Why The Hagia Sophia Should Be A Mosque (ft Al-Muqaddimah)

[@Aninkovsky]

In Indonesia, a lot of ancient Buddhist and Hindus temples. We choose to kept that way (as buddhist and hindus temple), although most of Indonesian are now Muslims. Or it converted into museums if there are now worshiper in that area. It's both to keep the legacy of old Civilization and remembers that our society is diverse...

[@HikmaHistory]

I think that's beautiful. If Indonesians wanna do that, then that's great.

[@archingelus]

@@HikmaHistory i think what he meant is that while most of the talks here relates to the political sovereignty of a state entity over the land it rules, it should also be considered from the ethics and moral perspective of a policy decision. Understandably there are fundamental differences that drives all these perspective, turkey is (correct me if wrong) a pretty monogamous demographic of almost 90% turkish origin while indonesia, despite the majority is muslims, they are from many races demographics with their own cultures and history. Such move to preserve the past is to avoid appropriation of a cultural object tied to a religion into another dominant religion it currently has and by keeping it neutral, it preserves not only the heritage of the land but also the respect of the previous ruler as part of a nation's identity... i think taking accou these perspectives, the critics might view your decision as unwillingness to embrace the reality that byzantine and christianity was once part of your land identity and culture or worse critics might simply said you tried to erase parts of the identity that no longer conforms to the current dominant identity. But again this is my view as indonesian minority with all our history

[@archingelus]

@@HikmaHistory i think a simpler example of what i meant is by looking how Germany struggles to face its NAZI legacy including what left of their dark parts such as Auschwitz or how Japan tries to relate their current pacifism against their ww2 campaign as well as the similiar history China and Korea tries to create the narratives of ww2 which sometimes at odds with the Japanese version and perspectives or more recently what ex soviets bloc do with their communists legacy. It is at the simplest core, a quest to search and shape your own national identity in my opinion 🙏

[@HassanUmer]

@@HikmaHistory if Germans wanna kick out immigrants because democracy, that's beautiful too?

[@lh8474]

you do realise that it has been a mosque for 400 years prior... not the same

[@theonlygoodlookinghabsburg2081]

"It's ultimately a decision for Turks to figure out." Noone is ever saying that we should force the Turks to do what we like: we're just discussing an option that the Turks took. That's like saying people around the world shouldn't criticize Trump's climate policy because it's a matter of American soverignty and it's ultimately the Americans who should make the decision.. that doesn't make the decision immune to exterior criticism: because climate is a global issue. Similarily the Hagia Sophia isn't exclusively part of the identity and history of Turkey: it's related to the history of the entire eastern Christian world as well.

[@gianniskopdakis7248]

Also he made a point on Spain’s mosque being a mosque again which is wrong because no one said to get hagia Sofia back to its church status everyone said get it back to the museum status

[@Crafty_Spirit]

@@gianniskopdakis7248 No, he was right. His argument was that if Europeans want a say in the use of the Hagia Sophia because of historical and Christian ties, then shouldn't Muslims also have a say how Islamic buildings in Europe are used?

[@gianniskopdakis7248]

@@Crafty_Spirit you didn’t even understand the argument eu made they said UNESCO needs to take care of it because it is a UNESCO heritage site no one said anything on eu controlling the status of hagia sofia

[@Crafty_Spirit]

@@gianniskopdakis7248 🥴 I don't see the connection between your most recent claim and that you did not understand the analogy he wanted to present. Obviously, neither did I ever state that the EU should control the status of the Hagia Sophia, what a ridiculous thought.

[@gianniskopdakis7248]

@@Crafty_Spirit what you don’t get is no eu leader said anything more than hagia sophia SHOULD be used as a museum your subpar analyses of my comment displace your lack of understanding of the topic

[@UsefulCharts]

This was a really cool collab. Two Muslim KZbinrs with two very different opinions. I'm going to have to side with my man Al Muqaddimah on this one but I really appreciated hearing your view.

[@HikmaHistory]

So what you're saying is you like al-Muqaddimah more than me? Fine then, you're not my favourite American History KZbinr either!

[@UsefulCharts]

@@HikmaHistory Did you just call me an American? Well played :)

[@HikmaHistory]

I literally waited almost a year to say that!

[@paulludwigewaldvonkleist4039]

@Emperor Basil the Bulgar Slayer cringe

[@ayondash7063]

@@HikmaHistoryerdogan supporting Islamist!!!

