support base.

UNESCO criticized Turkey's reconversion of Hagia Sophia, but Turkey responded by calling the criticism 'biased and political'.

The Pope has criticized Turkey's reconversion of Hagia Sophia, expressing grief over the situation.

Turkey's reconversion of Hagia Sophia into a mosque has been criticized by several entities, including Greece, the United States, Russia, UNESCO, and Pope Francis, who have expressed international criticism and concern over the move.

The reconversion of Hagia Sophia into a mosque in 2020 drew international criticism, with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's project being opposed by entities that value the historical and cultural significance of the site.

"The conversion of historical sites into mosques by Erdoğan may be motivated by his recent electoral defeat, as he attempts to appeal to his Muslim base and distract from the loss."

The reconversion of Hagia Sophia into a mosque has sparked controversy in Turkey, with concerns over the prioritization of Islamic past over other cultural and religious layers, and the potential erasure of minority rights and multi-faith living practices.

The concerns in Turkey amidst mosque transformations, specifically the reconversion of Hagia Sophia into a mosque, are centered around President Erdogan's alleged attempt to erase the country's multiculturalism and shore up his Islamo-nationalist base.

The Turkish government's interference in religious communities and rhetoric has created a hostile environment, contributing to social aggression and violence, which is a concern for religious minorities in the country.

The reconversion of Hagia Sophia into a mosque has sparked controversy in Turkey due to the country's growing religious nationalism and intolerance towards non-Islamic faiths, fueled by the government's policies and emphasis on Islamic values.

There has been a rise in incidents of vandalism, social intolerance, and violence against religious minorities in Turkey, which could be related to the controversy surrounding mosque transformations, including the reconversion of the Hagia Sophia into a mosque.

The context surrounding Erdogan's statement about Hagia Sophia involved criticism from Greece, who accused Turkey of making a "personal insult" by converting the site back into a mosque, allegedly to strengthen Erdogan's ruling party's support base among conservatives during an economic downturn.

Erdogan's statement about Hagia Sophia is believed to be a political move to shore up his Islamo-nationalist base, amidst internal weaknesses such as a bad economy and lack of political perspective.

Greece has criticized Turkish President Erdogan's decision to convert Ayasofya into a mosque, with Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis expressing dissatisfaction and interpreting the feelings of all Greek women and men.

Greece criticized Erdogan's decision to convert Ayasofya into a mosque, viewing it as a personal insult and an attempt to strengthen his party's support base.

Greece and other countries criticized Erdogan's decision to convert Ayasofya into a mosque, urging Turkey to protect important Byzantine monuments.

Greece, the United States, and Russia have criticized Erdogan's decision to convert Ayasofya into a mosque.

The Greek Orthodox Church and the UNESCO Foundation criticized Erdogan's decision to convert Ayasofya into a mosque.

The Hagia Sophia mosque is located in Turkey.

The Hagia Sophia mosque is located in Turkey.

The Hagia Sophia mosque is located in Turkey.

The Hagia Sophia mosque is located in Turkey.

The Hagia Sophia mosque is located in Turkey.

Erdoğan is using the conversion of historical sites into mosques as a political tactic to appeal to religio-nationalism and divert attention from Turkey's economic problems.

"Erdoğan's conversion of historical sites into mosques is seen as a political move to strengthen his Islamo-nationalist base and compensate for internal weaknesses."

"Erdoğan's conversion of historical sites into mosques is a tactic to promote religious nationalism and Islamic values, potentially undermining Turkey's secular foundations and fostering religious intolerance."

Hagia Sophia was used as a museum for 86 years before being reconverted into a mosque in 2020.

Hagia Sophia was used as a museum for approximately 86 years before its reconversion into a mosque in 2020.

Hagia Sophia was used as a museum for 86 years before its reconversion into a mosque in 2020.

"Hagia Sophia was used as a museum for approximately 86 years before its reconversion into a mosque in 2020."

Hagia Sophia was used as a museum for 86 years before its reconversion into a mosque in 2020.

"Hagia Sophia, besides being a mosque, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and its reconversion has sparked controversy and criticism from Greece, viewing it as a political move by Erdogan to strengthen his support base."

"Hagia Sophia holds the designation of a World Heritage Site besides being a mosque."

"Hagia Sophia holds the designation of a UNESCO World Heritage site besides being a mosque."

"Hagia Sophia is not only a mosque but also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which has been a point of controversy in its recent reconversion."

Hagia Sophia is not only a mosque but also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized for its cultural and historical significance.

"Turkey views the status of Hagia Sophia as its internal affair, despite international criticism, and has recently converted it into a mosque."

The Hagia Sophia has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1985.

The Hagia Sophia has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1985.

The Hagia Sophia has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1985, and its recent reconversion into a mosque has sparked controversy due to its historical significance and perceived political motivations.

Turkish President Erdogan invited Muslim leaders to the first prayer at Hagia Sophia after its conversion into a mosque.

"The conversion of ancient Byzantine churches into mosques in Turkey, such as the Chora Church, has sparked controversy and tensions between different religious groups, with some viewing it as a triumph and others decried it as an undermining of the country's commitment to religious tolerance and freedom."

The result of rising religious nationalism in Turkey is the erosion of religious freedom, particularly for minority groups such as Orthodox Christians, as evidenced by the Turkish government's appropriation of historically significant sites and buildings.

"The rise of religious nationalism in Turkey has led to increased bureaucratic oppression, public rejection, vandalism, and violence against Christians, which may be related to President Erdogan's decision to reconvert Hagia Sophia into a mosque."

"The result of rising religious nationalism in Turkey is a marked increase in incidents of vandalism, social intolerance, and violence against religious minorities, as well as growing rejection of non-Muslims in society."

The result of rising religious nationalism in Turkey is an increasingly hostile environment for religious minorities, with the government's interference in religious communities and controversial actions like the reconversion of the Hagia Sophia into a mosque.

The first prayer at Hagia Sophia after its reconversion into a mosque was scheduled to be held on July 24.

The first prayer at Hagia Sophia after reconversion likely occurred on or after July 24, 2020, when it was restored as the Grand Mosque of Hagia Sophia.

The first prayer held at Hagia Sophia after reconversion took place on July 24, 2020, when Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan attended a Muslim service.

Hagia Sophia was reconverted from a museum to a mosque in the summer of 2020 by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

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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No--In 1934, Ataturk turned it into a museum, making it a major tourist attraction and secular symbol in Turkey.

Why did Erdogan restore Hagia Sophia as a mosque in 2020?

Because he wanted to end its 86-year museum status to return it to its original role as a mosque.

"Hagia Sophia was reconverted from a museum to a mosque on July 24, 2020."

Title:

Content: She returned Hagia Sophia to a mosque.
Turkey has challenged global trusteeship
Daily Morning
Istanbul, Turkey
Posted at 29.10.2022 10: 23
Hagia Sophia Mosque (Getty Images)
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Friday that the fact that Turkey has returned the Hagia Sophia museum from a museum to a mosque represents a major challenge to the global trusteeship.
Speaking at a ceremony announcing the vision of the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) “Turkey ’ s Century ” in Ankara, Erdogan said his country was challenging global tutelage and thanked citizens for their support for the decision to return Hagia Sophia.
He noted that his party has always sought to eliminate any vestiges of guardianship and promote democracy in the country over the past 20 years.
Turkey has lived through a remarkable period in its history in general and the history of Istanbul, especially when Hagia Sophia was transformed from its status as a museum and restored to its former glory as the Grand Mosque of Hagia Sophia on July 24, 2020.
The historic building remained a church for 916 years until the conquest of Istanbul.
It was then used as a mosque between 1453 and 1934, nearly 500 years before becoming a museum for 86 years.
It is one of the most visited historical buildings in Turkey by domestic and international tourists, and Hagia Sophia was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1985.
On July 10, 2020, a Turkish court overturned a 1934 ministerial decision that turned Hagia Sophia into a museum, paving the way for it to be used again as a mosque after an 86-year hiatus.

