Haghia Sophia: The First Great Martyr of Christian Art and Architecture, by Nikolaos Manginas
Istanbul, Turkey
9/2/2013
It
all started with the Church of Haghia Sophia in Nicaea. Then Haghia
Sophia in Trabzon. Both of these glorious Byzantine churches – which
functioned for many decades as museums – have now been turned into
mosques, a harsh reminder of their forced conversion centuries ago. And
this in accordance with recent sudden decisions by modern political
authorities.
It is well known that following the Fall of the Byzantine Empire, numerous churches were converted to mosques by the Ottomans. With the establishment of the modern Turkish Republic in 1923, the same spaces were gradually converted into museums, which is what also occurred with the Great Church, Istanbul’s Haghia Sophia, in 1934. Nevertheless, there are now indications that certain factions are endeavoring to cultivate in popular opinion the notion that Haghia Sophia of Istanbul, the symbol of Christian faith, should be turned into a mosque. A few months ago, a Turkish citizen submitted an application to the National Assembly for the conversion of Haghia Sophia into a mosque.
It is well known that following the Fall of the Byzantine Empire, numerous churches were converted to mosques by the Ottomans. With the establishment of the modern Turkish Republic in 1923, the same spaces were gradually converted into museums, which is what also occurred with the Great Church, Istanbul’s Haghia Sophia, in 1934. Nevertheless, there are now indications that certain factions are endeavoring to cultivate in popular opinion the notion that Haghia Sophia of Istanbul, the symbol of Christian faith, should be turned into a mosque. A few months ago, a Turkish citizen submitted an application to the National Assembly for the conversion of Haghia Sophia into a mosque.
An even greater surprise came from the official magazine of Turkish Airlines, Skylife
(Issue 361, August 2013). The cover featured a lithograph of the church
drawn from the period of the Ottoman Empire and entitled “Haghia
Sophia: The Sultans’ Mosque.” The lengthy tribute – totaling twelve
pages in Turkish and English – presented the history of Haghia Sophia
from only an Ottoman perspective, especially highlighting the period
during which it served as a mosque. This selective memory cannot remain
unnoticed by anyone who knows that for one thousand years without
interruption, Haghia Sophia comprised the most significant Church of
Christendom. Moreover, to this day it remains a powerful symbol for all
Christians, especially the Orthodox.
This articles appropriates the image of
Haghia Sophia to be a symbol of the Ottomans and a point of reference
for the Sultans. Even though the article includes references to the
construction of the church, as well as the ages of Iconoclasm and the
Crusades, the claim is that the golden age of Haghia Sophia commenced in
1453 and the Fall of Constantinople. The whole history of Haghia
Sophia is then set to spin around the axis of the Sultans.
Furthermore, in this publication, art
historian Prof. Semavi Eyice states: “The Hagia Sophia is statically
flawed by having a central dome perched atop a long basilica structure.
The building was damaged in earthquakes because the dome is unable to
bear the pressure. The architect Sinan correctly identified this
weakness in the Hagia Sophia and reinforced it, ensuring its survival to
our day. At the same time, Sinan was impressed by the Hagia Sophia,
which became an instructive model for him.” Moreover, Rotterdam
University of Islam Prof. Ahmet Akgunduz observes: “The Conqueror’s
Hagia Sophia Foundation document tells the story of the Hagia Sophia and
of the building of the five great imperial mosques as well as of the
properties, both movable and immovable, that belong to these complexes.
At the end there are also some harsh words for those who would violate
the terms of the foundation. Putting aside historic rivalries and mutual
hostilities, Hagia Sophia should be restored as soon as possible to the
spiritual aura for which it yearns.”
The special tribute of Turkish Airlines, Skylife
mentions the return of the building to its former “spiritual aura.” No
one would disagree with such a judgment, but we would like to remind
readers that the scenes depicted on the Royal Gate still await the
fragrance of incense. Beneath their asbestos covering, the Icons – the
unique images and mosaics of historical, spiritual and cultural value –
are nostalgic for the sound of hymns. We must honestly admit once and
for all that, in this structure, everything – from the slightest pebble
to the dome that surpassed all expectations – happened for the glory of
the Risen Christ and His Church. It all happened under Justinian, the
Roman Emperor, for the Roman Empire that overcame all challenges and
dimensions of this world (which in fact constantly tried to eliminate
it!) and which ultimately became a universal concept, becoming,
therefore, ecumenical.
Times changed. In the place of horses
bearing Emperors anointed by God’s mercy, conquerors entered the Great
Church. Yet, from that reality to a claim and description of Haghia
Sophia as the Sultans’ Mosque, that gap cannot be bridged. The selective
presentation of the Church’s true history, a history that transformed
nations and cultures, is unacceptable. It is truly astonishing that not a
single word was printed to even sketch those moments of history. What
of the magnificent moments of the Consecration of this spectacular
Church? The enthronements of Patriarchs and installations of Emperors?
The singularly sublime Services? The splendid lighting of the lamps, the
feasts and the festivals? What of the daily rhythm and official life of
the Imperial City of Constantinople and its people, which evolved
inside and around the Great Church? One such moment is precisely the
reason for which the whole Slavic world boasts of its over one thousand
years of Faith in Christ. Because their predecessors, the people of
Rus, entered the Great Church of Christ and witnessed and attended the
awe-inspiring Divine Liturgy. Not knowing whether they were standing on
earth or in heaven, they asked to be baptized in the waters of this
faith, which created and still creates such universal wonders.
Last February, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew provided an interview to the widely circulated Turkish newspaper Milliyet.
On being asked, among other questions, about opinions formulated by
some on the reopening of Haghia Sophia as a mosque, he emphasized that
it could only be reopened as a Christian church, otherwise it should
remain a museum. The Ecumenical Patriarch declared: “With regard to
Haghia Sophia in Istanbul, it served as a Christian church for over one
thousand years. If it is to reopen as a house of worship, then it should
open as a Christian church. Because it was built as a church and not a
mosque.”
Concluding our remarks, we certainly hope
that this Church will return from its nostalgic silence, but only if it
is to return to its original function and purpose, for which the finest
and costliest materials were gathered into one location from all parts
of the world “so that Justinian might conquer Solomon.”Note: For historical accuracy, we should remind readers that the architect Mimar Sinan (1489-1588), who designed the largest mosque of the city, the Suleymaniye Mosque, was born of Greek Orthodox parents from the village of Sts. Anargyroi (Ağırnaz) in Cappadocia, near Caesarea, and was a victim of the forced levy and conversion of children (devşirme
http://www.archons.org