[@Greeneye567]

I am a Greek and a Christian. My grandparents were living in Instabul until their properties were destroyed in riots due to a fake bomb plot by the Turkish Government. I am tired of watching people fight for their religion. Have a pure heart, help those in need and never doubt the existence of god no matter your religion. I will fight for my country, for my family but every person has the right to choose his or her religion. Hagia Sophia is just a building. Nothing more and nothing else. All the prayers of the world won't save you from the wrath of god if you have lived a sinful life. If our Muslim brothers want to pray inside it then so be it.

[@HikmaHistory]

Wise words!

[@suphitoprak]

Absolutely correct and wise words

[@dimitriosvlissides5781]

​@@HikmaHistoryyes of course since the comment was written by a TURK for the Turkish propaganda As what he states is vague and incorrect

[@MrHazz111]

Love your videos mate, but I have to disagree with you on this one. It is true that the concept of Church and State is western, distinctly bred of Christian origins. But you also quote the international law established during Europe's religious wars by European Christians to claim that outsiders have no right to tell the Turks what to do in their own country. Why is it that you accept one Western edict but reject another? Anyways, it is nerve wracking to put out controversial stuff like this, so I do salute you for sticking to your guns. ++

[@HikmaHistory]

@@Lucius7159 I definitely don't think you can't say anything. Thanks for the feedback!

[@HikmaHistory]

Thanks for your feedback. Great insight - ultimately, I guess I am cherry picking/exposing my ideological predilections.

[@Liquidsback]

@@HikmaHistory my concern is the artwork and its coverings. Its status as a museum or mosque shows not concern me. But the erasure of its Byzantine past does.

[@GMovieSeeker]

I respect you Hikma, but I believe you did not make any argument here for why The Hagia Sophia SHOULD be turned into a mosque. Rather, you argued that Turkey has a right to turn it into a mosque, which is not the same thing. I have a right to jump off the fifth floor, but this does not make it a good idea... :P

[@HikmaHistory]

@@GMovieSeeker That's a pretty good way of looking at it.

[@Espingol]

I respectfully disagree It should be a Orthodox Church

[@HikmaHistory]

Might be my favourite comment so far! Thanks for your courtesy, Dane.

[@BountyFlamor]

I respectfully disagree with your respectful disagreement: it should be a Church of the Latter Day Saints.

[@476megaman]

4:24 So why do we think its alright to tell the Germans what they can or can't do in their country. -People in 1940s

[@Oghuz]

making a museum into a mosque, and killing innocent jews are completely different

[@476megaman]

@@Oghuz it's called 'reductio ad absurdum' where you take an argument to it's logic extent in order to reveal it's flaws.

[@Oghuz]

@@476megaman still doesn't change the fact those are still things you shouldn't be comparing

[@476megaman]

@good character wtf you talking about?

[@hwaryun7042]

this is a strawman one is a genocide the other is to do with a museum. clearly nobody is saying you should not intervene with a country that is committing genocide unless your joe biden

[@johnkilmartin5101]

I enjoyed the video. I do wonder however, if Turkey doesn't want outsiders intervening in its internal affairs perhaps it should do the same. Just off the top of my head Cyprus, Syria and Iraq come to mind.

[@HikmaHistory]

I can't disagree with you on that one

[@OmniaExtrema]

Throwing my two cents in, I see little reason it should be an either/or situation. Why not keep it a museum, whilst hosting prayers for both Christians and Muslims at certain different times? The mixed heritage of such monuments are part of their living history, and at the end of the day, Christians and Muslims are all People of the Book, worshipping the same God in different ways. Same for the mezquita in Cordoba. Allowing worship preserves the traditions these buildings were built to honour, and reflects their history.

[@HikmaHistory]

That sounds like an amazing idea but it's too "hippie", Beth, haha. The nature of either religion clearly sets out that theirs is the correct one; so sharing just doesn't seem like a realistic option.

[@OmniaExtrema]

@@HikmaHistory yeah, I've always been a bit too optimistic for my own good haha

[@sehnsuchtherz]

It's just a space I'm spanish and I've always been in favour of muslims praying in Cordoba This feels like a change for worse in the building of tolerance and history appreciation

[@HikmaHistory]

You and me both; I wish the world accommodated for people like us more lol

[@HikmaHistory]

Fair comment.

[@matthewmelson1780]

I'm just here to say that I will respectfully disagree. However I love the new intro and love your videos. Keep putting out that great content.

