Should Hagia Sophia be a Mosque? | Dr. Safiyyah Ally
Вставка
- Опубліковано 10 вер 2020
- Turkish president #Erdogan’s decision to convert Hagia Sophia into a mosque has sparked controversy around the world. Dr. Safiyyah Ally explores at the history of this famous monument (first as a #Christian Eastern Orthodox cathedral, then a Roman Catholic cathedral, then a mosque, then a museum, and now a mosque again), explaining that it was common for ancient places of worship to change hands and functions depending on who was in power. She considers whether using Hagia Sophia as a place of #Muslim worship will erase its Christian heritage and diminish its religious diversity. She explains that this controversy raises additional questions about the best way to preserve and value our cultural heritage. Do we best honour the value of a historical monument by continuing to use it as originally intended - as the Hagia Sophia will be used as a place of worship? Should we use these sites, and let their purpose and meaning change and evolve with time, or do we try to preserve our history by keeping these sites safe and unchanged? Should we prioritize one aspect of a site’s history, or to try to remember all the elements of a site’s complex past? We leave it up to you to decide!
#HagiaSophia #istanbul #turkey
► DONATE: www.quranspeaks.com/
► SUBSCRIBE: ua-cam.com/users/subscription_...
COMMENT, LIKE and SHARE
Facebook: / letthequranspeak
Instagram: / quranspeaks.tv
The Agia Sophia is not a museum or a mosque. It is a Greek Orthodox church. One day it will return home.
🤣🤣🤣🤣
🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
Yes, it will be returned to the Christian orthodox, this is your cathedral, and as a Muslim today, I apologize for 600 years of ottoman aggression & oppression.
You don't need to apologize for your ancestors; you're not them, you're you, and what's been done has been done.
That being said, the Hagia Sophia belongs to Orthodoxy. If the Muslim majority in Turkey truly respects freedom of religion and does the right and moral thing, it will return to Orthodox Christians, who will have no problem opening it for anyone to admire.
@@MrAbe111 wow, you are a decent person. This is a horrific attack and a horrible injustice. No muslin would appreciate, If a majority Christian or secular government took a great symbolic mosque and made it into a church....
The Hagia Sophia is a Greek Orthodox Church, it will be back.
God willing we Christians will take it back from them🦾
Amen
Dont worry we will give it back to you watch sheikh imran hosein he is a Muslim scholar. And the prophet prophesied the conquest of constantinople by true Muslim army after the great war. And we will return it to you. Dont worry, and I am sorry for the pain your going through.
DEUS VULT!
@@xp_money7847 😂😂🤣
This is a clear example of intolerance towards diversity. Sultan Ahmad mosque is just facing the cathedral and there is no need to turn this to another mosque.
I agree. If the Christians turned the holy mosque in Saudi Arabia into a church we would be hurt. The Hagia Sofia is the head of the Orthodox Christian world. Why are we hurting followers of the one God. The only people who seem to be happy are the ones dividing Muslims and Christians at the end of time.
I know it is more than a place for worshipping. It is not about Islam and Christianity. Turks have mosques like snow. It is an identity and history. Turks knew Eastern Roman have culture and civilization unlike them. This great church is a simple of Europe, eastern Roman and Greece. Unlike Turks they don’t have these things and they are not that old in a Anatolia to have an identity like other middle eastern people like Arab, Armenian, Persian, Kurds and Egyptian.
I don’t eat anyone, but I think this is the reason.
Turks have a history and identity crisis and they think if they turned into a mosque it will be a simple of Turkish culture.
If you want to talk to me. Feel free.
@ilamos ___ lol since israel controls the al aqsa mosque. I guess they can do what they want with it cause it’s under their control. It’s a Jewish country after all, and they conquered it from the Arabs in the 1967 war. I guess you werent outraged wen they stormed the mosque. Keep the same energy then, don’t be mad at Israel cause it’s under their control.
See on the other hand I don’t agree that israel should control any of that land cause they conquered it. That’s the difference between me and you. We’re trying to promote tolerance while you are not.
You all seem to forget Spain turned 100 mosques to churches. So what’s the problem ?
@@NikaSun54 and you seem to forget many church’s in present day Syria and Egypt were turned into mosques. For instance the great Umayyad Mosque in Syria used to be the seat of the bishop of Damascus. We can play that game all day, there have been more church’s turned into mosques than mosques into church’s lol
I am a muslim and I completely disagree with the change. When the Caliph Umar entered Jerusalem, following its conquest, he asked the Christian clergy about a place where to pray. The Christians offered him to pray inside their church. He turned down the offer saying that if he does that, there is a risk that Muslims may in the future claim the Church as theirs, under the pretext that their Caliph has prayed there. Umar motive was justice while for Erdogan, it's about politics.
Caliph Umar was very wise. He knew that future generations of Muslims may seize and convert the Church of the Holy Sepulcher into mosque on the pretext that he had prayed there. That why he rejected the Patriarch of Jerusalem's offer to pray together inside the Holy Sepulcher and chose to pray on the site which later become the Al-Aqsa Mosque. Another example is the 6th Ummayad Caliph, Al-Walid ibn Abd al-Malik ibn Marwan. He built the well-known Umayyad Mosque in Damascus on the site that was formerly a church. Muslims and Christians formerly prayed on the same site. Al-Walid decided to built a new mosque in its place to accommodate the city's growing Muslim population. When the city's Christians protested over his action, he compensated them by returning all the confiscated churches back to them. The Turkish government does have the legal right to change the status of Hagia Sophia no matter how controversy to do so. Erdogan should have compensated Orthodox Christianity by returning former churches in Turkey that are currently functioning as secular buildings back to them. Erdogan changed Hagia Sophia back into a mosque out of political gain.
In our culture we are asking peace at the beginning of war. In 1453 Fatih Sultan Mehmet Khan asked peace from Byzantium Empire. And he refused after that war started. According to the our tradition Hagia Sophia become mosque because of Byzantium Empire's decision. If he give İstanbul to us peacefully Hagia Sophia is become the church now.
So we conquered İstanbul not you. This is our decision and our law. This is not your business.
@@akn4519 learn how to write in English, I can't understand a thing
@@MrLantean the place Umar AS prayed is Masjid al Umar I think Al Aqsa is in a different place if im not mistaken salamualaikum
@@akn4519 so, basically, all the wars in the middle east by the US were justified because you did not give us what we desired.
I think mecca will be a fantastic place for a hotdog stand.
Remember what you said in the coming wars.
The problem with the argument that “Making Hagia Sophia a mosque would best allow it to be used for its original purpose of being a place of worship because the majority of Turkey’s population is Muslim” is that it ignores the fact the Turkey has actively discriminated against its non-Muslim population by passing increasingly pro-Islamic laws that limit the rights of non-Muslims and through acts of genocide like The Armenian Genocide that were aimed to “cleanse” Turkey of its non-Turkish and non-Muslim population. Not saying she supports that argument or not, just rebutting it as a point of debate.
" The Hagia Sophia church is not a sacred place of Christianity. Because, At first sight it is not immediately obvious why Constantinople should have been accorded any spiritual significance by medieval Christians.
After all, the city had not played no part in the Gospel story, for it had not even been founded in its present form at the time of Christ. So, while pilgrims to Jerusalem could visit the very places where Jesus had walked and taught, and those to Rome could follow in the footsteps of the Apostles Peter and Paul, there was nothing of that kind in Constantinople.
The Byzantines regarded Constantinople not just as a ruling city but also as a holy one'. A number of ingredients made up this claim. They included the supposed foundation of the city's church by the Apostle Andrew.
