Hagia Sophia Elevation is a proposal by the Turkish government to convert the Hagia Sophia into a mosque. The Hagia Sophia is an iconic structure located in Istanbul, Turkey, and it has served as a church, a mosque, and a museum throughout its long history. The proposal has generated significant controversy both in Turkey and around the world, and it has raised many questions about the future of the Hagia Sophia and its place in Turkish culture and history.
History of the Hagia Sophia
The Hagia Sophia was originally built as a Greek Orthodox Christian cathedral in 537 AD by the Byzantine emperor Justinian I. It remained a church for over 900 years, until the city of Istanbul was conquered by the Ottoman Empire in 1453. At this point, the Hagia Sophia was converted into a mosque, and it remained so for 500 years until the fall of the Ottoman Empire in 1923. In 1934, the Turkish government declared the Hagia Sophia a museum, and it has served in this capacity ever since.
Proposal for Elevation
In 2019, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan proposed that the Hagia Sophia be converted back into a mosque. The proposal was met with both support and opposition from different groups. Supporters argued that the move would be a powerful statement of Turkish national identity and a reaffirmation of the country’s Islamic roots. Opponents argued that the move would be a violation of the secular principles of the Turkish Republic, and that it would be an affront to the Christian heritage of the Hagia Sophia.
International Reactions
The proposal to elevate the Hagia Sophia to a mosque has generated strong reactions from many countries around the world. The United States, the European Union, and the United Nations have all expressed concerns over the proposal. Additionally, the Russian Orthodox Church has also expressed opposition, arguing that the move would be an insult to Christian heritage. On the other hand, countries like Pakistan, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia have expressed support for the move.
Implications of the Elevation
The implications of the elevation of the Hagia Sophia to a mosque are far-reaching. It is likely to have a significant impact on the relationship between Turkey and other countries, as well as on the Turkish economy. Furthermore, it is likely to have an effect on the cultural landscape of Istanbul, as well as on the Turkish national identity. It is also likely to have an effect on the tourism industry, both in Turkey and in other countries, as the Hagia Sophia is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world.
Conclusion
The proposal to elevate the Hagia Sophia to a mosque has generated strong reactions from around the world. It is likely to have a significant impact on the cultural, political, and economic landscape of Turkey and the world. In the end, it is up to the Turkish government to decide the fate of the Hagia Sophia, and it remains to be seen how the situation will play out.