[@HikmaHistory]

I appreciate your kind words, Matthew! I'm going to be super active so a lot of videos coming your way!

[@YouhavetoBelieve3347]

Hikma History *It was built as Cathedral years before Muhammad was even conceived u baffoon. It will always remain as such* *This is another act of religious imperialism by Islam and I’m disgusted you support it but I shouldn’t b surprised.*

[@BountyFlamor]

The Turkish dictator needs to distract from the failing economy.

[@HikmaHistory]

Let's hope that's not the case.

[@selensoycan8378]

@Osman TheTurk If you are not Turkish you do not have to respect or love about Turkey's something if you are not an expert at it. And why insult people just because they don't like something?

[@pussy_destroyer2294]

@Osman TheTurk lmao islam and economy two words that can't be mixed together

[@Real_Gigachaddi]

@@pussy_destroyer2294 ottoman had 25% of world economy during 16th century. Damascus were fashion capital of world with luxury products

[@Crafty_Spirit]

Here's my suggestion: The Hagia Sophia is to be open for small visitor groups outside of praying time, prayers can be held by Muslims and Christian alike, former Mosques in Europe are reopened for Muslims to pray. Everyone should be happy with this, but it's so hard for many people to think that you made the others win (while winning yourself)

[@HikmaHistory]

If only people could accept those criteria's...

[@elviscostea9667]

I agree it is a decision that should be left to Turkey as a sovereign state. As an Eastern Christian, I would be overwhelmed with joy should the Hagia Sophia become a church again. So I have nothing but complete understanding for a Muslim's desire to see it become a mosque again, no matter how unpleasant that feels for me.

[@HikmaHistory]

Gotdang, Elvis, where'd you find all that wisdom? This is largely my point - it might not even matter what I think or not, it's about recognising practical realities.

[@elviscostea9667]

@@HikmaHistory In such situations I always ask myself "What if the shoe were on the other foot?". By this logic, should every church in Europe that is converted from a mosque (examples abound in Spain) be turned into a museum? Absolutely not. I think it's up to the people living there to decide.

[@dariusghodsi2570]

I dont understand how someone can take cultural pride in something stolen and misappropriated by a foreign culture.

[@colebentley3256]

It should stay a museum. Muslims didn’t even build the structure they just added on to it. Covering up all the Christian art so you can use it as a mosque is pretty much erasing that art anyway.

[@HikmaHistory]

Not really

[@moybein6424]

Well they bought the museum; so what's wrong with it? People do it all the time lol.

[@bubba3223]

Why not return the Hagia Sophia to the church it was a church far longer then a Mosque for Turkey's christen population.

[@cxarhomell5867]

A masjid is more unique.

[@silveryuno]

0:37 My greatest fear for the future of the Hagia Sofia... During this Mosque/Museum debate whole I could think was that story of Caliph Umar refusing to pray at the biggest church in Jerusalem. I am afair that now that the Hagia Sofia is a mosque again a new debate is gonna start about what should and should not be in a "mosque", and should be removed for a place of worship to Allah...

[@HikmaHistory]

Fair concern, but I think things will have to get a lot worse and extreme before something like that happens.

[@silveryuno]

@@HikmaHistory I think all it needs is a politician looking of support, finding it by making promises to the more fundamentalist parts of society, and then just thank them for their support. That's what happend to the great library of Al-Hakam II... We (Iberian Christians) didn't destroy it! "Almanzor" (Caliphate of Cordoba) allowed the more fundamentalist at court to burn whatever books they didn't like in return for their support in him being de facto rule of all Islamic Spain instead of the caliph. All I am saying is: Before now the only thing that could happen to the Hagia Sophia was for it to be turn back into a mosque. Now... Future is a blank.

[@robertjefferson4887]

@@silveryuno Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror BOUGHT the mosque with his OWN income, and converted in into a church. If you do not agree with this action, then therefore, all the many churches all around the world that were bought and turned to mosques are also improper? However, from an Islamic and very logical point of view, once a city is conquered without a surrender; the city is owned by the next ruler, meaning it is okay for them to convert the church to a mosque. Despite this point of view which Islam has, Sultan Mehmed II was generous enough to PAY for the entire structure, bringing the Non Muslim population to full satisfaction. What more do you want?