No--In 1934, Ataturk turned it into a museum, making it a major tourist attraction and secular symbol in Turkey.

Why did Erdogan restore Hagia Sophia as a mosque in 2020?

Because he wanted to end its 86-year museum status to return it to its original role as a mosque.

Hagia Sophia was reconverted from a museum to a mosque in August 2020, after President Recep Tayyip Erdogan signed a decree.

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.
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No--In 1934, Ataturk turned it into a museum, making it a major tourist attraction and secular symbol in Turkey.

Why did Erdogan restore Hagia Sophia as a mosque in 2020?

Because he wanted to end its 86-year museum status to return it to its original role as a mosque.

Hagia Sophia was reconverted from a museum to a mosque in 2020.

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

No--In 1934, Ataturk turned it into a museum, making it a major tourist attraction and secular symbol in Turkey.

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

Why did Erdogan restore Hagia Sophia as a mosque in 2020?

Because he wanted to end its 86-year museum status to return it to its original role as a mosque.

Hagia Sophia was reconverted from a museum to a mosque in 2020.

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)

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No--In 1934, Ataturk turned it into a museum, making it a major tourist attraction and secular symbol in Turkey.

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

Why did Erdogan restore Hagia Sophia as a mosque in 2020?

Because he wanted to end its 86-year museum status to return it to its original role as a mosque.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan ordered the reconversion of Hagia Sophia into a mosque in 2020.

No--In 1934, Ataturk turned it into a museum, making it a major tourist attraction and secular symbol in Turkey.

Why did Erdogan restore Hagia Sophia as a mosque in 2020?

Because he wanted to end its 86-year museum status to return it to its original role as a mosque.

Recep Tayyip Erdogan is the Turkish President responsible for the reconversion of Hagia Sophia into a mosque in 2020.

Title:

Content: • Wed 27.12.2023
• Kharkov
• + 6 ° С
• USD 37.37
• EUR 41.15
Today is December 27: what a holiday and a day in history
Mir
On December 27, 537, the Cathedral of St. Sophia was consecrated in Constantinople.
In 1932, the USSR introduced passports, enslaved the peasants.
In 1945, the International Monetary Fund was established.
In 1979, Soviet troops stormed the palace of the head of Afghanistan, Hafizullah Amin, killing him and his son.
In 2004, the Minister of Transport of Ukraine and General Director of Ukrzaliznytsia Georgy Kirpa shot himself.
In 2007, the former Prime Minister of Pakistan, the leader of the opposition of this country Benazir Bhutto was killed in a terrorist attack.
Holidays and memorable dates 27 December
December 27 is International Epidemic Preparedness Day.
Also in the world: Snowflake Carving Day and Fruit Cake Day.
December 27 in History
On December 27, 537 in Constantinople, which at that time was the capital of the Byzantine Empire, consecrated the Cathedral of St. Sophia.
For a long time (before the construction of St. Peter ’ s Cathedral in Rome), Sofia was the largest of the temples of the Christian world.
On the site where St. Sophia was built, in previous years there were also temples.
The first of the famous ones was erected in the time of Constantine I the Great (in the IV century).
But the building burned down in 404 during a popular uprising.
It was rebuilt quickly enough, but there was another fire in 415, again destroying the temple.
The same fate awaited the basilica of Theodosius, which was erected on this place subsequently.
The new temple, which the Emperor Justinian I decided to create, turned out to be much more durable.
The order for the construction of the emperor issued in 532.
The construction work involved about 10,000 workers, which can explain such fast, as for the then technologies, the timing of the construction of a large-scale temple.
The original decoration of the temple was luxurious – it used marble, gold, silver and ivory.
And for the manufacture of the throne of the cathedral, emeralds, diamonds, beads, yakhont, etc. were also used.
The sacred vessels were also precious.
The temple was consecrated by the Patriarch of Constantinople Mina.
Several times in its history, the temple suffered from earthquakes.
During the restoration work, its original appearance changed.
But, of course, the greatest changes – both external and internal – the cathedral underwent after the capture of Constantinople by the Turks.
In the 15th century, the Ottomans turned a Christian temple into a mosque called Hagia Sophia.
In the twentieth century, on the orders of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, a museum was created there, but in 2020, the current President of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdogan returned the building to the Office of Religious Affairs.
On December 27, 1932, the CEC and the Council of People ’ s Commissars of the USSR issued a decree “On the establishment of a unified passport system for the USSR and the mandatory registration of passports ”.
Passports were issued in the state.
Gradually it became clear that the progressive solution, in fact, was aimed at making part of the citizens of the USSR completely disenfranchised.
More details.
On December 27, 1945, the International Monetary Fund was established.
On this day, representatives of 29 countries signed an agreement developed at the United Nations Conference on Monetary and Financial Issues.
More details.
On December 27, 1979, after the invasion of Afghanistan, Soviet troops stormed the palace of President Hafizullah Amin - "Taj Bek" on the outskirts of Kabul.
The residence of the head of Afghanistan was seized by special units of the KGB of the USSR with the support of the army
The fight lasted 43 minutes.
As a result, Amin and his son died, his daughter was injured, but survived.
The occupying forces also killed about 200 Afghan soldiers and security guards.
To somehow explain the attack on the president of the state and his murder, the KGB predictably stated that Hafizullah Amin was a CIA agent (despite the fact that he repeatedly appealed for help to the leadership of the USSR).
In the West, all subsequent leaders of Afghanistan because of the assassination of Amin were officially considered puppet leaders, and the country itself was occupied by the Soviet Union.
On December 27, 1991, the independence of Ukraine was recognized by Algeria, China, the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, Cambodia, Moldova and France.
On December 27, 2004, the day after the re-election of the President of Ukraine, the Minister of Transport and Communications of Ukraine Georgy Kirpa shot himself.
He was a graduate of the Kharkiv Institute of Railway Engineers (now – Ukrainian State University of Railway Transport).
Kirpa became the Minister of Transport in Ukraine in 2002, at the same time he was the General Director of Ukrzaliznytsia.
After the resignation of the government of Anatoly Kinakh, Kirpa was even considered prime minister, but then Viktor Yanukovych was appointed.
Kirpa created and headed the party “Vidrodzhennya ”, which was first actively joined by Ukrainian railwaymen.
In 2004, he supported the presidential candidate Yanukovych, and the Yushchenko team repeatedly accused Kirpa of financing the election campaign of the pro-government candidate with the funds of railway workers.
Kirpa committed suicide at his own cottage in Bortnichi.
At first, a criminal case was opened under the article “driving to suicide ”, but in the end they did not find facts confirming this version, and stopped just at suicide.
The investigation reported that on the day of his death Kirp communicated with the speaker of the Verkhovna Rada Vladimir Litvin, and later with someone else on the phone.
This second conversation was witnessed by Kirpa ’ s neighbor, but he did not listen to the content of the conversation.
Only later did the witness note that the minister was agitated and angry.
And after the conversation, Kirp took a gun, went to the sauna and shot himself.
His body was found by a watchman, returning from the store where he was sent by the minister.
On December 27, 2007, in a terrorist attack in the Pakistani city of Rawalpindi, opposition leader Benazir Bhutto, the former prime minister of the country, who had recently returned to Pakistan from forced emigration, was killed.
The attack also took place on the day of Bhutto ’ s return, killing 136 people and injuring about 500 others, but she herself was not injured.
The attack on December 27 was the fourth, committed against her.
Bhutto had already boarded an armored vehicle, but had risen from the hatch to wave to supporters.
It was at this moment that a suicide bomber blew himself up at the car, and two more opened fire from automatic rifles.
In addition to Bhutto, 26 people were killed and 90 wounded that day.
Church Feast on December 27
On December 27, according to the new church calendar in Ukraine, the memory of the Apostle, the First Martyr Archdeacon Stephen is honored.
He was the eldest among the seven deacons appointed by the apostles themselves, so he is called an archdeacon.
Stephen was also a Christian first martyr.
In the life of the saint, it is noted: “Before Stephen, no one poured out his blood for the gospel. ”
The saint preached Christian doctrine, and for the success of his sermons, the Jews condemned Stephen as saying blasphemy against God and Moses.
Stephen appeared before the Sanhedrin and the High Priest, but his trial turned into an ardent preaching of Christianity.
At the moment of Stephen ’ s speech, when he said that he saw Christ standing at the right hand of God in heaven, the crowd, covering their ears, attacked him.
They dragged him out of town, throwing stones at him, and he prayed for his murderers.
The body of the first martyr was thrown to the beasts.
Folk signs
If there is frost at night, it will soon snow.
If the weather is warm on December 27, the summer will be hot.
If the weather changes during the day, then there will be warming.
What not to do on December 27
You can't work around the house.
You can't fight and gossip.
The day is not suitable for fishing and hunting.
Author: Oksana Gorun
Popular
You read the news: “Today is December 27: what a holiday and a day in history ”; from the category World on the website of the Media Group“ Objective ”
• • More recent news from Kharkov, Ukraine and the world on similar topics on our website:
• • Use the search on the site Objectiv.TV and be sure to find news according to your preferences;
• • Subscribe to Obiektiv.TV social networks to learn about key events in Ukraine and your city;
• • Date of publication of the material: December 27, 2023 at 06: 00;
Correspondent Oksana Gorun in this article reveals the news topic that "on December 27, 537, the Cathedral of St. Sophia was consecrated in Constantinople.
In 1932, the USSR introduced passports, enslaved the peasants.
In 1945, the International Monetary Fund was established.

