The Hagia Sophia, originally built as a basilica for the Greek Orthodox Christian Church in Constantinople (now Istanbul, Turkey), has been a testament to Istanbul’s history with its magnificent domes and breathtaking mosaics. Initially constructed as a Christian cathedral in the 6th century, it later converted into a mosque and former church. The interior of the Hagia Sophia is decorated with marble, mosaics, calligraphy, and paintings that reflect the Byzantine and Ottoman styles. The building also contains tombs, fountains, a library, and other architectural features.
The Hagia Sophia, which means “holy wisdom”, is the largest domed interior from the Middle Ages, with its cupola rising over 50 meters above the floor. It features an enormous lofty stone dome supported by two flanking smaller semi-domes, three aisles, and a second-floor gallery. The exterior is coated in thin white slabs. The interior of the Hagia Sophia offers a sensorially-rich experience, enhanced during liturgical and paraliturgical celebrations by movements.
The Hagia Sophia’s interior, with its temporal play of light, mobilizes the mytho-poetic power of architecture to conjure the image of the Genesis and the Spirit. The image represents Emperor Leo VI kneeling before Christ seated on a throne, symbolizing the eternal power of Christ bestowed upon the Byzantine Empire. The interior was embellished with gold leaf, marble columns, and colorful mosaics depicting religious scenes and figures.
Interestingly, the Figurative mosaics that now adorn the interior, illustrating the Virgin Mary, Jesus, saints, many biblical scenes, and figures, are a testament to the architectural and artistic evolution of the Hagia Sophia.
📹 Why Hagia Sophia Doesn’t Collapse? Architect Explains
Hagia Sophia, one of the most precious jewels of ancient architecture, the Byzantine Basilica of the Holy Wisdom, Sancta Sophia.
What is the significance of the dome in Hagia Sophia?
The dome of the Hagia Sophia represents the celestial realm and its splendor.
What does the Hagia Sophia symbolize?
Hagia Sophia, a significant building in the Ottoman Empire, served as a symbol of Roman political tradition and universal sovereignty. Ottoman sultans claimed to be Caesar, a Roman emperor, and the Hagia Sophia redefined their spiritual tradition. In the 17th and 18th centuries, it continued to play important roles as a sacred-political space, making it the most important building in the Ottoman Empire, alongside the Kaaba in Mecca and the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem.
Which visual characteristics best describe the interior of Hagia Sophia?
Mosaics are a prevalent decorative element in interior design, comprising the arrangement of small tiles to create figures and artistic motifs. The mosaics at Hagia Sophia frequently portray imperial families, images of Christ, and the Virgin Mary, as exemplified by the Mosaic of the Apse.
What is the interior of Hagia Sophia?
The Hagia Sophia, located in Istanbul, is a significant architectural marvel with intricate mosaics, marble columns, and decorative elements. Notable features include the central dome, Byzantine mosaics, mihrab and minbar, and Islamic calligraphy. Visitors can plan their visit with skip the line tours, guided tours, and various ticket options. Some popular attractions include the Basilica Cistern, Topkapi Palace, Dolmabahçe Palace, Blue Mosque, Galata Tower, Princes’ Islands Tours, Turkish Bath and Hammam Experience, Grand Bazaar, Istanbul Aquarium, Maiden’s Tower, Istanbul Airport transfers, Pierre Loti Hill tickets, and Whirling Dervishes Show tickets.
What are two important things about the Hagia Sophia?
Hagia Sophia, a Christian church constructed during the Byzantine era, was subsequently transformed into a mosque following the Ottoman conquest in 1453. In 1931, the building was secularized and transformed into a museum. However, in 2020, it was re-designated as a mosque, reflecting the city’s evolving religious and political landscape.
Why is the dome significant?
Domes, the central architectural feature of many famous and historic buildings, were first introduced into architecture in the 1st century A. D. They were a mathematical feat that revolutionized architectural design and are still used today. The Romans were the first civilization to implement domes in temples, which quickly spread to Catholic churches and mosques. Domes were not just architectural features but also symbols of religious belief. They were often built to represent the heavens, with their circular shape representing eternity and the apex pointing towards the heavens.
The Pantheon Dome in Rome, Italy, is an iconic example of a hemispherical dome, symbolizing the story of creation. This form of symbolism is carried into architecture, as seen in the Pantheon Cross-Section. The hemispherical dome represents the entanglement and distinction of the physical world from the spiritual realm. The dome is half of a perfect sphere inside the structure, while the outside is square, representing the four corners of the earth. The square and spherical nature of the pantheon fit together harmoniously, demonstrating the ancient belief in the intertwinement of the physical and divine.
This style was prevalent in most churches until the counter-protestant reformation, specifically the Council of Trent. In response to Martin Luther’s movement, Catholic church leaders changed church architecture by changing the hemispherical dome shape from a circle to an oval, leading to the birth of the polyhedral design.
What is the decoration of Hagia Sophia?
Hagia Sophia, a significant architectural landmark in Istanbul, was originally adorned with colored marbles and ornamental stone inlays. The upper part was initially gold-decorated, with a large cross at the dome’s summit. After the period of Iconoclasm (726-843), new figural mosaics were added, some of which remain to this day. After Mehmet II’s conquest in 1453, Hagia Sophia was converted into a mosque (Ayasofya Camii), which remained until the fall of the Ottoman empire in the early 20th century.
During this period, minarets were built, Christian mosaic icons were whitewashed, and exterior buttresses were added for structural support. In 1934, the Turkish government secularized the building, converting it into a museum, and restoring the original mosaics.
What does the dome Symbolise in a mosque?
The Dome, located above the prayer hall, represents Heaven and fulfills practical functions in mosques. The dome serves to amplify the voice of the imam and to identify the building as a mosque, thus ensuring that all members of the congregation can hear him.
What is best represented by the Hagia Sophia?
Hagia Sophia, a mystical building, is characterized by its perfect proportion, industrial confidence, and unique spirituality. The builders of the building left a lasting impression on the world through their attention to detail and the dematerialization of the building. This dematerialization can be seen in small details such as the column capital and the dome, which are derivatives of the Classical Ionic order and Byzantine invention.
The column capital, with its shrunken volutes at the corners and decorative detailing, provides a transition from its supports to the round column beneath. The decoration makes the capital appear light and insubstantial, making the entire structure appear more like filigree work than robust stone capable of supporting enormous weight.