[@silveryuno]

@@robertjefferson4887 My problem is not with it being a mosque per say. I just fear that has a mosque a lot of the historical patrimony of the Hagia Sophia might be seen as "wrong to be in a mosque", which will begin talks of it being removed (or worse destroyed). For me the Hagia Sophia is more than just a mosque, more than just a church... I see it more like... An elder mother, who has witnessed so much in her life and has so many stories to tell you.

[@muhammadtayyab8874]

Caliph Umar (R.A) refused to pray at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre which contains the two holiest sites according to Christian traditions. Calvary, where Christ was crucified, and his empty tomb (Christian belief). That is akin to a Christian praying in Masjid al Nabwi. Also, people seem to not realise the fact that converting it into a mosque was also a power move. It literally signaled the arrival of Islam as a major power to the home of Christianity (Europe). It was a move which finally showed that Islam had come once again toppling the traditions of false worship and shook the Western world, the very same which threw Constantinople to the wolves because of them being Greek Orthodox and hence considered Heretics, to its very core. Lastly, I personally consider Mehmed turning it into a Mosque correct simply by looking at the hadith of the Prophet (S.A.W) "Verily you shall conquer Constantinople. What a wonderful leader will he be, and what a wonderful army will that army be!". P.S I am a Muslim hence my views are entirely based on my faith.

[@marolibez]

I respect your opinion, but there is a point upon which I have to contradict you as the Turkish-language learner and enthusiast that I am: their language is far better off with the Latin alphabet than forcing it any longer with the Arabic one. Don't get me wrong, I can speak some standard Arabic as well, but - man! - did they desesperately need real vowel letters, this is a central point in everything Turkish language is about.

[@HikmaHistory]

Never considered that Marcio. Fascinating point, I'll look into it!

[@SMiki55]

They could also use old Turkic runes ;)

[@keylimep1365]

As a muslim, i disagree with the decision to turn it into a mosque. Sultan Mehmed shouldnt have turned Hagia Sofia into a mosque in the first place when he conquered the city. Follow the example of Umar R.A., the second Rashidun Caliph when invited by Sephronius, the Patriach of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem to pray inside the church, he declined so that the christians can keep the church. Had Umar R.A. prayed inside the church, it would definitely be turned into a mosque by the muslims after him. Just because the westerners/christians turned mosques into churches, museums and unfortunately some into adult film theater doesnt mean we as muslims should do the same to their churches. I had to agree with Al-Muqaddimah on this one, 2 wrongs dont make a right.

[@HikmaHistory]

I agree with what you said in theory. But in practise, saying "2 wrongs don't make a right", means far less than it does in theory. What you do in an ideal world and the real world are two totally different propositions. And I don't think your point about Mehmed Fatih's decision is a bad one, it's just, he didn't do that and now we have to deal with the consequences of what he did do.

[@BountyFlamor]

What adult film theaters?

[@abdal-rahmanyasser6896]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/fH-XaWmXh7GsnLc

[@youtubeexpert2441]

@@HikmaHistory you deal with the consequences of what Al fatih did by correcting his mistake. not defend it.

[@HebaruSan]

Yes, visitors and ancient artwork will be kept, FOR NOW. Previously the debate was between museum vs. mosque. Now the "mosque" side of that argument can shift to Muslims-only and iconoclasm, and they've got more momentum than the secularist side. Make no mistake, this decision is a defeat for the preservation of the site, regardless of the immediate policy details.

[@HikmaHistory]

I hope that's not the case.

[@constantineergius1626]

honestly i want the stuff preserved but it should be a house of worship as intended

[@martinsgarden1304]

So in your logic, dear speaker, the Al Aqsa mosque can also be turned now to a museum. Or did I miss something?

[@HikmaHistory]

Had to think about this one. Great question, one that I thought about when I was writing the script for this. As a Muslim, no. But as someone thinking about it pragmatically, I have to ask myself - what could you do about it? --> I don't have an answer for that question. Not yet, at least.

[@mohammedafsal3362]

@@HikmaHistory no i dont think that can happen as al aqsa is controlled by jordans islamic waqf not israel. However al aqsa had been previously converted to church by crusaders which was then reverted by saladdin and i will not be shocked if it happened again.

[@jtadros16]

The problem is that the Al Aqsa doesn’t have a strong Christian heritage.

