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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Key Displays on Rudaki Street in Dushanbe
When ever I visit Tajikistan, I always enjoy a walk down Rudaki street. On and near this street are a few very interesting displays or monuments that every visitor should see.
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Something amiss – Cultural gone awry at Starbucks
Walking into Starbucks after our years in Central Asia, I knew something was amiss – the culture had gone awry. In language learning, we are taught to speak the language of those we have come to serve. Even culture anthropology says that “we should seek to understand another person’s beliefs and behaviors from the perspective of their culture rather than our own.”[1] https://pressbooks.pub/perspectives/chapter/the-culture-concept/ Yet, I had to learn a new language and culture at Starbucks.
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| ↑1 | https://pressbooks.pub/perspectives/chapter/the-culture-concept/ |
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Analyzing the Synagogue in Side, Pamphylia
As I delved into the Byzantine history of Side, I discovered that a recent archaeological dig found a synagogue. 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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