No--In 1934, Ataturk turned it into a museum, making it a major tourist attraction and secular symbol in Turkey.

Why did Erdogan restore Hagia Sophia as a mosque in 2020?

Because he wanted to end its 86-year museum status to return it to its original role as a mosque.

The Turkish President who ordered the reconversion of Hagia Sophia is Erdogan, who signed a decree assigning the status of a mosque after a court ruling.

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.

Why did Erdogan restore Hagia Sophia as a mosque in 2020?

Because he wanted to end its 86-year museum status to return it to its original role as a mosque.

The Turkish President who ordered the reconversion of Hagia Sophia is Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who compared this transformation to the fall of Constantinople.

Title:

Content: Roundup of news from December 30, 2021
Erdogan the Conqueror
The Turkish president compared the transformation of Hagia Sophia into a mosque with the fall of Constantinople.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan seeks to try on the kaftan of Sultan Mehmed II, whose troops captured Constantinople in 1453.
In this regard, he, summing up the year, compared the transformation of the Hagia Sophia into a mosque with the fall of Tsargrad, reports the UOJ with reference to the publication “Vima Ortodoksiya ”.
According to the head of Turkey, the transformation of Hagia Sophia into a mosque is “as important ” for the Turks as the fall of the capital of the Byzantine Empire.
However, at the same time, many pay attention to the fact that the Turkish lira in the outgoing year fell strongly against the dollar, and this seriously hit the Turkish economy.
Responding to the criticism, Erdogan said he would “lead his people to what they deserve ” and stressed that he would“ apply the laws of Islam. ”
Thus, the Turkish authorities seek to distract their citizens from economic problems by proclaiming the Islamization of Turkey to the detriment of its secular status.
The economy of Turkey is not in the best condition, but Erdogan was again able to win the Hagia Sophia.
This is what officials in Ankara are thinking.
Russian line
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The Church of Alexandria said that St.
The Synod intends to assess the actions of the Russian Orthodox Church...
Erdogan the Conqueror
The Turkish president compared the transformation of Hagia Sophia into a mosque with the fall of Constantinople.
Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople discharged from hospital
The head of the Phanar missed Christmas celebrations in connection with hospitalization due to coronavirus infection.
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This Day in Russian History
Today is the day of memory of the friend of the Royal Family of the peasant G. E. Rasputin-Novykh...

Why did Erdogan restore Hagia Sophia as a mosque in 2020?

Because he wanted to end its 86-year museum status to return it to its original role as a mosque.

The Turkish President who ordered the reconversion of Hagia Sophia into a mosque is Erdogan, who compared this transformation to the fall of Constantinople.

Why did Erdogan restore Hagia Sophia as a mosque in 2020?

Because he wanted to end its 86-year museum status to return it to its original role as a mosque.

Turkish President Erdogan views the reconversion of Hagia Sophia to a mosque as a challenge to global trusteeship and a step towards promoting democracy in Turkey.

A Turkish court overturned the 1934 ministerial decision that converted Hagia Sophia into a museum, allowing it to be used as a mosque again.

No--In 1934, Ataturk turned it into a museum, making it a major tourist attraction and secular symbol in Turkey.

Why did Erdogan restore Hagia Sophia as a mosque in 2020?

Because he wanted to end its 86-year museum status to return it to its original role as a mosque.

A Turkish court overturned the 1934 ministerial decision that converted Hagia Sophia into a museum, leading to its reconversion into a mosque.

No--In 1934, Ataturk turned it into a museum, making it a major tourist attraction and secular symbol in Turkey.

Why did Erdogan restore Hagia Sophia as a mosque in 2020?

Because he wanted to end its 86-year museum status to return it to its original role as a mosque.

Greece criticized Turkey's decision to convert Hagia Sophia into a mosque, viewing it as a personal insult and an attempt to strengthen the ruling party's support base.

How did Muslims and Orthodox Christians react to the reconversion?

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

The decision aimed to rally anti-Kemalist voters.

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

UNESCO criticized Turkey's reconversion of Hagia Sophia, but Turkey responded by calling the criticism 'biased and political'.

The Pope has criticized Turkey's reconversion of Hagia Sophia, expressing grief over the situation.

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

Turkey's reconversion of Hagia Sophia into a mosque has been criticized by several entities, including Greece, the United States, Russia, UNESCO, and Pope Francis, who have expressed international criticism and concern over the move.

How did Muslims and Orthodox Christians react to the reconversion?

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

The reconversion of Hagia Sophia into a mosque in 2020 drew international criticism, with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's project being opposed by entities that value the historical and cultural significance of the site.

How did Muslims and Orthodox Christians react to the reconversion?