[@pyrrhus3445]

Martins Garden the Israeli gov already turned countless mosques in Palestine into a museums

[@Mazza786]

@@mohammedafsal3362 Israel on international Stage is now thanks to America are in control of Jerusalem so if tomorrow the Zionist turn Al-Aqsa into their Temple Us Muslims have no leg to stand on now that We have turned the Hagia sophia into a Mosque two wrongs dont make a right. I think it was wrong to turn hagia sophia into a Mosque again it should have never been a Mosque from day 1

[@EZ_Boi4]

Asalamu Alaykum brothers and sisters, I want to know if this convention was Halal or Haram? Because it is Haram to destroy a place of worship for other religions. Can someone please respond?

[@cookiessprite]

It'll still be open for visitors, right? So I guess I just don't see a huge deal in people wanting to pray there as well. Most historical churches are still in use as places of worship, you can still visit and appreciate them, and they're still conserved well. I guess I haven't really heard an argument for why it should remain solely a museum. Would be nice if Christians were allowed to hold services in the place too, though, considering our shared heritage.

[@WagesOfDestruction]

Many mosques are in such use too.

[@ismantc1653]

Fair enough, in that case Al Aqsa should be turnt into a synagogue. After all It’s an internal affair of Israel, isn’t it?

[@constantineergius1626]

honestly let all 3 religions in... imagine the rent

[@kucingcat8687]

Why are you mentioning a Harry Potter universe-based country

[@zeinmiftah]

If only you think UN is not involved

[@wiseowl3720]

@@kucingcat8687 ISRAEL IS FORVER BUDDY! 🇬🇧🇮🇱

[@kucingcat8687]

@@wiseowl3720 are you living in a fantasy dude?

[@thaluthathaluth]

First, it is disingenuous to compare this to converted mosques in Spain because the Hagia Sophia is not just some random church in Greece or Italy: it was the jewel, the most renowned Church of Eastern Christianity. I don't think this debate is about the legitimacy of Turkey converting the Hagia Sophia into a mosque. What's more pertinent is what this action means. This issue is part of a global debate on how Islam should relate to the state in the 21st century; in other words, if Islamism is a force for the good today. I would say no. The more religion takes part in government, the more it inevitably alienates the rights of those who don't believe, because of its universalist assumptions (THIS is the truth). In doing so, they violate the principles of democracy itself, so you can't make the argument that allowing religion to creep in the politics of a secular nation is good ol' democracy when this itself is a threat to democracy. It's one thing to cater to the religious climate under the constraints of democracy, and another for democracy to be controlled by the religion of the majority, which is very dangerous. Secularism is the ability to speak as a person of faith with other people, but as a human being regarding society as a whole. Many religions are starting to realize that maybe it isn't best to enshrine religious sentiments into law because not everyone in the country believes in them. When will Islam?

[@saimalishahid1406]

Exactly

[@ercaner_buzbey]

You forgot to add that temples are more valuable in the eyes of the masses than dusted and dead portraying museums. Temples reflect humanity's livelihood the best so I think this way Hagia Sophia will stay intact longer than if it stayed as a museum.

[@stoneruler]

Uh nope. Hagia sophia was never neglected.

[@sehnsuchtherz]

Covering the mosaics?? How can ANYBODY be okay with that? I'm fine with it being a mosque, a church or whatever But that's just a crime against art and history "There's photos mate" Yeah, that doesn't work for me I've been fighting for the mosque of Cordoba to either allow worship for muslims and christians or become a museum The fact that some people (like us) do it wrong is no justification for making the same mistake, in fact, it makes it more difficult for people like me to induce change

[@HikmaHistory]

I hear you. But it comes down to religious orthodoxy, prayer in islam and iconography don't really go to together

[@sehnsuchtherz]

​@@HikmaHistory I'm fuming, I'm sorry But it breaks my heart to see this happen when Turkey used to be my go to example of "things done right" when talking about the mosque of Cordoba I've been in Hagia Sophia, I love the place And I was hopping to return someday with my loved ones and tell them everything about the emperors and caliphs that roamed the place Arf, I guess I'm still fuming a bit...

[@sehnsuchtherz]

​@@HikmaHistory That's the point, I just can't put religion over free access to culture I don't know if the public sees this at the moment, but I can only hope that public opinion ends up going my way in the end In the meantime, I'll deal with my feelings by myself Thank you for your input

[@marvelfannumber1]

@@HikmaHistory If only there was some thing it could be that would allow for both the Islamic and Christian art to be displayed togheter...some kind of...secular space where you wouldn't have to cover up one or the other... No but really, you can't seriously be telling me that covering up pricelesss and beautiful medieval mosaic art is worth it so Istanbul can have yet another Mosque (when the Blue Mosque isn't even at full capacity). It's completely disproportionate and unnecessary. If Islam didn't have a ban on images I would have no problem with it becoming a mosque again...but unfortunately that's not the case.