............ In later centuries, the Byzantines got round that in typical fashion by developing another legend. The Apostle St.Andrew, it was said, had paid a visit to Byzantion ( Constantinople) and had founded it's church, this putting Constantinople on the same footing as the four other great centres of the Christian Church."
Book;
Constantinople: capital of
Byzantium
Author; Jonathan Harris
Edition: 2007
Page; 15,84,29
" Due to the conflicts between catholic and orthodox sects, Constantinople was considered as centre of power of Orthodox sect as against the status of Rome in catholic sect.
Thus, Hagia Sophia in Constantinople was showcased as spritual centre of Orthodox sect in an attempt to preserve their individuality as against the status of St.Peters Basilica in Rome. Those days, the Pope of Orthodox was seated at Hagia Sophia. Otherwise the Christian faith has no place here."
Book; Istanbul: The imperial
city, chapter - 12
Author; John Freely
Edition: 1998
So, the status of Hagia Sophia is made up story. It is not a sacred place in the foot of Christian faith.
Aya Sofia is ours. It was abandoned building changed to spritual building ( mosque ) by the conqueror mehmed II . So , it was not stolen by muslims .
Museum also ours. U people have no business either in mosque or museum.
Now , it functioned as museum and mosque.
Why ur ancestors abandoned the building? How was it happened ? This is because of ur ever enemies catholics.
To know this fact , read " the siege and fall of Constantinople in 1453 AD "
By : Marios Philippides and Walter K Hanak.
Edition 2011
The fact is that during the last months of Byzantine Constantinople, the Great Church had been avoided by the pious
Orthodox,
who had concluded that their cathedral had been
contaminated by Catholic rites during the celebration of the
union between the Orthodox and Catholic Churches in December 1452....... After the celebration of the union, the church
never functioned properly and was regarded as the abode of
demons and as a pagan temple,
" and the Great Church was considered by them to be a refuge of
demons and a Hellenic temple. Where were the candles? Where
was the oil for the lamps? Everything was in darkness and there
was no one to prevent it...........Santa Sophia became a focal
point for the Greeks only after the Turks entered the city, when the population flocked there in search of asylum. "
Evidence: Tears of the Great Church
Author : Marios Philippides
Page : 724
So , the Aya Sofia not stolen by muslims. That building ( Hagia Sophia ) was abandoned by orthodox patriarch and people.
Muslim rulers took abandoned building.
@@zahirhussain5913 First of all, I wish to commend you for employing the apparently selective testimony of at least two confirmed and duly-documented witnesses to the apparent genuine validity of your own confirmed testimony and apologetic defense of the truth of your own faith.
However, with all due respect to your own person as a rational and logical creature of God, I must, as a non-Muslim, nevertheless still attempt to say the following to you; being as I am an Eastern Orthodox Christian:
Following your logical train of thought, therefore, it arguably then would be just as valid an argument as yours above, hypothetically so speaking, for a believer from among the Baháʼí to make, at the very least, in a technically valid manner -- employing the apparently selective testimony of at least two confirmed and duly-documented witnesses: one a Syrian Muslim scholastic adherent of the credal sect from among the ʿAlawī, and the other a now-deceased Iranian-American-born Muslim scholastic adherent of the credal sect from among the Shīʿī -- his valid argumentative point to the entire worldwide ahl as-sunnah wa l-jamāʻah that the status of al-Masjid al-Ḥarām of Makkah is a made-up story, and that the Holy Mosque is not a sacred place in the footsteps of the way of Sunniyy ʾIslām; making his rationally logical and irrefutable point as such from within the confines of an Internet-based corporate content-creation-hosting platform.
I submit to you that any traditional Sunniyy Muslim worth his salt would consider such an argument as the one directly above to be at the very least utterly ridiculous, sacrilegious, blasphemously ignorant, and totally unworthy of any essential respect from anyone at all in human history on God's created Earth whatsoever -- in any way, shape, manner or form; as such -- again, at the very least.
And yet, it apparently is as ridiculous an argument as the one two paragraphs above for an arguable believer from amongst the people of the Sunniyy Muslim community to make, at the very least, in a technically valid manner -- employing the apparently selective testimony of at least two confirmed and duly-documented witnesses: one arguably an English Christian adherent of the second-degree-schismatically-heretical Protestant Anglican Confession of Faith, and the other arguably a [now-deceased] Irish-American-born Christian adherent of the first-degree-schismatically-heretical Latinizing Papist Confession of Faith -- his valid argumentative point to the entire worldwide Eastern Orthodox Household of God that the status of the Cathedral of the Holy Wisdom in Constantinople is a made-up story, and that the Hagia Sophia is not a sacred place in the footseps of the way of the Eastern Orthodox Christian Faith; making his rationally logical and irrefutable point as such from within the confines of an Internet-based corporate content-creation-hosting platform.
Thus, I can arguably now submit to you, at the very least beyond any reasonable doubt thereof, that any Eastern Orthodox Christian worth his salt would consider such an argument as yours above to be at the very least beyond a preponderance of any doubt thereof utterly ridiculous, sacrilegious, blasphemously ignorant, and totally unworthy of any essential respect from anyone at all within the scope of relevantly recorded human history on God's good Earth whatsoever -- in any way, shape, manner or form; as such -- again, at the very least.
And that,
My neighbor as well as arguable brother in Adam if not Noah,
Is all I have to say about that;
With all due respect, of course.
May God Be With You.
And why is the Majority Muslim?
Regardless
Remember that thinking when it comes to the Dome on the Rock
The Hagia Sophia should’ve remained a museum and if reverted to a place of worship to a Greek Orthodox cathedral, because it was a very important building in orthodoxy before the fall of the eastern Roman Empire. To take away the Hagia Sophia from the orthodox is the equivalent of taking away Saint Peter’s basilica from Catholicism or the Kaaba from Islam, it was the spiritual center of the faith and now it isn’t any longer. It’s very unfair they reverted it to a mosque.
Being a museum is the best solution as being a secular building, neither religion lay claims to it. It is the holiest shrine to Eastern Orthodox Christianity and millions of them are upset when Hagia Sophia is restored as a mosque. Many devout Muslims insisted that Sultan Mehmet II bought it from the Patriarch of Constantinople which is not true and never proven. Even the Turkish government fails to provide any documentation that the sale did exist. Why would the Eastern Orthodox Christianity sells its holiest shrine? It may sell non-important churches but never Hagia Sophia.
I agree
Will they ask you?
bro muslim would never give them back as i chritian muself i doubt they would give it back... it's like Jewish asking for the alaksha mosque to be destroy and rebuild the temple of solomon there....😢
@@hriata5384 turkey propaganda not work
I actually really appreciate this unbiased take on the issue. From an orthodox Christian perspective this church was different. The orthodox Christians is a minority even in Christianity and this church was once the seat of the head of the orthodox Christianity. So to see that now it’s turned into a mosque, it’s kind of disheartening. Our population is slowly dying out around the Middle East and this is just kicking us wen we’re down. Before wen we went to see the building we saw it as a museum/church/mosque, now if we go see it you are just gonna see it as a mosque.
Thank you for sharing your perspective, Alex! Your community is important and we respect and honour you.
It's you vs them and you dont seem to understand that. You cant be friends with them you are their enemy regardless of whether you know it or not. You exist in a place where you must compete, and muslims and particularly turks have been and always will be your enemies.
@@austinw2375 hey enemy, how are you?
I’m excellent foe, how are you?
