Posted on 07/01/2020 12:37:21 PM PDT by Texas Fossil
The Government of Turkey has administered the Hagia Sophia as a museum – officially recognized by UNESCO as part of the Historic Areas of Istanbul World Heritage Site – in an outstanding manner for nearly a century. We urge the Government of Turkey to continue to maintain the Hagia Sophia as a museum, as an exemplar of its commitment to respect the faith traditions and diverse history that contributed to the Republic of Turkey, and to ensure it remains accessible to all.
This extraordinary site is a testament to religious expression and to artistic and technical genius, reflected in its rich and complex 1,500-year history. Moreover, the site’s status as a museum has allowed people from all over the world to access and reflect upon this magnificent achievement.
The United States views a change in the status of the Hagia Sophia as diminishing the legacy of this remarkable building and its unsurpassed ability—so rare in the modern world—to serve humanity as a much-needed bridge between those of differing faith traditions and cultures. We seek to continue to work with the Government of Turkey on a broad range of issues of mutual interest, including the preservation of religious and cultural sites.
I can think of some real estate in Jerusalem which would be perfect for a Temple.
Just sayin’
When the time is right, that will happen.
Nah, just turn the Dome of the Rock mosque into a church. It was done once before.
Constantinople fell in 1453.
The choices are to retake it for Christendom, or to leave it in the hands of Islam.
Talking to the forces of Islam about universalism is meaningless babble. They don’t recognize it, and neither should we.
Correct.
The Blue Mosque, which is much newer and just as large is just 300 meters from Haga Sophia. As to history, Haga Sophia was completed in 537 AD, while Islam did not begin until 610 AD. Meaning the Islamic claim to Haga Sophia is based on conquest.
Interesting fun story, there are Norse runes carved in the floors close to the exterior walls. A tour guide told us that these were made by Vikings that made it all the way to Istanbul. True? Who knows, but a cool story.
Not to worry. Putin is planning to be annointed Byzantine Emperor there.
Whenever my dad starts complaining about how wrong it was to engrave Mount Rushmore on sacred Indian land, I ask if he has the same anger about Hagia Sophia - especially considering we are Orthodox Christian... It’s my go-to in this family when they start complaining about “stolen land.”
Of course it is.
The fourth stanza of our national anthem contains the phrase, "then conquer we must, when our cause it is just".
There's nothing wrong with possession by conquest, it is perfectly normal. If you want Hagia Sophia to be a cathedral again, you have to conquer at least European Turkey (and probably the whole thing), subdue and convert the population to the True Faith, and then you're good to go.
Bet he has not told Erdoo about it yet. smile.
You know, he thought they were partners for a while. Don’t think he’s so sure about it now. smile.
Yes, they have similar lore about coming to America along way back and leaving marking in the NE part of the country.
My mother was a Swede. Her name maiden name was Erickson. (pretty common)
Or simply build a few glass parking lots in strategic places in the ME?
“Vikings that made it all the way to Istanbul. “
The Byzantines used Vikings as a mercenary force. They were called the Varangian Guard. They were some of the most feared soldiers in the near east who used two-handed, double-bit axes rather than swords or spears.
Yeah, it’s true there were Vikings in Constantinople!
Save Thy people, O Lord,
and bless Thine inheritance.
Grant victory to Thy Church over her enemies,
and protect Thy people by Thy Holy Cross!
Yeah, but then what would I do on Friday? LOL! I get your point, force has settled more issues than any other.
Interesting. Seems the Norse were quite the adventurers and not afraid of the unknown.
I wonder if they had to convert to Islam before serving? I would have loved to be a fly on the wall when a Turk tried to force a Norseman to convert to Islam.
The Varangian Guard were Byzantines , Christians
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