Source: Reuters
The mediaeval Church of the Holy Saviour in Chora, built near the ancient city walls of Constantinople, contains 14th century Byzantine mosaics and frescoes showing scenes from biblical stories.
They were plastered over after the city was conquered by the Muslim Ottomans in 1453, but brought to light again when – like Hagia Sophia – the building was converted to a museum by Turkey’s secular republic more than 70 years ago.
Erdogan, whose AK Party is rooted in political Islam, has positioned himself as a champion of Turkey’s pious Muslims and last month joined tens of thousands of worshippers in the first prayers at Hagia Sophia in 86 years.
Dr. Zia H Shah, Chief Editor of the Muslim Times and collector of links of this article
Suggested reading and viewing by Zia H Shah MD, Chief Editor of the Muslim Times
Turkey: Hagia Sophia should not be converted to a Mosque
Our Favorite Christian Prayer by Saint Francis
My Journey to Islam – Myriam Francois-Cerrah
We Will be Judged by Our Compassion and Deeds and Not Our Dogma
A Nobel for Karen Armstrong will bring the Christians and the Muslims closer
Nobel Prize for a noble woman
Refuting Islamophobia: Demystifying ‘the Other’ by Harris Zafar
PM New Zealand: ‘The believers in their mutual kindness, compassion, and sympathy are just like one body’
A Message of Compassion and Love from the Holy Bible
Abou Ben Adhem, A Compassionate Man
‘Love Hormone,’ How it works in Hospitality?
‘Love Hormone’ Oxytocin May Enhance Feelings Of Spirituality
Coronavirus: The Great Disruption. Will religion post-Covid-19 be more personal, less communal?
Video: Cat Stevens’ Path to Islam
Categories: Interfaith tolerance, Secularism
It seems that Turkey is on the way to becoming another Iran or Saudi Arabia. No more secularism, the religious police, and shrouded women. Such a tragedy. I loved Turkey and had wanted to visit Constantinople/Istanbul, but it’s all off my agenda now.