@@austinw2375 you're not even turkish to say that✌️
I'm kind of torn over this. On the one hand it's normal that buildings will be converted over time to change as the population changes. The Byzantine empire was a Christian majority. Now Turkey is a Muslim majority so it made sense for the cathedral to be converted into a mosque. Even in Christian majority countries like the UK many churches are no longer used as people became less religious and some have been converted into many things including pubs and restaurants. It was converted to a mosque a very long time ago and was a mosque for hundreds of years.
But on the other hand it was originally built as a cathedral and Islam commands Muslims to protect Christians and their places of worship.
So in my opinion Allah demands that we keep it as a cathedral for Christians and that we preserve that and we protect the Christians travelling to worship there.
So I think the decision to turn it into a mosque is against what Islam commands of us.
Mosques have also been converted into churches or other buildings like many mosques in Spain. But others bad actions doesn't give the right for Muslims to ignore what Islam commands.
It should not be a mosque, nor should it be a museum. It should stay as a Christian place of worship, by Allah's commandments to Muslims.
However if there are no more Christians anywhere in the world, or anywhere in Turkey?? Then maybe it's ok to become a mosque. But until then you are taking a Christians building of worship away from them.
We don't need to ask this question and debate it. As Muslims we were already told what to do in simple language:
"Protect Christians and their place of worship and their right to travel to their place of worship"
It can't be made clearer than this.
With all due respect could you give the reference?
Assalamualaikum
@@jc-px8ox Holy Quran (22 : 40) Asad Translation-
"those who have been driven from their homelands against all right for no other reason than their saying, "Our Sustainer is God!" For, if God had not enabled people to defend themselves against one another, [all] monasteries and churches and synagogues and mosques - in [all of] which Gods name is abundantly extolled - would surely have been destroyed [ere now]. And God will most certainly succour him who succours His cause: for, verily, God is most powerful, almighty"
Yusuf Ali translation-
(They are) those who have been expelled from their homes in defiance of right (for no cause) except that they say "Our Lord is Allah." Did not Allah check one set of people by means of another there would surely have been pulled down monasteries churches synagogues and mosques in which the name of Allah is commemorated in abundant measure. Allah will certainly aid those who aid His (cause); for verily Allah is Full of Strength Exalted in Might (Able to enforce His Will).
@@w.k8624 Thanks man.
Jazakallahu Khairan
@@jc-px8ox wa alaikum salam
@@jc-px8ox This is a letter which was issued by Mohammed, Ibn Abdullah, the Messenger, the Prophet, the Faithful, who is sent to all the people as a trust on the part of God to all His creatures, that they may have no plea against God hereafter. Verily God is Omnipotent, the Wise. This letter is directed to the embracers of Islam, as a covenant given to the followers of Jesus the Nazarene in the East and West, the far and near, the Arabs and foreigners, the known and the unknown.
This letter contains the oath given unto them, and he who disobeys that which is therein will be considered a disbeliever and a transgressor to that whereunto he is commanded. He will be regarded as one who has corrupted the oath of God, disbelieved His Testament, rejected His Authority, despised His Religion, and made himself deserving of His Curse, whether he is a Sultan or any other believer of Islam. Whenever Christian monks, devotees and pilgrims gather together, whether in a mountain or valley, or den, or frequented place, or plain, or church, or in houses of worship, verily we are [at the] back of them and shall protect them, and their properties and their morals, by Myself, by My Friends and by My Assistants, for they are of My Subjects and under My Protection.
I shall exempt them from that which may disturb them; of the burdens which are paid by others as an oath of allegiance. They must not give anything of their income but that which pleases them-they must not be offended, or disturbed, or coerced or compelled. Their judges should not be changed or prevented from accomplishing their offices, nor the monks disturbed in exercising their religious order, or the people of seclusion be stopped from dwelling in their cells.
No one is allowed to plunder these Christians, or destroy or spoil any of their churches, or houses of worship, or take any of the things contained within these houses and bring it to the houses of Islam. And he who takes away anything therefrom, will be one who has corrupted the oath of God, and, in truth, disobeyed His Messenger.
Jizya should not be put upon their judges, monks, and those whose occupation is the worship of God; nor is any other thing to be taken from them, whether it be a fine, a tax or any unjust right. Verily I shall keep their compact, wherever they may be, in the sea or on the land, in the East or West, in the North or South, for they are under My Protection and the testament of My Safety, against all things which they abhor.
No taxes or tithes should be received from those who devote themselves to the worship of God in the mountains, or from those who cultivate the Holy Lands. No one has the right to interfere with their affairs, or bring any action against them. Verily this is for aught else and not for them; rather, in the seasons of crops, they should be given a Kadah for each Ardab of wheat (about five bushels and a half) as provision for them, and no one has the right to say to them 'this is too much', or ask them to pay any tax.
As to those who possess properties, the wealthy and merchants, the poll-tax to be taken from them must not exceed twelve drachmas a head per year (i.e. about 200 modern day US dollars).
They shall not be imposed upon by anyone to undertake a journey, or to be forced to go to wars or to carry arms; for the Muslims have to fight for them. Do no dispute or argue with them, but deal according to the verse recorded in the Quran, to wit: ‘Do not dispute or argue with the People of the Book but in that which is best’ [29:46]. Thus they will live favored and protected from everything which may offend them by the Callers to religion (Islam), wherever they may be and in any place they may dwell.
Should any Christian woman be married to a Muslim, such marriage must not take place except after her consent, and she must not be prevented from going to her church for prayer. Their churches must be honored and they must not be withheld from building churches or repairing convents.
They must not be forced to carry arms or stones; but the Muslims must protect them and defend them against others. It is positively incumbent upon every one of the follower of Islam not to contradict or disobey this oath until the Day of Resurrection and the end of the world.
Keep it as a historic museum it has christian and islamic history and seeing it both in one building is beautiful and teaches historic education. Religious, political, and cultural.
Turkey is the bridge that connects Christianity with Muslim world.
Turkey is a country of usurpers residing in land that has historically been Christian and Greek for thousands of years.
Will you be so logical and open minded, if for example Al Aqsa changes hands? I am a big fan of Let the Quran Speak, but disappointed here, i would have expected an answer based on what the Quran defines as right or wrong in such situation, and not a "others did it so we do it too" type of answer
Majority of Muslims today have the same view. What can we do? The methodology they use to Interpret Qur'an and Hadith is in way ineffective. Just because we're Muslim and we follow Ahlul Sunnah Wajamia'ah doesn't make us True Pious Muslims. May Allah subahanu watala'a forgive and have mercy on my Ummah. Aameen
@nima yaqubi Assalam aleikoum. Sure we know it. Revert it back to a place of worship of the One God, as it originally was. "Back to islam". But comparing mecca/kabba (this place of worship were we all turn to to pray), this one instance, and any other place of worship belonging to the People of the Book is far stretched, in my opinion. It was his journey, and the "cleaning" of our holy place, its culmination. That doesnt give the rest of the muslims a green card to go around the world and take churches and monasteries and synagogues and converting them. In the current day and time, this move put a stick in the heart of our fellow Christians, increased their hate of Islam, and it was the best gift to zionists. Who in the world is going to protest with us if Al Aqsa is taken to be converted as the third temple? It is probably the dumbest move I have ever seen, and on top of that it created a split in our Ummah. But Allah knows best... may he guide us.
@nima yaqubi
Kaaba was a masjid, a place of worship made for muslims who beleived in one God... People turned it into a polytheistic temple, tge prophet made it masjid again...
Haga sofia was a church.. Muslims conqured it and turned it into a masjid... Muslims did exactly what polytheist of Mekkah did, that is... turning the place of whorship of one community into their own...