What is the common interior characteristic to the Pantheon and Hagia Sophia?
The naos of the Hagia Sophia, a central sacred space in both the Pantheon and the Hagia Sophia, is renowned for its grand dome and intricate mosaics, which reflect Byzantine architectural and artistic styles.
What do most of the mosaics represent in the Hagia Sophia?
The mosaics at Hagia Sophia predominantly depict imperial families, images of Christ, and the Virgin Mary.
📹 Hagia Sophia: Jewel of the Byzantines
A documentary on the grandest Byzantine church of them all; the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, Turkey.
In fact, the dome collapsed 2 times after major earthquake hit istanbul in the middle ages. The major one was under suleiman the great’s rule, its also noted that tsunamis hit the city and people found fishes around galata tower. The great architect sinan then added two minarets to stabilize the the infrastructure which later saved this architectural wonder. Approx every 250 years a major earthquake hits istanbul, during mehmed 2 rule there was also a earthquake which damaged the city very bad, after the second big earthquake which the ottomans called “little armageddon” ottoman sultan forbid people making houses of stone because of the death toll. The second earthquake under ottoman rule was so hard that even the topkapi palace where sultan reside collapsed, he was under the ruines bcuz the dome above his bed collapsed on him. The empire was ruled trough edirne for a time till everything was renovated in the city.
It takes a special talent to bring the narratives’s conjunction as you go along describing with an exquisite language the place architecture and factors of the time that you visit, at the point to make the visual almost feel as real for the watchers .. ! Thank you once more Manuel you intellectual knowledge is very much appreciate it . Your parents did a great job, Este Chico es genial en su trabajo .!! You must have a degree on Archeology .. Architecture .. perhaps Catedrático en Lengua ? Looking forward for your articles Saludos, take care & Blessings
It’s incredible that after so many setbacks, this building still stands as a resplendent, inspiring structure. It’s incredible that it still stands at all, frankly. I wish that the newer buttresses could have been integrated into the architecture in a more elegant way. I also wish that the interior could be restored, it looks like there is a fair amount of damage and material loss of some of the decorative elements.
I was fortunate enough to behold this beauty with my own eyes almost a year ago. Stunning! Absolutely stunning! Never saw anything like this before. I was in complete awe of her sense of space, the human engineering, design, grandeur, elegance and beauty. I almost cried out of sheer joy and wonderment. Just wondering what the Taj Mahal might be like to marvel at!
This is maybe a silly question, but I am really quite curious. Does anybody know to what extent the actual original building materials are still there? Are those the same bricks and slabs of marble that were originally installed or have many of the elements been swapped out over the years all while carefully maintaining fidelity to the original?
Normally, a church cannot be converted into a mosque and vice versa. A Christian place of worship is built from east to west. A mosque is built in the direction of Mecca. For this reason, the Hagia Sophia cannot be a mosque. Its construction does not fit into the canon of Islam. Many imams take offence at the rededication by the Turkish state.
When Amr ibn al-Aas entered Egypt, he did not touch the churches and built a small mosque, and after that he built a large mosque. Also, when Caliph Omar entered Jerusalem, he did not take the churches and built Al-Aqsa on a neglected place that was not used for anything. I do not respect the Ottomans because they turned this place into a mosque. They should have respected the sanctities of others, but I cannot say now that this place is being turned into a church because it is difficult. These are the mistakes of our ancestors. The lesson that we must learn in the present and the future is that we do not touch the sanctities of others and do not change them.
There are quite a few notable differences between the Treasury of Atreus and the Pantheon dome: – the Treasury is a corbel dome (more primitive), while the Pantheon is a true dome. – the Treasury is buried, which naturally stabilizes the dome, while the Pantheon is above ground, which raises the problem of the “hoop-stress” – the tendency of the arch to unravel under it’s own weight and the problem of the lateral thrust, pushing the walls aside. The “hoop-stress” was solved by adding the steps on the exterior of the dome. This is nothing more then dead weight meant to lock the dome into place and also by making the dome as light as possible (by using pumice and the coffer pattern). The side thrust was resolved by increasing the thickness of the walls. – the Treasury is made out of sedimentary rock, while the Pantheon is made out of concrete
This basilica stands as a witness of faith in Jesus christ. The dome has seen the invasion of Turkish Muslim who possessed by force and followed Islamic worship. Mother Mary prays that her children will understand the divine God and be united in christ as Islam believes that Jesus Isa, عِيسَى, will come at judgement time and will stand at the gates of heaven.The Hour will not be established until the son of Mary (i.e. Jesus) descends amongst you as a just ruler. Let’s pray that 🙏 peace be upon him all accept Jesus.
I very much like your articles and your focus on early Christian and late Roman architecture along with the related developments in the Renaissance age. but with this building- Hagia Sophia- with its mixed background, lack of clear architectural talent controlling the design and resultant collapse of parts of the building over the centuries and the lack of clear form on the exterior reminds me why i also saw it as not central to the development of Western Architecture. it is a worthy development in new directions that the Eastern Church and then the combination with eastern Muslim architecture. but it does not compare to the fine art that St. Peters and El Duomo in Florence encompass. those buildings are on a high level than Hagia Sophia.
RECONSTRUCTION OF Hagia Sophia ORIGINAL BUILDING WITHOUT LATER ADDITIONS, ESPECIALLY INTERIOR MOSAICS. WITHOUT ISLAMIC ADDITIONS AND OUTSIDE MESS COVERING THE CHURCH AS IT ENDED UP TODAY. ALSO ABBEY OF VEZELAY IN FRANCE AND OLD KINGS RESIDENCE IN ARANCA, SPAIN. THANK YOU FOR YOUR MAGNIFICENT WORK SO FAR.
Is it me or do the hanging lights look kinda out of place. Not adding anything. Looks like some spiders built glowing egg sacks. Not dissing on anyone but the calligraphy discs look a bit weird. Now I love islamic Architecture. The geometry and the use of air light and color is among my favorite in the world.
una estructura simple el panteón? no soy arquitecto, mas si historiador y aquí alguien ha enloquecido de remate…un monumento románico sencillo en sus pretensiones, pero grandioso en todos sus aspectos de ingeniería y de altísimas matemáticas, superan con creces a una construcción recargada y si se quiere avejentada, a pesar de ser casi tres siglos mas joven que el panteón…Si las comparas en todos sus aspectos, pareciera que el panteón apenas se acabara de hacer; mientras que la vetusta Hagia Sofía; al contrario, acusa el paso del tiempo.
