Ataturk put the beauty of the Hagia Sophia on exhibition for the world to see, but in 2020, Erdogan repurposed the space to display Islam. As a result, a visit hides multiple Christian sacred items once displayed for touring. This write-up will detail the hidden Christianity that the Hagia Sophia now shuns. In January 2024, the status and entrance of the site changed. Before, the balcony was off-limits, but now the ground floor and courtyard are no longer accessible through a normal entrance.
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Searching Below the Surface – Look at unexpected Islamic ideas.
In reading, Searching Below the Surface: A Deeper Look at Covenant and Contract, one expects simple answers to complex issues. However, exploring a much-needed contrast between how the God of the Bible functions in a covenant manner and the Islamic Allah in a contractual way will take the reader into a Scripture dig. The foundations help one to understand marriage as an outcome of these beliefs, leading each of us to discover why biblical marriage is a covenant, not contractual – like Islam.
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Analyzing the Synagogue in Side, Pamphylia
As I delved into the Byzantine history of Side, I discovered that a synagogue was uncovered during an archaeological dig in 2021. While navigating the streets of Side searching for this significant site, I received invaluable help from a Turkish man who guided me to its location. It’s important to note that the site is not well-marked, which adds to the challenge of finding it.
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Analyzing the 12 churches and chapels of Side, Pamphylia
In my research of the Side Ancient City and the maps of Archeology ruins, I have discovered at least 12 churches and chapels of Side. Many have remains today to show what existed before, but a few have limited ruins to show today. In most of the write-ups, three Basilicas dominate the discussions.
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Side’s Fascinating Basilica near Apollo Temple
The Byzantine Basilica near the Port of Side in Pamphylia surrounds the temple spaces of the Athena and Apollo temples on two sides. This 5th-century church utilized the area of the temples for its western atrium. Additionally, an 8th-century South Basilica is nestled within the older Basilica. As a result, visitors can see a double apse within the walls of the more prominent church ruins.
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The Lost Metropolis Episcopal Palace in Side, Pamphylia
The Archeology Outdoor Museum hosts the only remaining Byzantine Metropolitan (Episcopal Palace) complex. With this grand location remaining, one would think that the buildings would be restored and protected. In multiple visits to the complex, more walls and ruins sink into the ground each time.
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Hidden Crosses in the Side Archeology Museum
The scope of history in this museum covers some artifacts from before Christ’s time, as well as Roman and Greek history. However, Byzantine history in Side is often downplayed and categorized as lesser-known. Let’s explore what items in the museum come from the Christian perspective.
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Discovering the Repurposed Chapel in Side Open Air Museum
During my visits to the Side Open Air Museum, I wandered through the residential areas of the old city. In one section, I encountered a marbled dwelling with a water trough and crosses. Where cross-entry stones are found, I assume these are found in that area and give a hint to the religious purpose at some point in history. Could this be a repurposed church?
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