@@KS-dt7ug My brother. The city was conquered through warfare. If the city surrendered, surely Mehmet rahimuhullah, will not have used it. He would have been inspired by the event of Omar taking Jerusalem. So these circumstances are not the same. The city was captured under heavy price. Mehmet was a wise man and he certainly made the best decision. Turning the mosque into a Museum was dictatorially and illegally done. In fact if Mustapha Kemal maintained the status quo. We would not have been debating this issue. He was a real mess who seriously infringes on religious freedom
i share your sorrow for the hagia sophia being turned into a mosque. it's not what we should've done even after conquering the place, we've rules for war and one of them is to not touch religious places of worship of the locals if they want to live in peace.
however i would like to point out that the current israeli goverment does not have the same status as the turkish goverment. hagia is in turkey but aqsa is in a un managed zone. the land is supossed to be shared by both palestinians and israelis however the israelis have control over it
When it was first built it was a Holy Orthodox Church. Than by force muslims took over and converted it to a mosque… Anything taken by force can not be Holy I don’t know how muslims are proud to have a mosque there.
Greeks at 1261 take back the HagiaSophia and turned it back to orthodox churck until 1453,you just forgot it but ok
From Catholics I presume.
@@Soul-co7ki yes it was a roman catholic church for 57 years bc Constantinople was fall in the hands of the crusaders
Hagia Sofia has always been Orthodox even before 1261.
A very objective and knowlegable piece. Well done.
Interesting way to put it. Towards the beginning of this video you make mention of historical sites which are still used for religious practices "notra dame cathedral in Paris is still an active catholic church as well as a tourist attraction and world heritage site'" and then take mention to the backlash received over the re-conversion of Hagia Sophia. Towards the end of this video you state, "maybe there is a way to do both" with regards to preserving one's history whilst allowing its use to change over time - this statement kind of aligns to its current status (mosque and museum) and not 'only a mosque' as you said in this video.
Prior to giving my own take on this whole ordeal, I would like to state three things (as you used the example of the Parthenon in this video)
(1) The Parthenon of Athens was converted into a Christian Temple by the early 600s, during this time, ancient Greek religion was no more and the rise of Christianity was its heights. Athens then fell under Ottoman occupation and by early 1460, the Pantheon was converted into a mosque, and then used as an ammunition dump in 1687 by the Ottomans during the siege of the Acropolis (Ottomans v Venetians).
We could spin this line of history in two ways (one without the addition of latter history and one with). First, we could say that the Parthenon was used as an ammunition dump to suit the needs of the people at the time, for example, the ottomans were at war and needed to use it for so and so reason (i.e. strategic importance as they thought the Venetians wouldn't shoot at such a historical site). The second could be with the addition of further historical fact, for instance, following the Parthenon’s explosion, the Ottomans granted permission to a foreign national to remove statues from the historical site, to which remaining rubble was then used to re-build to another mosque.... Although the use of this site has changed over the course of time, we have one group who seemed to do a better job in the name of its preservation [Ancient Greek Religious site --> Christian Religious Site --> Re-built Historical Site (Current)] than the other [Islamic Site --> Ammunition Dump --> Re-built mosque with surrounding rubble]. So which part should we remember? The Ancient Greek Temple, the Christian Site, the Ottoman mosque or the ammunition dump?
(2) Natre dam cathedral was built in the name of Christianity, as was Hagia Sophia.
(3) You state that the Hagia Sophia has changed hands on several occasions. In the examples provided, you state that it was invaded and declared a "Roman Catholic cathedral instead' and that was not until later that the Ottoman's raided 'poor Hagia Sophia' 'again'. To put it plainly, a Roman Catholic Cathedral is a 'Christian Cathedral'.
Now that I have outlined three important facts (not subjective viewpoints with minor points of fact), but facts, which were provided in depth and not vaguely to validate my next assertion (whether implicit or not), I would like to go onto the next.
Why was the the Hagia Sophia converted into a museum in the first place? was it because of Ataturk's appreciation for Hagia Sophia's historical significance? the mosaics? maybe to create strategic dialogue between Turkey and Western powers at the time? In the end, the message is quite clear: Turkey, at the time, 'acknowledged' (in bold) Hagia Sophia's significance and its importance to the world, whether strategic or not.
Yes, the site was originally intended to be a place of worship and yes, it can operate as a place or worship and as a museum. Although I am a Greek Orthodox Christian, I will still visit the Hagia Sophia one day.
Should the factor of 'intended use' come into play? In doing so, one must consider (as you said) the majority Muslim population, the right to self determination and the aspect of religious 'worship'. On the other hand, one should also look into the significance of this site - being the most important christian cathedral for almost 1000 years in the (then) christian capital. What would Constantine the Great, being the first christian emperor and founder of (then) Constantinople, whom commissioned the construction of Hagia Sophia say? what were his intentions and does this really matter? Let’s not try to over intellectualize it. Hagia Sophia is situated in Turkey and it is within Turkey's sovereign rights to do what they please.
But again, the notion of 'originally intended' cannot be so loosely defined. If the US, Russia, Germany, France, England, Italy and Spain teamed up and sent their armies down to Saudi Arabia, used unequivocal force to annihilate surrounding territories, reduced Muslim populations and converted the Great Mosque of Mecca into a Christian Cathedral, how would one answer this question? If you start your answer with "but Hagia Sophia was a mosque for over 400 years" then fine, lets change the scenario - the aforementioned countries are now called 'West Empire', and have used the Great Mosque of Mecca as a Christian Cathedral for over 400 years, however, World War III eventually broke out between West Empire and Muslim majority states, by the end of the war, West Empire is dissolved into numerous states (mainly Muslim), however, Mecca is still situated within its sovereign power, and as part of its establishment into the new Christian state, it converts the Great Mosque of Mecca into a museum for all to see. 90 years later, the museum is re-converted into a Christian Cathedral/Museum. The Christian Cathedral is now open 5 days a week except for Saturday, Sunday and during all religious ceremonies. During prays, Mecca and other Islamic monuments are covered. The newly appointed Orthodox priest just raised his sword on the once Islamic, but now, Christian Cathedral . But do not worry, it can still be used as a museum from Monday to Friday.
The fact that you used the Parthenon, a classical Greek site, and framed your line of questioning in such a way with the end "maybe we could do both" is annoying. There is no right or wrong in converting the Hagia Sophia into a mosque. But your line of factual truth and questioning is suggestive. You attempt to downplay this conversion by mentioning the numerous raids which took place in 'poor Hagia Sophia'. You make points to illustrate the other side, vaguely, but then try to provide an 'unbiased' interpretation of the next.
If 'West Empire' 'conquered' Suadi Arabia tomorrow, converted it into a Christian Cathedral, and then I made a youtube video 500 years later and said 'poor Great Mosque of Mecca' changed hands on numerous occasions, first Arab rule then Ottoman, then Arab and now Christian... c'mon, let's not try to downplay the facts here. It was originally a christian site.
To simplify:
1) It is Turkey's sovereign right to do what they please.
2) In theory, the site can be used as both a Museum and place of worship, whether one defeats the purpose of the latter raises another question all together.
3) The conversion of this site into a mosque illustrates a lack of humanity, however, such viewpoint will vary depending on who you ask.
4) The conversion of this site into a place of worship is irrelevant as to its true intention, as you said, times do change, but so do attitudes.
5) Allah is god and god is allah, If i want, I can go into this site and pray, regardless of whether it is a church, mosque or museum, I go by my ancestors intentions, not Erdogan's. Borders are political constructs. They do not exist. Faith is immeasurable.