Hagia Sophia grand Orthodox Cathedral, an UNESCO World Heritage Site, was the Seat of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople in the early Byzantine Empire for almost ten centuries (Head of the Greek Orthodox Church and Eastern Orthodoxy), situated now in the Greek district of St. George’s Cathedral in Constantinople. Hagia Sophia was succeeded by the Church of the Holy Apostles (1453–1456), Pammakaristos Church (1456–1587), Church of the Panagia Paramythia (1587–1597), Church of St. Demetrius Xyloportas (1597–1601) and finally St. George Cathedral to this day. A continuous presence of Greek Orthodoxy and culture, a universal heritage and legacy, the unique Byzantine Architecture and music (Chants) that were developed in the Byzantine Empire are a treasure for humanity. Christian tourists, not only Orthodox, may also visit the Chora Church, famous for its outstanding Late Byzantine mosaics and frescos. The Sumela Monastery in the Pontic Mountains (Tentative UNESCO World Heritage Site), standing since 386 AD, is one other masterpiece of Byzantine Architecture and a sacred religious monument for us Greeks.
According to St. Greeks Monks, the EVIL Doers soon will get what they deserve for what they have done to our Most High Priest and King Jesus Christ The Turks will be displaced by Help with Russia because they attack Greece and Cyprus again Our Hagia Sophia stolen from Moslems comes back and so Konstantinopel ✝️ to Origin Place Very soon we will see this happen; All Glory to Almighty Father JHWH and Yeshua Mashiach ✝️🌟Amen
There was no such name or concept as the “Byzantine Empire”; it was called the Roman Empire. They began to call it Byzantine in the West in the 19th century, out of rejection of the fact that the real Roman Empire existed until 1453 and those who sat in Rome were barbarians who captured the capital of the Romans.
I didn’t support the conversion, it was unnecessary. But the outrage was out of place too. go find any monument from the times of islam of that size, in the West, that has not been destroyed or converted by the christians. so keeping a religious building without converting it, was not the usual thing, it was a sign of respect by our leader back in that time. anyway i wish it receives enough protection in any form. too many tourists visit it. many idiots
Visited this place amidst mixed feelings about its conversion. Earlier, Ataturk converted it into a museum. Praying there, has been one of the most relegiously gratifying experiences. The Christian era, mosaics and architectural aspects of this iconic building, are impossible to be overlooked. Hope there is some way of addressing the reservations of people of faith in the Christian world.
I read how the Greeks rebel and call Aya Sophia their church, but this is neither Turkish nor Greek, but only an Orthodox church built during the Roman Empire, the eastern part of which was called Byzantium. So this is a Byzantine Orthodox church. and there is the end of everything. I can also turn a mosque into a church in my country, but realistically it is a mosque, not a church. That’s vandalism. But well, in such a world we live and people are unfortunately bad.
Aww, Christians so worried and sad about hagia Sophia turned into a mosque… But my people of the Book Christians brothers, honestly tell how many today’s Christians really go to a church or are practicing Christians? There are millions of churches in Europe alone… How many of them you watch filled to the brink? Have you seen pilgrimage in Mecca 🕋…. The congregation and number of people attending and worshiping from every single country of the world? How big is that type of congregation in basilica of Vatican city? How many churches are being turned into bars and pubs and clubs and casinos and closed down due to lack of worshippers? Apart from some countries like poland, Romania (even there go mostly elderly village people), how many Christians you see in Sunday mass? Even in most secular Muslims countries like turkey Albania Kosovo Bosnia azerbaijan Kazakhstan and Russian areas, you see Muslims out flowing mosques so they have to pray outside on the road… While even small churches are not filled half…. For every one church big or small converted into a mosque, thousands are converted into pubs bars and casinos etc… But you see in the media, which make hype, about that particular church ⛪ converted into mosque… Better a church be converted into a mosque where Almighty God is worshiped ; rather than a vulgar disco night club … The hub of christianity = Europe ; is in a clear speedy downfall, forget others around the world… 🤞
Catholics in Constantinople : ” Following Constantinople capture on 12 April 1204, it was subjected to several days pillage by the victorious ( catholic ) troops on a scale never experienced before. Naturally the palaces of the wealthy were an obvious target and were stripped of any gold and silver objects, furniture, furs and silks …….. A crowd of them entered Hagia Sophia to remove the gold and silver candlesticks and ecclesiastical vessels, including a huge ciborium that weighed thousands of pounds. So, numerous and heavy were these objects that they had to bring donkeys and mules into the cathedral to carry them all away . Another group went to the church of the Holy Apostles and burst into the Heroon, the mausoleum where the emperors of the past lay buried. They opened the tomb of the emperor Justinian……., they left it ( corpse) alone, but they stripped off anything of value from the sarcophagus . The tomb of Romanos III in the church of the Virgin Peribleptos suffered a similar fate, as did the church of the monastery of Christ Pantokrator, the burial place of Manuel – I and John – II . ” Much of what was seized in Constantinople in April 1204 was carted back to the West by returning soldiers and some of it still survives today . Some returning crusaders piously presented various precious objects that they had stolen to their local churches . When the German crusader Heinrich von Ulmen got back to Hesse in 1207 he presented the nunnery of Stuben with a silver – gilt, enamelled reliquary, designed to hold a portion of the True Cross .
Here some people lamenting about Aya Sofia. France calls those who communally lamenting about Aya Sofia. The church ( Eglise Saint ) is in the town of LA baconier, just a five minute drive from chateau de in France going to demolish by France government. Those who interested, they can go and save that church.
To Orthodox brothers, please request ur government to conduct function, celebration for restoring orthodox patriarchate in constantinnople by Mehmet – 2 in 1453 AD DECEMBER. This will make u and ur neighbours with prosperous. Because u r living side by side with muslim people. The enemies from catholic world will be defeated.
