Hagia Sophia

The Hagia Sophia is a great example of how religions can come together and do something for the common good. It is located in Istanbul, Turkey which currently is, and always has been a crossroads. In 537 the Hagia Sophia was completed under the rule of the Roman Emperor Justinian. At that time it was one of the most important Christian Churches in the world. In 1453 Istanbul (then called Constantinople) was conquered and the church became an Islamic Mosque. In 1934 the mosque was declared a museum and since has been restored and served as a monument to both faiths.

 

Originally the Hagia Sophia contained many mosaics representing the Christian faith. When the church became a mosque, the mosaics were plastered over and then painted with Islamic works of art. Today visitors can see the two side by side.

The view of this dome shows Arabic Islamic calligraphy in the center surrounded by four angelic mosaics from the Christian faith.

These two walls stand side by side with an arched walkway in between. Works of art from both the Christian and Muslim era of the Hagia Sophia can clearly be seen.

The Mihrab indicates the direction of Mecca and is the focal point of a mosque.

I was so happy to visit the Hagia Sophia and overjoyed at seeing the way people can put differences aside and agree to do something together.

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