Hagia Sophia is one of the most iconic monuments in the world. Built in 537, the building has served as a Greek Orthodox Christian cathedral, a Roman Catholic cathedral, an Ottoman mosque, and a museum. Now, it is once again in the news as the Turkish government has declared it a mosque.
History of Hagia Sophia
Hagia Sophia was originally built as a Christian cathedral, commissioned by the Byzantine Emperor Justinian I. It was constructed in Constantinople (now Istanbul), and was the largest Christian church in the world for over 1000 years. The building is renowned for its stunning architecture and art, which includes the Byzantine mosaics and the marble and gold walls.
In 1453, Constantinople was conquered by the Ottoman Empire, and Hagia Sophia was converted into an Ottoman mosque. During this time, many of the Christian mosaics and other decorations were covered up.
In 1935, the building was declared a museum by the Turkish government, and it was open to the public. The Christian mosaics and decorations were restored and the building was opened to visitors from around the world.
Hagia Sophia as a Mosque
In July 2020, the Turkish government declared that Hagia Sophia would once again be a mosque. This decision was met with criticism from many, including the Greek government and UNESCO, who called it a violation of international law.
Arguments for and Against Turning Hagia Sophia into a Mosque
Those who support the decision to make Hagia Sophia a mosque argue that it is a symbol of Ottoman history and should be respected as such. They also point out that the building has served as a mosque for centuries, and that it should be allowed to continue to do so.
Those who oppose the decision argue that Hagia Sophia is an important historical site that should be open to all, regardless of religion. They point out that the building has served as a museum for decades, and that it should remain as such in order to preserve its historical significance.
Impact of Hagia Sophia’s Reclassification
The decision to turn Hagia Sophia into a mosque has sparked a debate about the role of religion in society, and the importance of preserving cultural heritage. It has also led to increased tensions between Turkey and Greece, as well as between Turkey and the European Union.
The decision has also had an economic impact, as the Turkish government has announced that it will no longer allow Hagia Sophia to be used as a tourist attraction. This has led to a drop in tourism to Istanbul, as many visitors were drawn to the city specifically to see the building.
Conclusion
Hagia Sophia is an iconic monument that has served many different purposes throughout its long history. The decision to turn it into a mosque has sparked debate and controversy, and has had a significant economic and political impact. Whether or not the decision was the right one is still up for debate, but one thing is certain: Hagia Sophia will continue to be an important part of world history for many years to come.
References
- BBC News. (2020). Hagia Sophia: Turkey’s historic Istanbul landmark reopens as a mosque. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-53190720
- History.com Editors. (2020). Hagia Sophia. Retrieved from https://www.history.com/topics/ancient-history/hagia-sophia
- UNESCO. (2020). Hagia Sophia. Retrieved from https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/845/