What happened to orthodox in 1204 by catholics ? ” the Latins took control of Constantinople and then sacked it for three days, killing some 2,000 Greeks. Nicetas Choniates writes of how the Latins looted and profaned Haghia Sophia, leaving the city in utter desolation. They destroyed the high altar, a work of art admired by the entire world, and shared out the pieces among themselves… And they brought horses and mules into the church, the better to carry off the holy vessels and the engraved silver and gold they had torn from the throne, and the pulpit… A common harlot was enthroned in the patriarch’s chair, to hurl insults at Jesus Christ; and she sang bawdy songs and profaned the holy place… nor was there any mercy shown to virtuous maidens, innocent maids or even virgins consecrated to God… In the streets, houses and churches there could be heard only cries and lamentations… Here there were fights and quarrels over loot, there prisoners were being led away, and everywhere among the raped and wounded lay the dead ” Book- Istanbul: The imperial city . Chapter – 13 Author – John Freely EDITION – 1998
History of Christian club: The sack of Constantinople ( AD 1204 ) is unparalleled in history. For nine centuries the great city had been the capital of Christian civilization. It was filled with works of art that had survived from ancient Greece and with the masterpieces of its own exquisite craftsmen. The Venetians ( Latins ) indeed knew the value of such things. Wherever they could they seized treasures and carried them off to adorn the squares and churches and palaces of their town. But the Frenchmen and Flemings were filled with a lust for destruction. They rushed in a howling mob down the streets and through the houses, snatching up everything that glittered and destroying whatever they could not carry, pausing only to murder or to rape, or to break open the wine-cellars for their refreshment. Neither monasteries nor churches nor libraries were spared. In St. Sophia itself drunken soldiers could be seen tearing down the silken hangings and pulling the great silver iconostasis to pieces, while sacred books and icons were trampled under foot. While they drank merrily from the altar-vessels a prostitute set herself on the Patriarch’s throne and began to sing a ribald French song. Nuns were ravished in their convents. Palaces and hovels alike were entered and wrecked. Wounded women ( Orthodox Christian) and children lay dying in the streets. For three days the ghastly scenes of pillage and bloodshed continued, till the huge and beautiful city was a shambles. Even the Saracens would have been more merciful, .
This church is too important for us thé christians. Yes i respect all and wish all thé best especially to my brothers and sisters in Lord Jesus Christ thé Son of God Creator of the seen and unseen world. It has to become christian and holly liturgy to be celebrated again. It is justice and it Will. Thé Christian Byzantine Empire would had never fallen if all Christian would have fought together which they did not especially thé venetians who betrayed their brothers and if…would have been more hollyness in thé city. There is one Lord and Jesus Christ is his Son, our saviour. Hé Said: I am thé Way, thé Truth, and thé Life. So start praying thé Holly Spirit and with good Will, and sincerely. God is Love, Light and Forgiveness. And is thé King of Peace. What sultan Mehmet 2 did it was invading à holly city Killing innocents and destroy much of the christians Land. And for this reason justice has to be made. This city must become Christian and and it Will accordingly to an ancient proffecy so lets start praying les continué praying because end of times is near. May Lord Jesus Christ protect us all with his holly blood and enlighten you all. Amen
Funny how people start crying about what “they” have done to this place of worship. Blaming others for the mistakes one made themselves. The Byzantine empire had lost its power and was losing its territory to another upcoming power. That is how history works. Empires rise and fall. Always has, allways will be. What I find very ignorant, egocentric, and non-christian is the fact that when the Byzantine empire had extreme problems with the seldjuks/otomans the Roman Catholics, other orthodox countried, etc did not start a crusade to protect Constantinople. They just left her to die. Its all freakin politics and powerstruggles, and you simpletons buy into it. We are ALL believers in ONE God. Lets all act and behave like that same God wants us to. Lot more peace in the world that way.✌
Hagia Sophia translates to Church of the Holy Wisdom. Nothing to do with the false god allah. Holy Wisdom comes from God the Father, Son, Holy Ghost. The Holy Trinity is pure Wisdom. It preaches prosperity, chastity, charity, hope, faith, etc. The Orthodox Church is the oldest Church. It’s their property, and they had it taken away by the pure evil Ottomans (who supported Germany in WWI). I would like to see what Muslims would do if the Orthodox or Catholic Church took away something as precious as the Hagia Sophia, like the Taj Mahal. Pretty sure they wouldn’t be very happy.
The treasures lost! The table of the last supper and the nails of the passion! 😢 I’ve been to Istanbul and to the National Museum, there and on display are Muhammad’s teeth, beard and staff. To think we lost these artifacts of Christ’s crucifixion is truly gut wrenching, whether you are a believer or not. These men’s lives and deaths changed and continues to change the course of humanity. Tragic these artifacts have been lost to time.
As a Muslim, it is heartbreaking to see people being torn apart by religion. Sure, the Hagia Sophia is turned into a mosque. But the Greeks nor the Romans don’t rule Istanbul/Constantinople/Byzantium anymore, the Turks do. They can do whatever they want because it is their territory. Just like the Pantheon. During Roman times, it was a place of worship for Romans to pray to their gods. During the time of the Papal States, they turned it into a Catholic church. History is written by the victors, so there is no turning back.
Islam lies by Mohammed had ransacked world and cultures. The Christian faith prevailed with ethics, moral,equality, education,social and scientific developments were uprooted by Islam jihadis. The 8th wonder is still occupied and used as mosque. This is one example that many renowned Christian worship places were forcefully occupied by the infidels Muslims. The barbaniasm is spreading with false teaching.
The conquest of Constantinople prophesied by Prophet Muhammad (Allahs blessings be upon him) HAS NOT OCCURRED! It will happen after the Great War, or Armageddon. Hagia Sophia will be returned to the orthodox Christians world, and Muslims will apologize for 600 years of ottoman oppression! You can kill a man but you will never kill the Truth!!
The conquest of Constantinople has yet to be fulfilled. It will happen after the Great War. This is what Profit Mohammed peace and blessings said. Hagia Sophie will be returned to its original Christian orthodox roots. All Muslims will apologize to Eastern Christianity for 600 years of ottoman oppression/ aggression!
Okay, now you know they didn’t REALLY have all of those relics in the original Cathedral. It is a remarkable building, remarkable architecture and longevity. It is a pity that it was spoiled by hanging Islamic round discs around the Cathedral dome and that they turned the altar area toward Mecca. Muslims had nothing to do with its construction, nor its artistic excellence. They took the city and all its beauty, art, and culture by force. But, I will credit them for not destroying art that they themselves consider wrong, including depictions of Christ (and, no, they do NOT believe IN Jesus as they like to claim. If they did, they would be believing in a false prophet because Muhammed in his dream, claimed to be a real trip on the back of a mythological beast and taken to a place a certain distance from the furthest Mosque from Mecca, which, at the time, would be nowhere near Jerusalem… I digress… Muhammed claimed he saw Jesus in Heaven and that Jesus was “mistaken” thinking he was the Begotten Son of God, but only a mere prophet and not even the “last” one such as Muhammed claims for himself. Malignant Narcissism much? Believing someone existed and was prophetic is not the same thing as believing IN Jesus which would require one to believe in His teachings, which are by far more loving and benevolent and pure than some of the bizarre stuff Muhammed invented – like his terrible advice on how to beat your wife and marriage advice…. oh, brother, what terrible advice it was too!