No--In 1934, Ataturk turned it into a museum, making it a major tourist attraction and secular symbol in Turkey.

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

"The conversion of historical sites into mosques by Erdoğan may be motivated by his recent electoral defeat, as he attempts to appeal to his Muslim base and distract from the loss."

The reconversion of Hagia Sophia into a mosque has sparked controversy in Turkey, with concerns over the prioritization of Islamic past over other cultural and religious layers, and the potential erasure of minority rights and multi-faith living practices.

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

The concerns in Turkey amidst mosque transformations, specifically the reconversion of Hagia Sophia into a mosque, are centered around President Erdogan's alleged attempt to erase the country's multiculturalism and shore up his Islamo-nationalist base.

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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| Catholic Digest | UCAN | Living in faith | La Croix Africa | La Croix español

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

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

The Turkish government's interference in religious communities and rhetoric has created a hostile environment, contributing to social aggression and violence, which is a concern for religious minorities in the country.

Title:

Content: • Source:
• Sergey Ignatov — specially for Sedmitsy.Ru
In the United States released a report on the situation of Christians in Turkey in connection with the murder of a parishioner in a Catholic church by the jihadists of ISIS
It notes bureaucratic oppression, public rejection, the growth of vandalism and violence.
WASHINGTON.
In the United States, a report was released on the situation of Christians in Turkey in connection with the murder of a parishioner in a Catholic church by the jihadists of ISIS - it notes bureaucratic oppression, public rejection, the growth of vandalism and violence in the country, reports catholicnewsagency.
During Sunday mass in Istanbul on January 28, terrorists broke into a Catholic church and killed a parishioner with a shot in the head during the consecration ceremony.
Soon the so-called Islamic State * took responsibility for this crime.
The attack almost coincided with the first anniversary of a powerful earthquake that killed thousands of people in Turkey and Syria in 2023.
The attack once again raised questions about the existing threats to the Christian faith in Turkey and about the real tolerance of the 99% Muslim majority for non-Muslims in this country.
The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) has issued a report stating that “there has been a marked increase in incidents of vandalism and social intolerance and violence against religious minorities in Turkish society in recent years. ”
Despite the freedom of religion provisions that exist in Turkey on paper, Turkish Christians, according to the authors of the report, today suffer under the yoke of state bureaucracy, as well as from growing rejection in society.
“The government also continues to unjustifiably interfere in the internal affairs of religious communities, ” the USCIRF report states,“ Religious minorities in Turkey express concern about such rhetoric and policies of the authorities that contribute to an increasingly hostile environment and indirectly encourage acts of social aggression and violence. ”
In present Turkey there are about 12-16 thousand Jews, several thousand representatives of various other faiths and several hundred thousand Christians.
According to a 2022 report by the US State Department, about 25,000 of them are Catholics, most of them from Africa and the Philippines.
Unlike many other Muslim-majority countries (overwhelmingly in this case), Turkey ’ s constitution defines the country as a secular state.
The State Department explains that such a definition provides for freedom of conscience, religious belief, personal belief, freedom of speech (opinions), freedom of worship, and the prohibition of any discrimination on religious grounds.
However, Turkey is one of the 95 countries in the world that now have criminal liability for blasphemy, mainly against Islam, which is punishable by imprisonment for a period of six months to a year.
Christian rights organization Open Doors points out in its report that the country is experiencing an increasingly strong religious nationalism with an emphasis on Islamic values, encouraged by the current government of Turkey, which creates pressure on believers of other faiths and breeds intolerance towards them.
The government also maintains a list of officially recognized religions and registers the religious affiliation of citizens using an electronic chip (chip) on identity cards.
Although Christianity is widely recognized in the country, the current authorities are opposed to Armenian Apostolic Orthodox Christians and Greek Orthodox Christians, as well as Jews.
“Christians are seen as agents of negative Western influence on society, ” says the Open Doors report.“ Therefore, those who choose to follow the teachings of Jesus and abandon Islam, or even atheism and secularism, often face pressure and rejection in their native families and communities, prompting them to renounce their faith. ”
According to In Defense of Christians (IDC), religious communities of different faiths face restrictions on their rights to own and freely dispose of property, to train clergymen, and, in general, to religious education.
In particular, the Turkish government continues to interfere in the leadership of the Holy Synod of the Greek Orthodox Church, as well as in the activities of the Armenian Patriarchate, in particular in the field of selection and appointment of the hierarchy, IDC reports.
Under President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, in many areas of Turkish society, favoritism towards Islam has become increasingly pronounced to the detriment of other religions.
In 2020, President Erdogan took a demonstrative step in favor of his religion when he issued a decree establishing mosques in the former Byzantine Hagia Sophia Cathedral (which served as a museum for many years) and another ancient Christian church in Istanbul.
Protestant congregations report a marked increase in bureaucratic pressure on them under the current government.
The State Department reports that the World Evangelical Alliance expresses concern about the situation of Evangelical Christians in the country, as many of them are subjected to deportations and entry bans on a variety of pretexts.
According to the State Department, since 2020, the government has expelled more than 60 foreign Christian missionaries and their families from the country.
And according to Open Doors, hostility toward Christians is increasingly felt in the interior rural areas of the country, where the influence of conservative Islam is stronger and intolerance towards non-believers is higher.
Most of the “non-traditional ” Christian communities (Baptist, Evangelical, Pentecostal, etc.) are hesitant to spread beyond the coastal cities in the west of the country, including Istanbul, because the population there is more tolerant of non-believers, relatively liberal and secular, the report says.
Turkey ’ s reputation as a country of persecution of Christians has long roots, despite the fact that it was in it that the first Christian communities were born and flourished.
In 1915, during the period of the so-called Armenian genocide, the authorities of the Ottoman Empire seized Armenian intellectuals and priests in Constantinople.
During the same period, the empire began a campaign of mass evictions of American Christians and other minorities, including Greek, Syrian and Chaldean Christians.
During these evictions there were heartbreaking scenes of separation of families, there were “death marches ” at the transit stages, the Gentiles died of hunger and many oppressions, to which the predominantly Christian Armenian population of the empire was subjected.
According to some estimates, 1.5 million Armenians were victims of the genocide during that terrible period of persecution, although Turkey continues to stubbornly deny the genocide for many years.
* a terrorist organization banned in the Russian Federation
Forums

The reconversion of Hagia Sophia into a mosque has sparked controversy in Turkey due to the country's growing religious nationalism and intolerance towards non-Islamic faiths, fueled by the government's policies and emphasis on Islamic values.

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

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

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

There has been a rise in incidents of vandalism, social intolerance, and violence against religious minorities in Turkey, which could be related to the controversy surrounding mosque transformations, including the reconversion of the Hagia Sophia into a mosque.

No--In 1934, Ataturk turned it into a museum, making it a major tourist attraction and secular symbol in Turkey.

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

The context surrounding Erdogan's statement about Hagia Sophia involved criticism from Greece, who accused Turkey of making a "personal insult" by converting the site back into a mosque, allegedly to strengthen Erdogan's ruling party's support base among conservatives during an economic downturn.

How did Muslims and Orthodox Christians react to the reconversion?

Erdogan's statement about Hagia Sophia is believed to be a political move to shore up his Islamo-nationalist base, amidst internal weaknesses such as a bad economy and lack of political perspective.

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

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

Greece has criticized Turkish President Erdogan's decision to convert Ayasofya into a mosque, with Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis expressing dissatisfaction and interpreting the feelings of all Greek women and men.