6) The fact that you mention the catholic invasion of Hagia Sophia is irrelevant. In short, there is a difference between church-ism and religion, Catholic's are Christians are Orthodox.
Do not undermine a person's ancestral history. Hagia Sophia and modern day Istanbul withstood thousands of Muslim invaders over the course of 1000 years. The Parthenon of Athens is a symbol of Ancient Greece, and with that, came Democracy and the notion Western civilization. It cannot be used as originally intended, firstly, because it’s been blown to pieces, secondly, Ancient Greek religion no longer exists - nor will it acknowledge the place of its previous occupiers. It comes down to sovereignty and sovereignty alone, and with that, comes the right to self determination and the will of the people. Or, as the Ancient Greeks put it: Democracy. If the Turks want another mosque, then by all means, they can have another mosque. But, in turn, it is not up to them, or any other Muslim nation or person, to comment on the reception received by other nations.
I watched your video. In full. Your video sparks a line of questioning, and of course, this question should lie on each individual's interpretation. But do not downplay the facts. Do not compare this conversion to Natre Dame or the Parthenon of Athens. Things don’t simply change overtime. We’re talking 916 years, in the first christian capital, to which the first christian emperor commissioned.
Natre dame is still active as a place of worship because its harmonious with its intended purpose. The Parthenon is symbol of democracy. It was built, burnt down by Persians, re-built again, and now in ruins.
If you try to over intellectualize, then it raises the argument of Temple Mount and the current Israeli occupation. Instead, try to educate yourself, in full, and then place yourself in the other person's shoes but in doing so, like i have, understand the will of the people.
The only thing that matters is the issue of preservation. Are the floors of the Hagia Sophia cleaned regularly? is there regular maintenance carried out? are there adequate systems in place to ensure its continuance until the end of time? if yes, then that all that matters. If your Christian, do not worry about the Imam, or the raising of the sword on top of the cathedral, let them spread their religion of peace. Imagine if Turkey were a communist country, something is better than nothing.
Do you support the displacement of jews from israel because they are occupying palestinian land. If your answer is no - as it should be for that would be fascistisch - then you should acknowledge that the current inhabitants of the land have a right to self-determination. I would opine that it should be mosque, a church, and a museum all in one. But perhaps that would not be appropriate for not many christians inherit the lands of asia minor.
Anyways, just as jews, palestinians, and all inhabitants of the lands occupying israel should have a say in the self-determination of their affairs. So should the inhabitants occupying asia minor. Even if such an occupation came about from the genocide of prior occupants as was the case in USA, Israel, and many other places. Even turkey.
Nevertheless, I understand that Hagia Sofia holds a special place in your heart as the orthodox christians were the builders of the church but you can see this happening all the time. And hagia sophia has been a mosque for 400+ years now. It would be redundant to ignore the modern history for the glorified 1000 year old history. It should have remained a museum and not turned into a mosque - and I hope it will turn back into a museum only structure - but that is for the turkish people to determine. Even if it was out of some political maneuvering to court the conservative people.
As for your comment on "If your Christian, do not worry about the Imam, or the raising of the sword on top of the cathedral, let them spread their religion of peace". Perhaps, it's time for you to relax, go outside, get some fresh air. One should not let politics cloud the mind of an intellectual. Islam is not violent, peaceful, backwards, forwards. Islam is a structure, a foundation like christianity, hinduism, shintoism, maoism, marxism, capitalism, secularism. You can build a house with the foundation, a temple, or a bomb. It not the fault of the foundation but the craftsman that works on the structure being build that is at fault. Blame the craftsman.
Anyways, I wish you luck in your future endeavours & Sholam.
@@sonucan8113 I've gotten plenty of fresh air since the time of my comment :'D
During your presentation, you seem to confuse the Orthodoxy with Catholicism which in some respect might be similar with the existing difference between Sunny and Shiites Muslims. By trying to make your point Dr. Ally you also mention that history is highly dynamic along the centuries and, for this exact reason the Orthodox Christians (not only the Greek ones) will never lose their hope that in one day, the Holly Cross will adorn the dome of Hagia Sophia. Taking into account what happens to Hagia Sophia today, when that blessed event will take place, there will be no regrets.
😢
Well balanced talk.
Wow classic and splendid explanation.
History clearly records:
1. Ataturk made this into a museum after Turkey was made into a republic.
2. The Turkish Republic was founded as a secular state.
3. During this time in the early 20th century many Christian minorities were massacred (sadly only official Turkish policy denies this).
Many see this deviation from Ataturk's decree as cheap populism by the current Turkish president who has destroyed the free press in his country. It's one way for him to deflect from more pressing problems his country and society faces.
It's too bad these aspects of history were not included in this talk because they are very relevant.
As-salām alaykum. Many interesting perspectives come forward in your talk, dr Ally. However i think it's possible to over-intellectualise a matter like this. What does it matter if there's a Muslim majority in Turkey when the majority of Muslims in Turkey never will pray there anyway, and the nearby great mosque is quite sufficient for jumu'a prayers? And who wants to pray in a space where the walls are covered in suggestive imagery? And what were the circumstances surrounding the conversion into a mosque in the first place? Some say it was bought fair and square, but what's fair and square? And why do we Muslims need a monument? I think the Hagia Sophia should be presented back to the Eastern Orthodox Church together with our sincere apologies. Our hadhrat Umar radhallāhu anhu set the right example by refusing to pray in the church in Jerusalem out of fear the Muslims would then convert it to a mosque at a later stage.
I’m a Christian personally. The Hagia Sophia being turned into a mosque is the equivalent of the dome of the rock being turned into a synagogue by the Israeli government to Christians. As a Christian I would obviously prefer it to be a church again but I would had rathered them had kept it as a secular tourist site than turn it into a mosque.
This is a very wise point of view supported by quite a few Islamic Scholars including Sheikh Imran Hosein whose sermons I watch with a lot of interests.
Ok, so what i understand is when other religions are in majority they should convert mosques into whatever they like, right? Fair enough
@@moinakbhattacharya878 Who are you answering? Read this thread, we are not supporting such actions, and no PROPER Muslim would. In the main thread there are plenty of people you can quarrel with. Good luck.
Also, if you read my last sentence - such an act is unislamic. Not only according to Umar, may God be pleased with him, but also according to the Qur'an itself, which orders us Muslims to protect churches and synagogues, as they are places where God's name is frequently hallowed.
"Nothing in history is ever stagnant. As cultures and power structures change with time, so do the artifacts and monuments we have created". So if, say, the *Israeli* *government* decided to confiscate the Dome of the Rock and turn it into a synagogue, would that be okay?
Exactly and the Dome if Rock will be soon called as Solomon Temple once again. Known as first temple of Judaism.
It should not be a mosque. Doesn't matter how you word it.
It is not allowed to turn churches to mosques: the prophet said that Christian places of worship must be protected and respected. This is wrong.
So the response to your questions is: It depends. In cases that the monument is widely on earth, considered to be one of the very few that exist that have enormous historical, cultural, spiritual, crucial impact for all humans, according to the view of the majority of academics worldwide, the common logic, and the wisdom (Sofia), that all of us (almost) have , requires that it has to be preserved as it is, it has to be respected, it has to be out of contemporary political interests, and it has to be left to its millennium peace. That’s what people do in every country, even in spain, after 500 , their culture evolved so that they don’t hide anymore the mistakes they did in the past to other people and other religions etc , instead they recognise what they did and are trying to become better people than they used to be.