Erdogan has been dragging Turkey into an Islamic sinkhole for some time. He most recently thumbed his nose at the West by turning the Hagia Sophia, a UNESCO World Heritage site, into a mosque. Originally a Christian cathedral, then turned into a secular museum, it is now a mosque. Turkey is an Islamic dictatorship, an admittedly redundant term. Boycott Turkish apricots and Turkish tourism.
The Prophet’s spirit was best exemplified by his second successor, or caliph, Umar ibn Al-Khattab, soon after his conquest of Jerusalem in the year 637. The city, which had been ruled by Roman Christians for centuries, had been taken by Muslims after a long and bloody siege. Christians feared a massacre, but instead found aman, or safety. Caliph Umar, “the servant of God” and “the commander of the faithful,” gave them security “for their possessions, their churches and crosses.” He further assured: “Their churches shall not be taken for residence and shall not be demolished … nor shall their crosses be removed.” I am not a Muslim, but know Quran and Bible well.Being Historian of Islamic art for the 27years I can assure you that Pure Islam and Conservative should not be confused!
“There shall be no interference with the practice of their faith. … No bishop will be removed from his bishopric, no monk from his monastery, no priest from his parish.” This religious pluralism was also reflected in the Quran, when it said God protects “monasteries, churches, synagogues, and mosques in which the name of God is much mentioned.” (22:40) Prophet Muhammad
GOD IS ALL POWER ALL ETERNAL LASTS FOREVER AND EVER SO WILL HIS CHURCH HIS ORTHODOKS FAMILY WHOM HE LOVES AND THEY LOVE AND BELIEVE IN HIM FOR EVER THE GREEK ORTHODOKS CHURCH ITS FAITHFUL PEOPLE AND ALL THE ORTHO DOKS FAITHFUL FAMILY IN THE WORLD AND HIS HOUSE OF PRAYER THE AGIA SOFIA WHICH HE IS TO TURN OVER TO TO THE MARBLE KING THE GREEK BYZANTINE KING WHEN HE BRINGS HIM BACK TO LIFE TO SERVE HIM AND HIS ORTHODOKS FAMILY FOR A LONG-LONG TIME HIS WILL BE DONE TO HIS GLORY TO BE SERVED BY HIS APPOINTED KING HIS PEOPLE AND THE ORTHODOKS FAITH THROUGH OUT THE WORLD PROTECTING AND DEFENDING HIS CHURCH HIS PEOPLE AND HIS GOD TO GOD’S GLORY
Fun fact: The name Istanbul has Hellenic roots! Constantinople means the city of Constantine Istanbul comes from a Hellenic saying! Hellenes used to refer to Constantinople as Η Πόλη/I Pòli which means THE City! No any city but The City! The Hellenic saying: Εις την Πόλην / Is tin Pòlin means ‘’to The City’’ Is tin Polin Is tin Pol IsTinPol Istanbul ………..Hellenic 🇬🇷 They may hung all these nonsense around, they may cover all of the Hagiographies around, they may built another 10 minarets around… Hagia Sofia was, is and forever will be an Orthodox Church! They want to pray in it? Fine! I wonder what other religion’s believers would accept to pray in another religion’s temple! They pray inside a Church…🤯🤯🤯 They pray under the Pantokràtor! They pray under the Holy Mary! Are they not ashamed of that as sooooo strong Muslim believers??? Perhaps they want to pray to Jesus! Perhaps they pray to Theotokos for mercy! 💙🇬🇷🇬🇷🙏🏻✝️🙏🏻🇬🇷🇬🇷💙
Stop saying it was ruined. It’s the mix of culture that gives it its beauty. Its so culturally rich and the different architecture just comes together as a beautiful image. Plus its a place that tells a story. Everything about Hagia Sophia is amazing and if anything had happened differently it wouldnt be half as wonderful as it is
I agree, turning this Church into a Mosque was and is a total disgrace…if Israel used the “right of conquest “these hypocritical bastards use to justify this disgrace and got rid of that Mosque that sits on top of the old Jewish temple all hell would break loose. I say demand that that asshole Erdogan return the Hagia Sophia back to a church or Iseael will get rid of that mosque on the holy temple, if we have to go to war we’ll crush those bastards in less than a week…
If a mosque is turned into a church then it is desecration and racist. If a church is turned to a mosque, it’s ”right of conquest”…..What a hypocritical and plainly stupid mindset, right?…It’s simply pointless trying to rationalise with ‘unwesternised’ muslims…Check what happens in France in 2020….Middle ages if we, and by we i mean the entire western world united as one, don’t act…
Kemal wanted Turkey to be secular because he understood that religion and worship are personal decisions of faith that have to be free of state sponsorship. Kemal wanted Turkey to progress and be free from a hostile takeover by Britain, Greece, and others in 1922. He supported a liberal nation that supported Western ideals. Kemal’s policies were not perfect, but he wanted the best for Turkey when he dissolved the Sultanate. Kemal’s mistake was how he used the military to enforce secularism instead of giving that decision to the Turkish people. Erdogan’s actions bother me because I doubt he has the conviction to believe what he is trying to build is best for the Turkish people. Slowly he is making a velvet dictatorship through religion and the past history of the Ottoman Empire. I doubt he actually cares about the religion of Islam because power is his religion. I have Turkish friends who are Muslims that support the idea of living in a peaceful nation with citizens of other faiths. We share grave concerns that Turkey’s progress since 1922 will take their country down a path of ruin. I am fascinated by Turkey and want to learn more about it. Why would Erogan want to return Turkey’s nation to the days of the Ottoman Empire when they were the “sick man of Europe”? In 1922, Kemal understood that secularism was the path forward for the Turkish nation although his policies were incomplete. My concern goes towards my friends and their families who live in Turkey.