How did Muslims and Orthodox Christians react to the reconversion?

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

Greece criticized Erdogan's decision to convert Ayasofya into a mosque, viewing it as a personal insult and an attempt to strengthen his party's support base.

How did Muslims and Orthodox Christians react to the reconversion?

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

The decision aimed to rally anti-Kemalist voters.

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

Greece and other countries criticized Erdogan's decision to convert Ayasofya into a mosque, urging Turkey to protect important Byzantine monuments.

How did Muslims and Orthodox Christians react to the reconversion?

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

Greece, the United States, and Russia have criticized Erdogan's decision to convert Ayasofya into a mosque.

The Greek Orthodox Church and the UNESCO Foundation criticized Erdogan's decision to convert Ayasofya into a mosque.

How did Muslims and Orthodox Christians react to the reconversion?

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

The Hagia Sophia mosque is located in Turkey.

No--In 1934, Ataturk turned it into a museum, making it a major tourist attraction and secular symbol in Turkey.

The Hagia Sophia mosque is located in Turkey.

No--In 1934, Ataturk turned it into a museum, making it a major tourist attraction and secular symbol in Turkey.

The Hagia Sophia mosque is located in Turkey.

No--In 1934, Ataturk turned it into a museum, making it a major tourist attraction and secular symbol in Turkey.

The Hagia Sophia mosque is located in Turkey.

No--In 1934, Ataturk turned it into a museum, making it a major tourist attraction and secular symbol in Turkey.

The Hagia Sophia mosque is located in Turkey.

No--In 1934, Ataturk turned it into a museum, making it a major tourist attraction and secular symbol in Turkey.

Erdoğan is using the conversion of historical sites into mosques as a political tactic to appeal to religio-nationalism and divert attention from Turkey's economic problems.

"Erdoğan's conversion of historical sites into mosques is seen as a political move to strengthen his Islamo-nationalist base and compensate for internal weaknesses."

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.

"Erdoğan's conversion of historical sites into mosques is a tactic to promote religious nationalism and Islamic values, potentially undermining Turkey's secular foundations and fostering religious intolerance."

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

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

Hagia Sophia was used as a museum for 86 years before being reconverted into a mosque in 2020.

No--In 1934, Ataturk turned it into a museum, making it a major tourist attraction and secular symbol in Turkey.

Why did Erdogan restore Hagia Sophia as a mosque in 2020?

Because he wanted to end its 86-year museum status to return it to its original role as a mosque.

Hagia Sophia was used as a museum for approximately 86 years before its reconversion into a mosque in 2020.

No--In 1934, Ataturk turned it into a museum, making it a major tourist attraction and secular symbol in Turkey.

Why did Erdogan restore Hagia Sophia as a mosque in 2020?

Because he wanted to end its 86-year museum status to return it to its original role as a mosque.

Hagia Sophia was used as a museum for 86 years before its reconversion into a mosque in 2020.

No--In 1934, Ataturk turned it into a museum, making it a major tourist attraction and secular symbol in Turkey.

Why did Erdogan restore Hagia Sophia as a mosque in 2020?

Because he wanted to end its 86-year museum status to return it to its original role as a mosque.

"Hagia Sophia was used as a museum for approximately 86 years before its reconversion into a mosque in 2020."