Wallahi I just had this question this morning and now this video is posted. Subhanallah
If the images of Jesus and Mary are still visible can Muslims even pray there?
@@em1694_ Göklerdeki Babamız,
Adın kutsal kılınsın.
Egemenliğin gelsin.
Gökte olduğu gibi, yeryüzünde de
Senin istediğin olsun.
Bugün bize gündelik ekmeğimizi ver.
Bize karşı suç işleyenleri bağışladığımız gibi,
Sen de bizim suçlarımızı bağışla.
Ayartılmamıza izin verme.
Bizi kötü olandan kurtar.
Çünkü egemenlik, güç ve yücelik
Sonsuzlara dek senindir!
@@em1694_ They are praying in the direction of the Qiblah, so none statues are visible when people are praying
this is such a great explanation 😭
Fantastic presentation!
She’s so moderate and unbiased. So rare to see this in Islam.
Buy she not criticize muslim atlast it was church..... In how much higher level they are using brain to brainwash other people.....people of other religion atlast she need to critize the erdogen...
Excellent presentation🥇
I don’t agree with turning it into a mosque.
What would the reaction be if Suleiman the magnificent became a Catholic Church?
Even if Sulaiman the Magnificent turns Hagia Sophia into a Roman Catholic Church, millions of devout Eastern Orthodox Christians would still be upset as it is their holiest shrine. Roman Catholics will be upset if St Peter in Rome becomes an Eastern Orthodox or a Protestant Christian church.
22“The lamp of the body is the eye. If your eye is sound, your whole body will be filled with light; 23but if your eye is bad, your whole body will be in darkness. And if the light in you is darkness, how great will the darkness be.
As much I love and respect erdogan. He should have left the hagia as a museum... To represent all religion and history of Turkey.
Lol. You love Erdogan... Poor soul.
You respect erdogan? Bruh
The history of Turkiye is muslim or secular, depending on the period of time. Orthodox christianity died in Anatolia with the Byzantine Empire, and vanish completely with the deportations of greeks by Ataturk.
@@thewatchtower8330 erdogran is the reason why the west haven’t invaded turkey yet.
@@h3684 Lol. The West doesn't have that intention at all. What has Turkey to offer that the West doesn't have?
When the good Muslim and good Christian praise and thank God in peace and love together, Holy Spirit must be very strong for them both. Thank you for your good work God bless you amen
What exactly is this woman talking about 'A Catholic Church'?
It was built as a Christian place of worship and shood have been left as so.
Erdogan made a huge mistake converting it.we are muslims are higher standards are expected of us.
Thanks for understanding. A pity politicians don't understand. 🙏
This is a good video.
Actually by making hagia sofia into mosque the sentence "majority rules" becomes justifiable even if majority people are muslims.And in case of muslims in muslim minority countries like India(where they turned babri masjid into temple)this kind of decisions makes to stand in the dark.
If this action is justifiable ,
then when al aqsa turn to temple of Solomon also justifiable.
@@neptunesagar8559 The prophet Muhammad PBUH himself advised us muslims to visit Al-Aqsa while it's still possible. He knew it wouldn't last forever, and i wouldn't be surprised too if it actually happens. Still, if it turns into Temple of Solomon that would cause way bigger controversies than Hagia Sophia. It's too much controversy even for Israel's standard.
Babri masjid was built by demolishing a temple FYI.
It will always be a the symbol of my religion, Greek Orthodoxy!
just noticed, you go up and down too much while speekinh. it's somehow distracting as it seems unintuitive.
This building is the Orthodox Vatican. It is not just another random church. What Turkey has done originally during the Ottoman period in 1453 and now again in 2020 would be the equivalent of a western state conquering Saudi Arabia and turning Mecca into a church or synagogue. If Turkey really wants to be a modern, westernized state and wants to be part of the EU like they've been attempting to for three decades, a good first step would be to declare this building as what it actually is, the seat of Orthodox Christianity and decree all Christian visitors should be welcomed to come and worship there when visiting the country. Period.
Just have a Muslim service on Friday and a Christian service on Sunday the rest of the week it can be a museum. Is this not a fare compromise?
There are no christians there to have services as they killed nearly all of them. How do you think they got this cathedral in the first place?
My opinion: it should be a museum where both stories of Christian and Muslims are represented, not only the Muslims history. Im a muslim myself, but in this way the bigger picture of the history will be know. Also in the Quran it says: Indeed, Allah loves those who act justly. 60:08. It would be just/fair to let it be a museum. Remember it was a church before. We can make other mosques that are SIMPLEEE. Prophet Muhammad SAW said that: Simplicity is a part of eemaan (faith). A mosque should be simple and not include adorment & jewellry as this money could be used to poor ppl. A mosque should be a peacefull place to worship and invite others to Islam. So I conclude this with that I stand for the opinion of that it should be a museum, not a mosque, due to respect for example.
To us Orthodox Christians converting a church even into a museum is disturbing. It is even more disturbing to see that it is being used by people of another religious faith. There are at least 16 Orthodox churches in the Toronto area. If you want to understand more about why we find this so disturbing, I would suggest that you talk to one of the Orthodox priests in your area.
Historically, the Turkish Muslims have persecuted Christians in their country even though Islam is supposed to be the "religion of peace." The Ecumenical Patriarch and other Orthodox Christians experience persecution often in Turkey. Here is a video showing how the Ecumenical Patriarch is being persecuted by the Turkish government (which consists predominantly of people who are Muslims).
ua-cam.com/video/K6ZXxgjKk2o/v-deo.html
Not all Muslims practice the peaceful version of Islam that your father preaches. That is a clear, plain, and simple fact.
The former Patriarch of Antioch, Ignatius IV, was driven from Antakya (Antioch) by the Turkish Muslims in the 20th century. He had to reside in Syria. The Turkish Muslims were persecuting him. He was one of our more evangelical patriarchs. Maybe they did not like listening to him preach the Gospel to them. His Beatitude Ignatius IV is dead now. His Beatitude John X is now Patriarch of Antioch.
A Greek Christian gave this response to Hagia Sophia being converted into a mosque. Watch this video.
ua-cam.com/video/tZ39YaZswL0/v-deo.html
I personally know a Greek American lady who says that her grandfather was beheaded by Turkish Muslims. She is an Orthodox Christian. Her grandfather was, too. The Turkish Muslims have persecuted Christians for centuries. Of course, the only version of Islam that you know is the peaceful version your father preaches.There are unpleasant versions of Islam, too. Because of them, we non-Muslims need to be Islamophobes.
Watch sheikh imran Hossein brother. Hagia Sophia is your and it'll be returned to you inshallah.
Is there any way that it could be used by both? I know that’s a very complex and heated topic but as like a living museum where it’s used as a mosque most of the time due to most Turks being Muslim but maybe once a month on a Sunday it be used as an Orthodox Church by Patriarch Bartholomew because even as a Christian I would love to witness it in both aspects to appreciate the history of both groups. As said I know it would be difficult and probably even more controversial due to imagery and theological differences between the two but it’s a genuine question. Both sides had no problem converting churches, mosques and pagan temples in the past so why not use it as a living museum as well as an active worship center for both?
Something like this could have only happened in 2020.
Couldn’t a deal be done where it’s both a church and mosque ?
it was built to be a church 532 and 537 , what more information do you need .
I don't mind that a temple building changes hands and faiths, my only issue with Hagia Sophia specifically is that there's no other like it. It is the largest byzantine cathedral ever built and it looks like it's falling apart.