I pray for the day when the Ottomans are driven from the Holy City and Constantinople rises again and Holy Mass is said again at the (Sancta Sophia) Hagia Sophie!Deus Vult!!Et orate pro more Ottomanorum convallibus ista rapientes, cum die resurget et Constantinopolitani Sancti urbe iterum atque iterum dicitur sanctus missa in (Sanctam Sophiam) Hagia Sophia!! Vult Deus !!God wills it!Constantinople & Hagia Sophia groan in agony under the heel of the Infidel!She will only find peace when once again the Holy Cross sits atop her Dome,Parapets and Holy Gates!Deus vult illud! Constantinopoli Sancta Sophia & gemitumque dedere apud Infideles habitant sub calcaneo dolor! Et non invenietis: et ubi est pax Cross sits Dome vertice eius, et pinnae aliquot Sanctus porta!
OTVORENO PISMO PATRIJARHU IRINEJU Vaše preosveštenstvo patrijarhu Irineju siguran sam da budno pratite sve nadljudske napore našeg predsednika Aleksandra Vućić i Vlade Srbije koji se svim svojim silama bore da spasu naš narod od ovog nevidljivog neprijatelja Korone 19.Naš predsednik zaista učinio ogroman doprinos koristeći sve svoje prijatelje širom sveta da nam obezbedi svu neophodnu medecinsku pomoć.Priznaćete da to nije uspeo ni jedan predsednik u svetu.Vlada republike Srbije ćini nadljuske napore da pojedine u naše sugrađane dozove pameti i da ih nagovori da budu kod kkuće.Naš predsednik nas svakodnevno u njegovim govorima i savetima moli da ostanemo kod kuće jer je to jedini način da pobedimo ovog,do sada,najvećeg našeg neprijatelja.Siguran sam da delim mišljenje sa vama da će mo na čelu sa našim predsednikom uspeti i u ovoj borbi,ali mu moramo svi skupa pomoći u tome.Posebno mu odajemo priznanje što je stvorio ogromno lično prijateljstvo sa mnogim predsednicima država.Verujte mi da bi ogromna pomoč izostala da nam je neko drugi predsednik umesto njega.Svi drugi,siguran sam,gledali bi samo sebe i svoje bližnje i nastojali da iskoriste za sebe i materijalnu korist.Aleksandar Vuččić se bori za sve nas i zato je zaslužio da bude DOŽIVOTNI predsednik naše države. Vas uvaženi patrijarhu molim da pomognete našem narodu kao svojim vernicima,ali ne samo molitvama i mmolebanima koje se sprovode po našim crkvama i hramovima,jer,prinačete i vi,naš narod sada od molitvi nema puno koristi sem one psihološke.
Siapakah pembuat desain sajadah jadul ini pertama kali?? Pesan tersembunyi dari desain sajadah oleh-oleh jamaah haji yang banyak dibeli dan dipakai oleh orang Indonesia tahun 1980-an ternyata bukan Mesjid Nabawi di Madinah tapi Mesjid Hagia Sophia (Ayasofya) di Turki karena memang sajadah ini adalah buatan Turki sedangkan sajadah buatan Indonesia yang muncul setelahnya juga menggunakan desain sajadah jadul ini untuk dijual di Indonesia youtube.com/watch?v=0M1U_W3pXdk
Hagia Sophia was first named Magna Ecclesia built by Constantine II to be an Arian Church (Unitarian) Then Theodosius II Forced the Arian to pray outside the city wall and converted Hagia Sophia to Orthodox Church, then rebuilt it after a fire broke out. Justinian I then again rebuilt it to it’s current form. Then Mehmet II took Constatinople then return Hagia Sophia to a place where the ONE God is being worshipped. The Orthodox built it but after they took it from the Arians, they have NO say in the matter of Hagia Sophia in becoming a Masjid.
FIRST FRIDAY PRAYERS HELD AT HAGIA SOPHIA MOSQUE IN 86 YEARS Turkish president Rajjab Tayyab Urdogan joined thousands of Muslims on Friday for the first time in 86 years inside Hagia Sofia grand mosque. A mosque in 1453 then converted in a museum in 1933 after downfall of Ottoman empire by a Jew called Mustafa Jamal Attaturk belonged to Donam tribe. According to the Turkish court’s judgement Hagia Sofia museum turned back into a mosque on 10th July 2020 Turk Mohammad Fatih conquered Istanbul in1453 and He purchased this Church from the trustees of the church and paid them a big amount. The related papers of this deal are still available. Now Hagia Sophia will regularly function as a mosque. Now Greece or any Christian country has no right to protest or say anything against this conversion. ” Greece showed again it’s enmity towards Islam and Turkey with the excuse of reacting to Hagia Sofia mosque being opened to prayers”. the spokesman for Turkish foreign ministery said. Dr.Mohammad Laeeque Nadvi Ph.D.(Arabic Lit.) M.A.( Arabic+Islamic Lit.) Director Amena Institute of Islamic Studies and Analysis A Gglobal and Universal Institute Donate to promote this Institute SBIA/C30029616117 Kolkata,Park Circus Branch [email protected] Thanks
HAIYA SOFI WAS SOLD BY OTHODOX TO USMANI EMPAIER WHEN TURK TURKY PURCHESE FROM BIZETAIN POP,THEN POPSHIFTED THEIR CHURCH TO RUSSIA NOW. SANPETER BURG.IS BIG CHURCH NOT HAISOPYA V MADE MUSIUM TO MASQE NOT CHURCH,TURKY CONCORD BIGGEST CONTERY OF ROME AND OTHDOX FROM BIZANTAN NO ONE HAVE OBJECTION IN WHOLE WORLD, WHEN MASJID AKSA WAS ACCUPAI BY JEWS AND MANY MASQE IS MADE DANCE CLUB AND BAR AFTER NAPOLIN CONCOR SPAIN 700/ MASQUE MADE CHURCH AND DANCE BAR NIGHTCLUB
One must read the dark history written by church. How can anyone of you forget CRUSADES?? killing millions of innocent children, Men and women because they were not of your faith… Anyway, Hagia Sofia was the property of Mehmed the conquerer. So it was legal to turn it back into Mosque. You should also read how the Popes used to command forces to kill people who were from different Faiths and to turn Their Prayer temples into churches……. I agree with Turkey that ” world is just bigger that 5.”
Turkey president Erdogan must be arrested and stand trial at International Court and must be given life imprisonment for provoking Christians by converting Sophia Church to a Mosque. Going to cause innocent Turkish people to suffer when international economic boycott and trade sanctions against Turkey begins.