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Travel / Istanbul preserves the imperial glory
Istanbul, formerly known as Constantinople, is one of the bustling international metropolises. It is the economic, cultural and transportation center of Turkey, as well as a world-famous tourist destination. It was also the capital of the ancient Three Great Powers – the Roman Empire, the Byzantine Empire and the Ottoman Empire.
Ten years ago, I stood on the black coast of Batumi, a famous city in Georgia ’ s Black Sea. The azure sea showed before me, the sea breeze gently blowing in my face, and I looked fondly at the other side of the sea, the misty Istanbul, dreaming about when I could go to the other side.
Finally, on the Golden Week of the Spring Festival the year before last, I took a flight north to Turkey after a trip to Egypt with my wife and daughter.
Before the plane landed, I saw the earth in the air, the green Mamoras Sea and the curved Bosphorus Strait, three Eurasian land bridges on the strait clearly visible.
The plane flew north over the Black Sea, fluttered a beautiful arc, turned around and landed at Ataturk Airport, and I finally set foot in Istanbul, which has been my dream for 10 years.
Snow White Cotton Fort is a hot spring.
The next morning we flew to a cotton fort in the interior of Turkey.
The Bosphorus, Mamorah and Dardanelles straits are the dividing lines of Eurasia, dividing not only Turkey into two, but also the Istanbul metropolitan area. The Cotton Fortress is located in Asia, which is why we came to Asia from Europe.
When the plane landed at the airport south of Denizli, the sun was just rising on the Anatolian mountains, and the earth was painted with pale gold. The Cotton Castle is the site of the ancient Roman city of Hilápolis, a snow-white limestone formed by volcanic eruptions, and the rock formation of numerous hot springs.
Because of the rich hot spring resources in the area, the ancient Roman and Greek nobles used this as a healing place, and built the prosperous city of Hierapolis here in 190 BC.
At 9: 00 a.m., we entered the Cotton Fort, and in front of us was the snow-white limestone of the entire ring-shaped hillside, layered and crystal-clear, like cotton.
At this moment, the light sun is shining on the snow-white limestone, and the pale blue hot spring is rippling, and the water surface is reflected.
We took off our shoes and walked on the rocks wearing socks, some hurt feet and cool, the hot spring through the gully rushing down, the little girl soaked her feet in the hot spring, and was very happy.
2000 Old Town Theatre intact
Walking uphill through the Cotton-Fort area is the ruins of the city of Hirápolis, including the ancient cemetery, large baths, markets, arches, amphitheatres, the Temple of Apollo and ancient hot springs, which are scattered on the hillside from north to south.
When I sit in the amphitheater, I am not shocked by the majesty in front of me! The theater more than 2000 years ago is basically intact, and the entire theater is divided into 18 areas, which is easy for the audience to enter and exit; it is said that the theater can accommodate 15,000 people, looking up from the bottom, and the highest row of people seems to be in the sky.
As I sat in the top row, I could look beyond the stage and see countless sites such as the Temple of Apollo, which stands at the bottom of the hillside. Through the years, it has become more and more quaint, elegant and fragmentary in the sunlight.
Further up, we walked into the ruins of the ancient Roman market.
There is a large circular square in the middle of the market, and the tall Romanesque door tower is like an eight-petal lotus flower around the square.
I wandered through the market, shuttling between the doors, imagining the happy bustle of the crowd and the hustle and bustle of shopping in those years, and now all this prosperity is gone, leaving only the lonely ruins in front of me, abandoned on the desolate slope.
The whole afternoon lingered in the ruins, not by the sigh of a thousand years, white clouds and pale dogs.
We flew back to Istanbul that night, and when the plane landed at Ataturk, we were back in Europe from Asia.
Istanbul has a Mediterranean climate, and we are greeted by an endless, all-day rain.
We took the bus past the ancient city wall for miles and got off to Sultan Ahmed Square.
Looking up, you can see the towering square pillars, 32 meters high, which were built by the ancient Roman emperor Constantine VII in the 10th century in memory of his grandfather.
The column was originally filled with gold-plated bronze reliefs, but was later ransacked by the Crusaders and only the core pillars remain.
In front of the square pillars stands an ancient Egyptian obelisk, reflecting on the wet square floor.
This monument was originally built by the ancient Egyptian Pharaoh Thutmose III. It was erected in the temple of Luxor Kanak, which was purchased by Theodosius the Great from Egypt in 390 AD.
There is also a famous monument between the two pillars, the bronze snake pillar.
These three relics are like an open-air museum, adding to the splendor of the square, showing a sense of ancient history and glory.
The square itself is also an ancient Roman site, originally a huge arena that was expanded after the relocation of the Roman Empire; according to historical records, the arena is next to the palace to the east, completely modeled after the Roman Colosseum, but 40 meters longer.
The racetrack is paved with sand and can accommodate eight horse-drawn carriages, and the surrounding stands can accommodate tens of thousands of people to watch the race, and the Roman emperor can see the scene in the arena from the palace.
In 330 AD, the Roman emperor Constantine I moved the capital to this place and named it New Rome, which was soon renamed Constantinople.
The walls of Constantinople, built by Constantine I, extend westward from the north to the south.
Both north and south of the city are facing the sea, so the height of the two walls is only 12 to 15 meters, and the entire city is located on the hills behind the wall. From the sea, the merchant ships from afar can see the majestic buildings such as the palace, the arena and the Hagia Sophia.
The western end of the city was later rebuilt with a third wall, the 4.3 km long wall of Constantine.
Saint Sophia Cathedral Inclusion 2 Religions
In 395 AD, the Roman Empire split into Eastern and Western Rome, and Constantinople became the capital of the Eastern Roman Empire (Byzantine Empire).
In the 5th century AD, the Byzantine emperor Theodosius II added the Theodosian wall to the west of the city wall built by Constantine, which doubled the area of the city. The enlarged wall of Constantinople was 21.5 kilometers long, of which the wall facing the Sea of Mamorah was 8 kilometers long, the side of the Golden Horn was 7 kilometers long, and the side of the land was 6.5 kilometers long.
This land wall design is incomparably complex, from the outside to the inside and in turn for the outer wall, the moat, the moat inner wall, the steep slope wall, the outer wall, the inner wall, the inner wall; the outer wall and the inner wall stand more than 300 towers, corner buildings and bunkers, forming a strong support system.
Constantinople faces the sea on three sides, plus the western land city defense system, bronze walls and iron walls, so that the city became a "barbarian" city.
The old city wall that we saw along the way is a remnant of the Byzantine Empire.
In the 6th century AD, a great generation of monarchs emerged in the empire, Justinian I.
He went on to conquer the West, and recovered a large part of the western lands lost by the Roman Empire. The weather of the revival of the Roman Empire was very good, and the Byzantine Empire entered its peak.
The city of Constantinople also entered the glorious period, most of the buildings are in the ancient Roman style, the main buildings include the above-mentioned walls, gates, palaces, squares, arches, public baths, cisterns and churches.
To the north of Augustus Square is the majestic Hagia Sophia.
This is the most glorious legacy Justinian has left in the history of architecture. Built between 532 and 537, this church became the center of Byzantine religion and Eastern Orthodoxy and became a symbol of the empire.
The Cathedral of St. Sophia uses the shape of a Greek cross on the plane, creating a huge dome in the space, but no pillars support the interior; the dome is 55 meters above the ground, and it was the largest church in the world until the completion of St. Peter ’ s Cathedral in the 17th century.
In 1453, the Ottoman Empire captured Constantinople, and the Eastern Roman Empire fell, and the Empire moved its capital there and renamed it Istanbul.
Sultan Mehmed II converted the cathedral into a mosque and added an Islamic minaret, and over the next 500 years it became one of the most important places of worship for Muslims.
After World War I, Turkey ’ s founding father, Kemal, converted it into a museum in 1934 and gradually became a famous tourist attraction.
Last year, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan announced the conversion of the Cathedral of St. Sophia into a mosque. On July 24 of the same year, he attended a Muslim service at the Cathedral of St. Sophia, the first religious event held in the church after nearly 90 years.
Entering the Cathedral of St. Sophia, visitors are amazed by the tall, domed dome and the exquisite Byzantine frescoes on the dome, especially the statue of the Virgin and Child on the top of the altar.
We walk through the spiral passage paved with medieval stone blocks to the second floor of the church gallery, which can be closer to and carefully admire the various corners of the church. In particular, we can see the wall of the gallery with many murals of Christian stories.
Overlooking the entire hall, you can feel the grand space design of the hall.
100,000 tons of underground water
Another architectural gem left behind by Justinian is the "Groundwater Palace".
Constantinople was built solid, but the rulers of the empire were still worried, and built a secret underground reservoir and brought water from the forests near the Black Sea, which could store up to 100,000 tons.
If the city is besieged during the war, it serves as a strategic reserve for the entire city to drink for a month; during the Song and Dance Period, it provides water storage for the palace and other palaces.
The reservoir is 140 meters long and 70 meters wide, with 336 Corinthian stone columns 9 meters high, supporting a huge brick vault with exquisite relief, and it is also called an underground palace.
There are two places in the park that are worth looking at.
One place is a weeping column, the underground humidity is large, specially designed a column, and the water drops flow down the column, as if someone is crying.
The other is a column supported by two inverted Medusa heads, decorated with figures from Greek mythology.
This revealed that the Byzantine Empire was passionate about Greek civilization, and its influence was everywhere.
Blue Mosque 6 Minaret Tower Rare
The next day we took the subway to Istanbul University Station, then took the light rail to Sultan Ahmet Square, passing through the square to visit the Blue Mosque.
The original name of the mosque is Sultan Ahmet Mosque, because the walls are all decorated with Iznik blue and white tiles, so it is also known as the Blue Mosque, which is a landmark of Istanbul.
The first thing we see is the mosque ’ s six long and towering minarets, full of lightness and spirit, and looking far away like the city in the sky.
The Blue Mosque is the largest domed building in Istanbul, with more than 30 domes rising up to the 41-meter diameter central dome.
Take off your shoes and enter the mosque, look up at a huge dome, and the sun shines through the stained glass of 260 small windows.
The four columns supporting the large dome are clearly chiseled, and the blue gold word Arabic on the column head and the black gold word Arabic on the column body are as beautiful as the pattern.
The shrine is an important part of the interior of the Blue Mosque, made of carved marble. Beside the shrine, there is a beautiful mission altar, and scholars stand on the altar to preach on Fridays at noon and religious festivals.
The Blue Mosque, an artistic masterpiece of the Ottoman Empire, took seven years to build and became an icon of the empire ’ s heyday.
It is said that the Ottoman Sultan asked the architects to build the minaret into gold, and the Turkish pronunciation of "gold" and "six" is very similar, so it became the only mosque in the world with six tall towers, and thus one of the ten wonders of the world.