Turkey is such a huge country and I don't think the country was short in real state. They could have built mosques anywhere in the country. Some consider Erodgan as "Pan-Islamist" who is playing the religion card with this electoral base. Converting a christian church into a mosque made him look like a tough Imam of the Ummah, riding a high horse.
But it comes at a price. It is like opening an old wound. While Christians and Muslims lived in harmony for the most part of history, there were times were the two clashed. Erdogan actions invokes bad memories. If Erdogan really cares about Muslims, he should take a million stateless Rohingya or work for the amelioration of the Dalit Muslims of India. The sky is a limit for good works. We Christians would have had high regard for him.
why are you bothered with a museum turned BACK into a mosque?
Why are you not bothered with hunderds of churches being abandoned in Europe?
Exactly. Could not agree with you more!
What churches are abandoned in Europe? I’m from Greece we take care of all of our churches. We even have masks that we take care of in Greece and we’re Christian majority.
I agree with u
@@petergate7225 Göklerdeki Babamız,
Adın kutsal kılınsın.
Egemenliğin gelsin.
Gökte olduğu gibi, yeryüzünde de
Senin istediğin olsun.
Bugün bize gündelik ekmeğimizi ver.
Bize karşı suç işleyenleri bağışladığımız gibi,
Sen de bizim suçlarımızı bağışla.
Ayartılmamıza izin verme.
Bizi kötü olandan kurtar.
Çünkü egemenlik, güç ve yücelik
Sonsuzlara dek senindir!
First to let you know hagia sofia was never a roman Catholic church but an Byzantine orthodox church.
Question loosely related to the Hagia Sophia: Would you consider dating an agnostic German guy from Cologne. We have a big mosque here. 🙈😄
Thanks for your videos, I really enjoy them! 🌻
It is not a mosque it was a cathedral and should stay one.
Every action is good when it is performed by winning the trust and heart of other party or human beings. Converting a church into a mosque is fine if the Muslim population is huge and they really need such a big building. At the same time, it should be noted that the minority populace should get a place for their worship too; and this would establish a justice. There should not be a feeling of domination in the minds of people who got the possession, and at the same time, the minority population should not feel that they are being oppressed. For example, Muslims should not feel that by having the possession of this building they have 'proved' their power over their compatriots. Here the role of media and leaders is very crucial. Government could offer the same area of land to build a Church for their Christian population with some aid to build a Church. But one last truth is more important than this Mosque-Church issue: God or Allah resides in the heart of those who dedicate their lives to the constant devotion to Him. A place of worship matters less for a true devotee of God because his very heart is the holy church or the holy mosque.
no. study with history and not with turkey propaganda
why not share it with orthodox christians and muslims?
Then Al Aqsa mosque can be a temple then since it is in Israel!
I'm a Muslim and I know right. Please watch sheikh imran Hossein
The should have kept it for history of Christianity and Islam. Where people can learn about two of the greatest religions
@nima yaqubi exactly
@nima yaqubi what was it then if not a place to worship God
@nima yaqubi can you even pray with all the images of men?? if you have images on your clothes your prayer is not allowed unless you change your clothes.
@nima yaqubi that's not what we're discussing the religion I can put a video also saying how Christian Muslim that became Christie's that happens every day Christian become Muslim and muscles become Christian this is not the point I feel they should have kept it as a history especially when you have a mosque not far from that place
@nima yaqubi no, it was not built as place to make it a museum :))
it was built as a place to worship God
Is Your speak aside Qur'an or besides Qur'an???
I think you people are using internet explorer,
You are posting this a month later than the event happened
Probably to avoid the media sensationalism, and actually make a thoughtful video on the topic.
What about Spain Muslim mosques?
Will Thurkish Government allow it as a church on Sundays
I would ask my Abrahamic brothers and sisters who follow Islam, how would you feel if Mecca was occupied by Christians/Jewish people and told you that you cannot go there to practice your faith but Christians/Jews could?
Hagia Sofia is the supreme holy site, the “Mecca” of the Orthodox Church and we now cannot go there to practice our faith.
The Way Of Prophet Muhammad Would Of Been To Share It With The Christians, Like We All Share The Same Air & Planet.
Stay Safe!
I am a Muslim and recently visited Istanbul. Been to Hagia Sophia & Blue mosque. My opinion, there was no need to convert this into a mosque since the blue mosque is next to Hagia Sophia in the same compound. Moreover Istanbul has mosques in each corner and so there is no dearth for place of worship. At present, inside Hagia Sophia where prayers are held, the Christian imagery is covered with cloth. While outside of the prayer area the Christian imagery is visible. To be frank, a monument like this is better to be a museum as earlier.
Today this magnificent building is a mosque. It should be world heritage museum. This would be an equitable and just undertaking. All visitors, whether People-of-the-Book, others or non-believers, can enjoy and experience its rich history.
its a church
It’s a church
Those who do not accept that absolute Truth is located in the Qur'an, are not Muslims. If absolute Truth is located in the Qur'an, then a Muslim (as distinct from those who assume that they are Muslims) must bow to the Qur'an and let the Qur'an provide guidance to us on this issue. I have done that, - but schoolboys run from the Qur'an. If they do not run, then they study and explain the Qur'an as schoolboys. Imran N. Hosein
Well said sir. Much love and respect to you
So what is your conclusion about Hagia Sophia?
@Jahid Abdullah Qur'an, surah 4 (An-Nisa) ayat 157-158
@@roberthannah7983 watch his videos on it brother Robert
I am sorry to say but Turkish government did the same think what modi is doing to babari masjid.
Yes it’s both medival barbarism
They didn't destroyed the church.they didn't even hide the culture of Christian's there.its just that it's a museum still but just praying is held there
I don't know, I think the safest thing would be to keep it as a secular museum, for everyone to enjoy and appreciate. One could learn about its varied history simply through the museum.
Do you want me to meddle in some things about your country?
Chatgpt: Hagia Sophia, initially built as an Eastern Orthodox cathedral in Constantinople (modern-day Istanbul, Turkey), was converted into a Catholic cathedral for a brief period during the Latin Empire's rule over Constantinople from 1204 to 1261. After the Fourth Crusade in 1204, the city was sacked, and Hagia Sophia was briefly converted into a Roman Catholic cathedral, with the name "Sancta Sophia."
However, when the Byzantine Empire recaptured Constantinople in 1261, Hagia Sophia was returned to its former status as an Eastern Orthodox cathedral. This situation continued until 1453 when the Ottoman Empire, under Sultan Mehmed II (Mehmed the Conqueror), conquered Constantinople, and Hagia Sophia was eventually converted into a mosque.
In modern times, Hagia Sophia was transformed into a museum in 1935, and in 2020, it was converted back into a mosque. This historic building has undergone several transformations in terms of its religious use over the centuries.
Nice, impartial and sober view. 👏
1. As you mention ms, things change and evolve through time, but one thing always remains the same, and that thing is called: wisdom. Wisdom, not knowledge. It is universal , stable and hasn’t any side that can be read in a way, another way or more ways. Some call it logic as well. One year after , wisdom spoke. Look around turkey , now and think how it was one year ago. This way you have the words that were spoken 2.UNESCO, also spent lots and lots of money to preserve the ancient church. This was done due to the status of the place as a museum dedicated to the hole world’s cultural heritage . And UNESCO didn’t exactly had in mind that after some years she she would have been cheated in a way that visitors would go inside to see curtains and carpets, covering the miracles of ancient art. Wouldn’t it be modest for turkey to give the money back, or just step back and respect some wonders of human history that happened to exist in their territories, by luck.
As someone who likes masjids and big ones to visit. This is great.