There is no byzantine. Its rom. As western rom fell to barbarians there was eastern still rich and happy. And it was constantinopol the main city since the constantin had a vision. It was roman imperium but rom was second city in that imperium. Capital was CONSTANTINOPOL. And Holly Sophia was build at time when people in rom city was still pagans. It was build before muhamed was born. Not vatican is the important place for Christians its Holly Sophia and Constantinopol that was first Christian vatican.
Hagia. Sophia BELONGS TO ORTHODOX IT IS NOT A MOSCHEE BUT TURKEY IS NOT THE FIRST TIME WHEN THEY ARE MAKING WRONGS DECISIONS. I WISH GOD WILL GIVE HIS LIGHT TO THIS HUMANS WITHOUT WISDOM,for MAKing FROM ORTHODOX CHURCH A MUSEUM….JUST BECAUSE IT IS ON THEIR COUNTRY. AGHIA SOPHIA DOESN”T BELONGS TO TURKEY AND IT IS NOT A MOSCHEE. THIS IS THE MOST B8G FAILURE FOR TURKEY…AND TRUST ME… THIS IS NOT GOD WILL.
Again became the place of workshop to stand, prostrated,kneel down and touch the face in ground with humbleness, became oriented towards the cubic structure primitive of all place of worship re established by our fore father Abraham-father of mercy who call the people with direct connection of the GOD fulfill the king Justinian Gift for the GOD service in thanks of surviving from riots,rebels deserting
Mehmed allowed the Orthodox Church to maintain its autonomy and land in exchange for accepting Ottoman authority. Erdogan will ruin Turkey like they ruined the Ottoman Empire, indeed. Plus: Half of Turkey’s religious Muslims hope Erdogan and his ideology will leave these lands then they will revise this decision soon. Peace and Love 😀 BREAKING NEWS!!!!! Greek Government in talks to convert Kemal’s birth house in Thessaloniki into a brothel for Turkish refugees. And reconvert all Turkish mosque into a Christian church and Zoo. Turkey is moving backwards …they were more modern 100 years back …who will visit Turkey if they continue with such radical thoughts. When they are a minority they want secularism, when they are a majority they impose shariat laws, Islamic practices and mosque building on everyone.
Its unbelievable the hate towards Christianity from the followers of the ‘religion of peace’ Is this what your prophet told you to take what belongs to others ???? But Thanks to God for the blessing of Christianity, and God have mercy on the brave martyrs who died in honour defending Constantinople in 1453 : Jesus Christ (Glory to his name ) said (what will a man gain if he wins the world and loses his soul)
How many of you guys going to church? Why you guys worry about churchs? Do you know how many church converted to mosque in England ? Because people not going to church and they don’t want to keep open empty building and they selling to muslims because of MONEY. There are more than 20 church were converted to mosque in England.
I think the name Constantinople is more beautiful than istanbul… I also feel that, Mr president should also give a door for orthodox christian brothers who are very close to belief to Muslims…This is a love for orthodox christian brothers…Emperor Justinian was suffering from Plague and glorious lord gave him healing after a long prayer! The orthodox christian brothers are very pious in faith… The house of lord should be fulfilled again with devoted worshippers and long long crying prayer!!
I expect that the dignitaries of the Islamic and Balkan states will be invited to the opening of Hagia Sophia on July 24th.President Erdogan and Turkey want to send a message to the Christian world. “According to Albert Pike’s letter, the persecution of Muslims for 200 years is endless.And you’re not taking me into the European Union under any pretext.Then there is no cure for the unification of all Islamic countries.It was also understood that this would not happen with the puppet Arab administrations.” With this message,he wants to squeeze those at the head of the Arab states and win over the Shaykh and tribal leaders at the bottom. Beyond just doing a worship, new messages are being opened.
Ayasofya’nın 24 temmuzdaki açılışına, İslam ve Balkan devletlerinin ileri gelenlerinin davet edileceğini tahmin ediyorum.Cumhurbaşkanımız Erdoğan ve Türkiye, Hristiyan dünyasına mesaj vermek istiyor.”Albert Pike’ın mektubu gereği 200 yıldır Müslümanlara yaptığınız zulmün sonu gelmiyor.Beni de Avrupa Birliğine bahaneler ile almıyorsunuz.O halde bütün İslam ülkelerinin birleşmesinden başak çare yok.Kukla Arap yönetimleri ile de bu işin olmayacağı anlaşıldı.” Bu mesaj ile Arap devletlerinin başında olanları da sıkıştırmak,altta bulunan şeyh ve aşiret liderlerini de kazanmak istiyor. Sadece bir ibadet yapmanın ötesinde yeni mesajlar ile açılım yapılıyor.
If you are strong enough to say that I am Christian, you will come and you will conquer Istanbul by fighting no other round..If we were barbarians, we would have killed you, but we did not do such a thing because our religion prohibits this and Fatih sultan mehmet han left everyone free in her religion..there are 1600 churches in turkey and they are free in their belief, no one forces them to become muslim..therefore I do not understand why you call us barbarians..also respect others who do not believe like you mainly Christians..
There was also PORNAI Street, which is now ASMALI ÇEŞME Street, close to Sultanahmed square.On this street, a dancer named Teodora used to dance and prostitution.Emperor Justinian saw and liked Theodara.He married her.The word porn came from this street.There was a hipodrom in Sultanahmed square.On 13 January 532, this hipodrom also had a riot.Emperor Justiinyanus tried to escape.But Empress Teodara did not allow the Emperor to escape…He closed the doors of the hipodrom and killed them.During this riot, half of the city was burnt down and Hagia Sophia was destroyed for the second time.On 23 February 532, Hagia Sophia began to be rebuilt.On 27 December 537, Hagia Sophia was opened.On 23 February 532, Hagia Sophia began to be rebuilt.On 27 December 537, Hagia Sophia was opened.On 23 February 532, Hagia Sophia began to be rebuilt.On 27 December 537, Hagia Sophia was opened.Sultan Mehmet the Conqueror, who did not look at this Hagia Sophia and did not take it out of the mosque, said that he should suffer the wrath of Allah.The Hagia Sophia was owned by Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror in the Ottoman and Turkish Republic.Until July 10, 2020, Hagia Sophia was both a mosque and a museum.The mosque name was not removed.Muslims were also worshipping in a small place in Hagia Sophia.The Turks did not make the great and beautiful Caimi bigger than Hagia Sophia.Because they loved it. İt was the memory of Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror.But they also built the great Selimiye Mosque, which is more beautiful in Edirne.