Out of the Blue Mosque, gaze across the square, and you can see the minaret towering above the clouds, which is the “Mosque ” of St. Sophia, which we visited yesterday and features both Christian and Islamic architecture.
The two mosques are opposite each other and form a beautiful landscape in Istanbul.
We walked through the square and walked to Topkapi Palace.
The palace is the first officially built palace after the Ottoman Empire entered Istanbul. It has a strong Ottoman style royal architecture characteristics, mysterious and elegant.
The Old Palace is a former place of national ceremonies and royal entertainment, from the construction of the Topkapi Palace by the Conqueror Mehmed II in 1465 until 1853, nearly 400 years ago, it was the place where Sultans worked and lived.
There is a main entrance in the middle of a tall wall, which only the sultan could enter and exit, and it was called the "Gate of the Emperor". Through the main entrance, you enter the first courtyard and follow the courtyard path, and you can see a sacred peace church built in the Byzantine period on your left hand.
Continue forward to the welcome gate, which is a city gate with an octagonal tower on the left and right, like a castle gate.
When you look up at the door, you can see the Qur ’ an engraved on the door.
Pass security and walk into the second courtyard, looking at a large area of grass and flower beds.
Passing through the Gate of Happiness is the Venerable Room in the Third Courtyard, where the sultans and the Grand Vizier (equivalent to the Prime Minister) and generals met four days a week. Passing through the Third Courtyard and entering the Fourth Courtyard, it is the Baghdatin, with its interior walls decorated with Iznik tiles and shells.
At the edge of the platform is a small gold-topped pavilion, Ifthaya, from which you can see the Golden Horn Bay and the new urban area across from it.
We visited the four courtyards in turn, then turned back to the entrance to the harem of the second courtyard, and then visited the residence of the four wives of the sultan, the queen ’ s room, and the sultan ’ s bathroom.
We were dazzled by the golden splendour of the harem, the many rooms covered with fine tiles and the beautifully decorated scenes of life.
In front of the harem there is a quadrangular column building called the "Tower of Justice", which has been used to monitor the city and defend against external enemies, and is also a large landscape.
There is also an open-air restaurant with great views inside the palace. Here you can see the Bosphorus Strait, Eurasia Bridge, Istanbul ’ s new city district and the world ’ s smallest sea, the Mamora Sea.
At noon, the sun is still hiding behind the clouds, the light is not strong, the sea is full of green waves, and the silver bridge across the Eurasian continent in the distance, it is really pleasing to see.
Once out of the palace, we took the light rail through the bustling business district to the Galata Bridge, where we boarded a boat from the Golden Horn pier to explore the Bosphorus Strait.
The sky was clear, the sky was blue and white, the waves were flowing, and the boats were weaving.
Thousands of seagulls soar around the cruise ship, and the moving pictures of historical buildings, mosques, Galata Towers, and villas built on the mountains are displayed in turn, forming an absolutely beautiful exhibition of sea-view paintings.
When we crossed the first Eurasia land bridge, we came to the second Eurasia land bridge, and saw a fortified castle on the left bank, which attracted my attention, and regretted that we could not abandon the boat to go ashore to visit.
After an hour and a half of excursion, we disembarked and boarded the bridge, and looked at the city area on the north shore of the Golden Horn from the Galata Bridge.
Darkness falls on the ground, night falls, looking back at the old area on the right bank, by the mountains and the water, stars point, experience in the eyes, the lights of Suleiman Mosque live on the top of the mountain, suspended above thousands of households.
The New Palace witnesses the Westernization of Osman
On the third day, the weather changed.
My wife and daughter were tired and stayed at the hotel to rest. I went out alone. Take the subway to Taksim Square station, walk around Taksim Gezi Park, walk up or down the steep road, and after more than ten minutes to the sea, you can see the Dolmabach Mosque with a blue dome and a milky white wall. The road, facing the Dolmabachet clock tower.
Through the bell tower is the Dolmabache Palace.
Built in the middle of the 19th century, it is the last palace of the Ottoman Empire. Also known as the "New Palace", it is built in the style of the Baroque and neoclassical European palace. It is located on the coast of the European part of the Bosphorus. The building stretches 600 meters along the Strait, and the interior wall is covered with gold leaf, and the main body is made of white marble and Egyptian alabaster. And...
The palace has two main parts, namely the ceremonial palace, the harem and the concubine court, with 285 rooms, 43 halls and 6 Turkish baths.
Both inside and outside the palace are extremely luxurious and luxurious.
Among the most noteworthy attractions are the crystal staircase pillars in the ceremonial palace, as well as the large and spacious Imperial Hall, which has 56 columns and 4.5 tons of giant crystal chandeliers, and the golden throne of Sudan.
Compared with the old palace, the new palace is more elegant and luxurious, but less of the mysterious elegance of the Oriental palace, extremely European and modern, the degree of luxury is far more than the Meichun Palace in Vienna and most of the European palaces, and Versailles in France.
The courtyard of the new palace is larger than the four courtyards of the old palace, and the layout is also European style. There are fountains, statues, lawns, etc., especially the grand doors facing the Bosphorus Strait, which are beautifully decorated.
During World War I, the Ottoman Empire joined the Allies, and with the defeat of the Allies, the Ottoman Empire split, and the Sultanate was abolished two years later.
In this crisis, Kemal defeated the invaders and the military intervention of the European powers, saved Turkey, became the founder of the Turkish Republic, and the Ottoman Empire was destroyed. Kemal ruled for more than ten years, achieving great success, making Turkey secularized, Westernized, and modernized, becoming the model and standard of secularization of the Islamic state.
From the New Palace Tea House, I walked back to Taksim Square from the original road.
The square is the main transportation hub of Istanbul and the meeting place of the Turkish people for major meetings and processions.
In the center of the square stands a circular monument of independence to commemorate Kemal. Bronze reliefs show the father of the country ’ s glory.
Every year, thousands of Turks offer flowers to their Father of the Nation to express their admiration and gratitude.
Go southwest from Taksim Square to the north entrance of Independence Avenue.
This 4-kilometer pedestrian street, with many boutiques, music shops, cinemas, libraries, cafes, bars and restaurants, is a leisure avenue for Turks to shop and play, and is therefore known as Istanbul ’ s “Champs Elysees ”.
I wandered south from the north entrance to fully appreciate the Turkish way of life.
Local women have deep eyes and high noses, elegant temperament, and rarely have a headscarf, let alone a veil, revealing the inclusiveness and openness of the city.
The Turkish look is not very different from the Uighurs in Xinjiang, and it feels very friendly to deal with them.
There are many small streets on both sides of the street.
Look at the small streets on both sides, are downhill paths or stairs, leading to highways or community buildings, I found that Independence Street was originally built on a ridge.
As I walked, I looked at the buildings on both sides of the street, many of which were old buildings with long history or mottled ruins. There were government departments, consulates, various churches, etc. It can be said that this area occupied an important position in the political, economic and cultural life of the Ottoman Empire, and now it has become a paradise for ordinary people to relax, shop and entertain.
St. Anthony ’ s Church, Istanbul ’ s largest Roman Catholic church, is hidden behind an ordinary old neighborhood.
The entrance is not very eye-catching, easy to miss, I also accidentally saw the two red brick towers are different, with curiosity only to find that there is no hole in the sky.
As I walked along the street, there were art shows and begging, and on this street, foreign tourists could experience the secular life of the local Turks and fully experience the freedom, openness, romance and vitality of modern Istanbul.
Fort Rumeli World Military Miracle
The Bosphorus Strait, also known as the Istanbul Strait, is also known as the "Turkish Strait" (also known as the Black Sea Strait), along with the Mamora Sea and the Dardanelles Strait.
On the fourth day, my friend, Mr. Chung, accompanied us on a tour of the Black Sea Scenic Area, which allowed us to see both the Black Sea exit of the Bosphorus Strait and the entire Strait as we headed north along the coastal highway.
The weather is sunny, driving up the mountain road, and the scenery is spectacular when it comes to the sea canyon.
About half an hour later we drove to the cliffs of the sea and we finally saw the Black Sea.
When we got out of the car, we stood on a cliff, and the wind was fierce, stirring the waves.
In front is an endless sea, on the left is the jagged coastline, and on the right is the Bosphorus Strait exit, narrow like a stream, a rainbow bridge across both sides of the strait, is the third Eurasian land bridge just built in recent years.
There is a stone brick wall on the edge of the cliff, forming a strong wall.
There is a tunnel on the cliff leading to the military fortifications under the city wall. There are four underground tunnels for the army to hide or transport.
Nearby, there is also an artillery castle, built on a cliff, between the two towers built a curved wall barrier, the wall also opened dozens of guns facing the Black Sea, can be mounted dozens of cannons.
These two military fortifications, clear and dark, constitute a complete defense system and hold the first line of defense in the strait.
There is a small fishing village near the bridge under the cliff, dozens of residential buildings are built along the road, red tile and white wall, high and low, there is a small mosque is particularly eye-catching, and the minaret tower is unique.
Near the artillery castle, the small fishing village is like a paradise.
At that time, many fortifications were built on both sides of the Ottoman coastal fjord, and several lines of defense were built at each level to closely defend Istanbul.
One of the most complete preservation is the Fort Merry that we will visit in the afternoon.
From the Black Sea exit of the strait, we follow the original coastal mountain road to the south of the second Eurasian continental bridge, such as the Fort Merry is built on the European shore of the strait.
This is the narrowest point of the strait, only 750 meters wide.
The Anatolian Fortress was built on the coast of Asia.
The two fortifications echo in the distance, holding the throat of the strait, forming a tight and complete defense system.
When I set foot on Rumeli Fortress, I suddenly realized that this is the castle we saw on the sightseeing boat the day before yesterday!
For example, Merry Fortress covers an area of 30,000 square meters, mainly composed of three tower-shaped fortresses, the castle is connected by the city wall into a roughly quadrilateral group of fortresses, and there are many small towers similar to the main tower between the three main fortresses.
It was built by Mehmed II the Conqueror in only four months in 1452, before the conquest of Constantinople, and became a miracle in world military history.
The fort is built according to the mountain situation, high and low, magnificent and full of spirit, it is the most beautiful fort in the existing military buildings in the world.
When we climb the steps from the foothills, climb the highest main tower fort, look back, the straits like green streamers, the second continental bridge is like a long rainbow lying wave, and the Turkish red flag on the circular fort under the mountain is fierce and fierce, forming a permanent map of the river and mountains.
At the end of our visit to Fort Merry, Mr. Chung drove us to Ataturk Airport. Istanbul, the soulful city of Istanbul, goodbye!
Expect another day to meet again!
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No--In 1934, Ataturk turned it into a museum, making it a major tourist attraction and secular symbol in Turkey.