However as a Muslim, we shouldn't colonize and disrupt their holy monuments. Even when Umar entered Jerusalem he didn't pray in the church of the holy sepulcher because he knew Muslims would do this. If it is indeed sinful may our ummah be forgiven for this and if it isn't then I mean better safe than sorry tbh.
We should respect each other's faiths. I deeply respect Muslims in their faith in their practice. I wish their governments would do the same to us. There are hundreds of mosques that Muslims can pray in. The Blue Mosque right around the corner is an exact replica of the Hagia Sophia. This should be given back to the Christians. This would help bring a cultural and religious group closer together. When we show our mutual respect to each other. Then people can see from actions the words of your prophet. Then many will see how the Muslims are trying to reconcile and bring peace because that is what your prophet preached. But that is a missed opportunity. Hopefully future rulers of these governments will see the opportunity to spread their faith to the world through kindness.
As a Muslim, we are forbidden to change church into mosque. Sad day to see this happen to my christian brothers
The central Turkish claim to Hagia Sophia, and indeed Constantinople, is simply "we conquered it, it's ours." Be that as it may, I don't want to hear a peep from muslims about what the Jews do in Jerusalem or the West Bank.
So are the Turks and Zionists hand in glove? Is this part of the plan to capture Al Aqsa?
There's a big difference: Israel isn't considered a legitimate government even by orthodox jews, whereas Turkey is. Turkey has a legal right, whereas Israel's claims are legally dubious.
NO HAGIA SOFIA WAS CHURCH AND MOST STAY CHURCH MOSQUE MOST STAY MOSQUE EACH MAN FOLLOW HIS RELIGION DONT USE RELIGION FOR EARTHLY GAINS WE MOST LIVE IN PEACE BETWEEN JEWS CHRISTIANS AND MUSLIMS SALAM ALEIKUM MAY ALLAH BLESS THE GOOD DOERS AMIN
When hearts change...all change.... Christ lives among the Christians and he is their Inheritance. His cathedral should be in their hearts.
"Let the Quran Speak," but not any mention of Islamic references, no reference to Mehmet's legal citations for turning it to a Masjid, no proofs given from an Islamic discourse with islamic texts.
The entire video was a secular analysis of the function of the site...
R.i.p down version and lots off missinformation.
This is one of the biggest shames of morden Turkey, just points out how backwards the current government is, Erdogan is trying to undo what Kemal had achieved and even called him a drunk, some things are belong to the people world wide and not to some men in power to treat them like they are their own, the neo-Ottoman ambitions of Turkey are really disappointing, to see a nation to move backwards like that, im not an Orthodox or Christian but this truly make me sick, why not let it work as a church and have turist from all around visit or just keep it as a museum? In the age were Muslims in west try to get mosque to pray Erdogan throws oil in the fire
was raided by the ottoman. where did you get your facts from. why do not you share your sources?
No it is not what is happenning right now? Be careful of what you say.
Αγία Σοφία Agia Sofia means the wisdom of God it is the symbol of greek Orthodox christian church it was built for this purpose because Turkey occupies this territory now it doesn't give the right to convert and disrespect history and cultural heritage according to Turkish state wishes, whereas in Istanbul ( Constantinople) there are many mosques so why does Turkish government wants to change history so eagerly?
The byzantines recaptured Constantinopel in 1261, and it was turned back in to an Eastern Orthodox cathedral.
Dr. Safiyyah is a good narrator
I loved it, Masha Allah.
Beautifully analysed - thanks Dr. Safiyya
Ownership and bragging rights are a Huge part of the Human condition. So are power and control. Humans are very keen to jam a stick in the ground and declare "This is the way it's going to be!" We want so badly to be known as something more than the pedestrian, short-lived beings that we are. So make the building a mosque, or a playground, or a library, or a concert hall if it makes anyone feel better. In another 70 years this generation will be gone and the next generation will be the ones bellyaching over who owns what. FWIW.
Love the calligraphic roundels
Graffiti.. really shows who is all powerful… smh
We believe that the Church is the ground and pillar of the truth. Christ started a Catholic Church not a book. The Church used the Greek Old testament in their early worship centered around the Eucharist. Our religion is not centered so much on a book as it is on a Person. Our view of how we view the Bible is not the same as the way the Quran is viewed. There is no ultimate objective authority in Islam so I don't see how questions can be solved. The hadith does come much later. The Mormons have a similar view on their scriptures and their book has not changed so that alone does not prove it as true. It becomes similar to Protestantism; subjective to each person's reading of it. Truth cannot be subjective. God bless and peace be with you.
No it should be handed back to the Christians with a bow tie. It's a major sin in Islam to take anyone elses place of worship and turn it into a mosque or museum. People should always remember how omar (Radia Allah allayh) respected the church in Jerusalem and didn't want anyone that came after to tress pass on other religions ect.. love mahmoud
Thanks...very educational
the only fair choice is to not choose at all
it was much better as a Museum, you can build another mosque, there's not been a lack of mosques or mosque building land
Is there any 2nd part oh this video that im missing? Where is the part of Quran narrative on this? I don’t hear any naql or even a word from the Quran itself. Now, Let the Quran speak and stop clickbaiting from being rethorical. All i can heard of this video were only one sided victor POV of history that might or might not even accurate.
It is against Islam to convert places of worships of others to masjid. Also there is a blue mosque why offend other people. How would Muslims feel if someone convert their major mosque to church or temple. Sad and ignorant move.
How about if we all go into the Hagia Sophia and do some yoga together. That will take some of the tension away.
The speaker unfortunately isn't aware of greek history and culture it's better to know the facts well before referring to another history and culture
but its aggainst the islam rules your prayer is not being accepted from Allah because in Hagia Sophia there are biblicars verses in the walls and alot of icons and pictures that isnt allowed
"Violence is the supreme authority from which all other authority is derived".
The turks can do whatever they want with the building, they conquered it and as long as they can hold it under their rule, the building is under their mercy. If the greeks want Hagia Sophia to became a church or a museum, they can humilhiate themselves to the turks knowing that the turks are not obliged to attend their request, or they can try take it by the force of arms, every other argument is just idealistic, idiotic and meaningless words.
I'm gonna have to agree with you on this.
It’s the Muslim equivalent of turning Al aqsa mosque being turned into a church.
Wow actually originally 4 th century no back and forth like name a famous mosque converted , maybe you would love it if we take over the largest mosque in Toronto and converting it to a hockey rink. By the way love your scarf it must be cold where you live, like dude the Muslim prayers make the church polluted
naaaaah give it back to them christians... we have plenty of other mosques to pray in..give it back to them and tell them not to put any human or animal figures in it.....we using it as mosque as place of worship now is also not right because of the presence of exposed human and animal figures!!! someone speak some sense to Edrogan!!
"give it back to them and tell them not to put any human or animal figures in it"
Tell or ask?
@@stopscammingman Command them
ur wrong
What animal figure? Don't lie.
@@MathewAlex-hc4bf animal and humans not allowed to be depicted in abrahamic places of worship...ask any Jew!
Church forgot this!
So where did i lie?
Here you go amigo:
THOU SHALL NOT MAKE ANY GRAVEN IMAGE!!
(Hebrew: לֹא-תַעֲשֶׂה לְךָ פֶסֶל, וְכָל-תְּמוּנָה)
is an abbreviated form of one of the Ten Commandments which, according to the Book of Deuteronomy
Of course the Turkish government can do whatever they want. But the real question is; Is it necessary? Especially when there is even a larger and more beautiful mosque just across the square: The blue mosque?
👌