In Spain you built a church in the Córdoba mosque, in Greece you destroyed all the mosques in Athens and Thessaloniki. There is not a single mosque in Thessaloniki and Athens. Adhan is not allowed in mosques in Europe.But all the churches in Turkey are ringing their bells., The Faik Pasha Mosque in Arta, Greece, was used as a brothel until 1976. You’ll say Hagia Sophia without shame.Hagia Sophia was a museum between 1935-2020.Between 1935 and 2020, Hagia Sophia, money.ıt it will now be entered for free..Without the Turks, Hagia Sophia would have collapsed.Your churches are all empty.
Turkey: the only country allover the world without civilization but With only Criminal record. Invasions, Genocides, ethnocleansings, convert churches into mosques, dictatorship against democratic people put them in jail, stealing others heritage, maniacs and megalomaniacs, Put their noses in others business, Lybia, attack Irak, Syria, burn down Kurdish villages, attack Armenia, cyprus invasion, Aegean overflights, …. The only country that celebrates conquering, invading and destroying. All countries celebrate freedom days, they celebrate rapings and blood. That’s what Turkey for. A BLOODy chicken country
Just another example of Islams ability to take others History for their own, But its better than destroying it like they did to the Buddhas in Afghanistan or historic sites as in Iraq. Its about time the west turned its back while Israel takes the dome of the rock. People are the church not the building…..but if you want to keep annoying the shyt out of people lets do it properly gloves off. Lets embargo Turkey and kick them out of any European organisations if they persist.
Empires come and go. People come and go. Only the good deeds or the evil deeds of someone follows him/her to the grave. Any arrogant comments demonstrate human vanity. Turkish sultan and philosopher ALP ARSLAN said it right. Alp Arslan (= heroic lion in Turkish) asked the following to be engraved on his grave when he dies: “All those who have seen the glory of Alp Arslan to reach the 7th heaven, come now to Merv (Merv or Meru is his burial place) and see that it is all turned to dust”. Great man, great soul. God may rest his soul for eternity. After all, “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it; for he founded it on the seasand established it on the waters”. We, humans, are supposed to be good managers of what God has entrusted us with. And the greatest virtue is Love. “Love Thy neighbor as yourself” if you are capable of achieving great works. INFO for those who do not know or do not remember who Alp Arslan was: ALP ARSLAN (honorific in Turkish meaning “Heroic Lion”; in Persian: آلپ ارسلان; full name: Diyā ad-Dunyā wa ad-Dīn Adud ad-Dawlah Abu Shujā’ Muhammad Ālp Ārslan ibn Dawūd ضياء الدنيا و الدين عضد الدولة ابو شجاع محمد آلپ ارسلان ابن داود; 20 January 1029 – 15 December 1072), real name Muhammad bin Dawud Chaghri, was the second Sultan of the Seljuk Empire and great-grandson of Seljuk, the eponymous founder of the dynasty. He defeated Romanos in the battle of Matzikert. NOTE: I learned this about ALP ARSLAN from my Greek Elementary School Teacher who taught me to think freely because he believed that only one who is a free thinker has the right thoughts.
ITs stolen property of the EAstern ORthodox Church. As muslim I am ashamed of the Turkish occupation of this beautiful church. Islamic Law demands that Turkey give this Church back to the Eastern Othodox Church. Its a Sin in Islam to Usurp Churches and places of Worship of other Faiths! Hands off the Christians Churches and Cathedrals!
“Σώπασε κυρά Δέσποινα και μη πολυδακρύζεις πάλι με χρόνους, με καιρούς, πάλι δικά μας θα ‘ναι” Τον τελευταίο λόγο τον έχει ο Θεός…. Γι αυτό μην κάνετε όνειρα Τούρκοι γιατί το σχέδιο του Θεού είναι άλλο!! Το χερουβικό θα ακουστεί ξανά μέσα στην Αγιά Σοφιά!!…. Ζυγώνει η ώρα ξεκίνησε η αντίστροφη μέτρηση!!
It is an Orthodox Cathedral, it is Greek, its name is Hagia Sophia and the city’s name is Constantinople (aka ‘Istanbul’ from the words ‘Is Tin Poli’ which means ‘At The City’) and remember that the Greeks shall return to unveil the figures that were scrapped off or covered and offer it to the whole humanity as its presence is of universal value and its meaning wraps up a constellation of peaceful and sacred values that barbarians who conquer for the sake of authority and expansion are sublimely unaware of. PS: the name Turks use to refer to the cathedral is Ayasofya and that name is …Greek.
As a Turk my opinion is Ayasofya should have been preserved as a museum like what Atatürk did in 1934. It will only occur conflicts from now on like you can see in this comment section. Ayasofya has completed it’s time as church and as a mosque. Now it is the world’s cultural legacy for all human’s to see. Istanbul has many many mosques to worship. This was not a need, it’s only a politicial step.
Converting the Christian Church is a blessing in disguise for it does more harm to islam on the long run. Now muslims cannot say anything to Israel or China unless they wish to openly flaunt their hypocrisy 😂 there now is no case for Israel to pullout. I’m actually now rooting for Israel to make the necessary changes ✨
Hagia sophia first orthodox Christian church. But catholic Christian attack this church and killed thousands of orthodox Christians and fire this church last captured this church. After Turkish captured constantinople and hagia Sophia convert to mosque/mosjed. Its long history. Really in the world only Istanbul city have many history. If you don’t know about Istanbul, you don’t know about world.
would you please STOP saying “Hajji” Sophia is Greek pronunciation!!! Youre just making it up. The Greeks do not pronounce the initial H at all, so it was “Aghia” in original classical form, but in new Greek it was softened to Aya. That is what the Turks heard, learned and repeat to the present. So, either Aghia Sophia or Aya Sophia, but not Hajji Sofia!!
Every Christians in here try to shitting Ottomans. Did you know that, The Latin Catholic Crusaders- Enrico Dandalo, conquered the city in 1204, and killed thousands of innocent people, burned your holy churchs, there was a story that; the latins take hoors into the churchs and doing dirty things in your churchs. There was not a story like that in Ottoman history. Also some Churcs are remained as a church. Hagia Sophia must be turn to mosque because it need to be sign the glory of Fatih the Conqueror. Read some independed history.