With so much happening locally and nationally, one may overlook a peripheral, seemingly irrelevant event 5,000 miles away. Many readers know of Hagia Sophia — the Church of the Holy Wisdom — in Istanbul (formerly Constantinople) and some, like me, had the privilege of visiting it as a museum and contemplating its splendor.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan seeks to change Hagia Sophia back to the mosque it was before Mustafa Kemal Ataturk — the father of modern Turkey — made it a museum in the 1930s.
Built between 532-537, under Emperor Justinian’s direction, Hagia Sophia stands as one of the greatest monuments to human art, architecture and religiosity. After almost 1,500 years, its impressive exterior, remarkable grand dome, beautifully designed striking interior and exquisite mosaics, remain in extraordinary condition.
Hagia Sophia is a tribute to Christendom, yes, but also to all humanity. Yes, Turkey owns it and can legally do whatever it wishes. I hope it remains a museum for any visitor, not just the appropriately faithful, to wonder at its magnificence.
Late in May 1453, Sultan Mehmet II’s forces took Constantinople and finished off the Byzantine Empire, effectively ending the medieval world. Let us hope that President Erdogan does not intend to return to that world.
James Largay
Upper Saucon Township
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