Why did Erdogan restore Hagia Sophia as a mosque in 2020?

Because he wanted to end its 86-year museum status to return it to its original role as a mosque.

Hagia Sophia was used as a museum for 86 years before its reconversion into a mosque in 2020.

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

No--In 1934, Ataturk turned it into a museum, making it a major tourist attraction and secular symbol in Turkey.

Why did Erdogan restore Hagia Sophia as a mosque in 2020?

Because he wanted to end its 86-year museum status to return it to its original role as a mosque.

"Hagia Sophia, besides being a mosque, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and its reconversion has sparked controversy and criticism from Greece, viewing it as a political move by Erdogan to strengthen his support base."

How did Muslims and Orthodox Christians react to the reconversion?

No--In 1934, Ataturk turned it into a museum, making it a major tourist attraction and secular symbol in Turkey.

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

The decision aimed to rally anti-Kemalist voters.

"Hagia Sophia holds the designation of a World Heritage Site besides being a mosque."

No--In 1934, Ataturk turned it into a museum, making it a major tourist attraction and secular symbol in Turkey.

"Hagia Sophia holds the designation of a UNESCO World Heritage site besides being a mosque."

No--In 1934, Ataturk turned it into a museum, making it a major tourist attraction and secular symbol in Turkey.

"Hagia Sophia is not only a mosque but also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which has been a point of controversy in its recent reconversion."

No--In 1934, Ataturk turned it into a museum, making it a major tourist attraction and secular symbol in Turkey.

Hagia Sophia is not only a mosque but also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized for its cultural and historical significance.

No--In 1934, Ataturk turned it into a museum, making it a major tourist attraction and secular symbol in Turkey.

"Turkey views the status of Hagia Sophia as its internal affair, despite international criticism, and has recently converted it into a mosque."

No--In 1934, Ataturk turned it into a museum, making it a major tourist attraction and secular symbol in Turkey.

Why did Erdogan restore Hagia Sophia as a mosque in 2020?

Because he wanted to end its 86-year museum status to return it to its original role as a mosque.

The Hagia Sophia has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1985.

The Hagia Sophia has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1985.

The Hagia Sophia has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1985, and its recent reconversion into a mosque has sparked controversy due to its historical significance and perceived political motivations.

No--In 1934, Ataturk turned it into a museum, making it a major tourist attraction and secular symbol in Turkey.

Turkish President Erdogan invited Muslim leaders to the first prayer at Hagia Sophia after its conversion into a mosque.

No--In 1934, Ataturk turned it into a museum, making it a major tourist attraction and secular symbol in Turkey.

"The conversion of ancient Byzantine churches into mosques in Turkey, such as the Chora Church, has sparked controversy and tensions between different religious groups, with some viewing it as a triumph and others decried it as an undermining of the country's commitment to religious tolerance and freedom."

How did Muslims and Orthodox Christians react to the reconversion?

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

The result of rising religious nationalism in Turkey is the erosion of religious freedom, particularly for minority groups such as Orthodox Christians, as evidenced by the Turkish government's appropriation of historically significant sites and buildings.

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

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

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

"The rise of religious nationalism in Turkey has led to increased bureaucratic oppression, public rejection, vandalism, and violence against Christians, which may be related to President Erdogan's decision to reconvert Hagia Sophia into a mosque."

No--In 1934, Ataturk turned it into a museum, making it a major tourist attraction and secular symbol in Turkey.

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

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

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

"The result of rising religious nationalism in Turkey is a marked increase in incidents of vandalism, social intolerance, and violence against religious minorities, as well as growing rejection of non-Muslims in society."

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

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

The result of rising religious nationalism in Turkey is an increasingly hostile environment for religious minorities, with the government's interference in religious communities and controversial actions like the reconversion of the Hagia Sophia into a mosque.

No--In 1934, Ataturk turned it into a museum, making it a major tourist attraction and secular symbol in Turkey.

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

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

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

The first prayer at Hagia Sophia after its reconversion into a mosque was scheduled to be held on July 24.

No--In 1934, Ataturk turned it into a museum, making it a major tourist attraction and secular symbol in Turkey.

The first prayer at Hagia Sophia after reconversion likely occurred on or after July 24, 2020, when it was restored as the Grand Mosque of Hagia Sophia.

No--In 1934, Ataturk turned it into a museum, making it a major tourist attraction and secular symbol in Turkey.

The first prayer held at Hagia Sophia after reconversion took place on July 24, 2020, when Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan attended a Muslim service.

No--In 1934, Ataturk turned it into a museum, making it a major tourist attraction and secular symbol in Turkey.