[@robertjefferson4887]

@@marvelfannumber1 lmao its just so Muslims can pray appropriately in a Masjid for a couple minutes every few hours, the art is still open to the public. Why y'all tryna make a big deal, its not yours, its the Muslims that own that structure, and they have every right to do what they want with it buddy. so be thankful that they still allow the art to even be there despite it being a holy place of worship for the Muslims; and the matter contradicting with their religion.

[@JenniferinIllinois]

I enjoyed hearing both yours and Al-Muqaddimah's views on the Hagia Sophia. Definitely do more opinion videos.

[@HikmaHistory]

Thanks Jenny!

[@abyantonyalexander7634]

History repeats itself. I'm glad they converted it into a mosque because now even the secular Christians are alarmed, their pride hurt. This in the long run will lead to the edging out of Islam from the balkans completely and therby europe itself. Just like what happened in Iberian peninsula and the Italian peninsula. Hagia Sofia will be at the hands of Christians again, even the blue mosque and all other mosques in that part of the world will have the same fate. What happened to Muslims in Spain and Italy will happen to Muslims in bosnia and kosovo... Just like hindus got their ramjanbhoomi, Jews will build their temple in temple Mount. Our churches and holy places will return to us. Deus vult.

[@cekan14]

Although I don't entirely agree with such decision, you made some good points to defend your arguments. It's nice to see this kind of conversation nowadays

[@HikmaHistory]

Thanks Christian, civil discourse is the best!

[@omarhesham6974]

I have been watching you for two days and I know this might be irrelevant to the video's topic,but do you speak Arabic or Persian?

[@omarhesham6974]

I think I am your first subscriber from the middle east exactly from Egypt

[@HikmaHistory]

I can speak Persian. But my mother tongue is Pashto. Can't speak Arabic at all.

[@hamzawestbrook8831]

@@HikmaHistory As a Pakhto speaking Afghan, I don't know why, but I could 100% tell you are an Afghan. And I am ever so happy to find out someone from my Watan (nation) is preaching Islamic history. Alhmadullillah Do you know any other Afghan youtubers that make videos similar to yours? Like what about Al Muqaddimah, is he also Afghan? Sorry for the the irrelevance of my question btw.

[@HikmaHistory]

@@hamzawestbrook8831 Manana. I don't think so, can't think of any other. No, he's not Afghan.

[@kilikia007]

Its a Church and that is it! You want a masque, built your own.

[@kusinara8936]

such a regressive mind set

[@wiseowl3720]

At the end of the day, he is a Muslim. Can’t really expect him to be rational. 😂

[@ateium2409]

Why should the Christian(Roman) mosiacs be covered when Hagia Sophia be converted into a mosque .

[@HikmaHistory]

They're talking about only covering them during the 5 daily prayers, conflicts with Islamic teachings about iconography. Besides that, I think they'll be viewable by the public.

[@zakback9937]

@erick meyer based fans

[@WASSIMXWASSIM_X]

Short anwser: Islam doesn't support the ideas that does mosiacs reflect, so it can be a bit distubing for al-musalin (those who are praying)

[@georgevladimirovich7190]

You did not ofend me. It happens that I grew up by the Black Sea where turks were my neighbours, my classmates and my close friends. They were good people, as all turks are in general. I am also a Christian Orthodox and for us, the Orthodox believers, the Holy Aya Sophia has a special meaning which has never been and will never be forgotten. Istambul is full of famous mosks, some of them bulit by your great architect Sinan, absolutely impressive in thier beauty and place of wisdom so Holy Aya Sophia reconversion to a mosk is not entierly necessary. As a matter of fact, I am also a great admirer of President Erdogan but, his move, to bring back Holy Ayay Sophia as a mosk, greatly hurts all Orthodox believers, especially the ones connected with the Black Sea area, Serbia and Greece. History has a way to turn events around and President Erdogan should have considered this aspect very carefully.

[@KameroonEmperor]

I believe that every historical place should be preserved as it is now, and not remake it "as it was intended to be". if there is a mosque that was a church before in a Christian country, it means that things were really different before and it should stay as a mosque, because it tells history. like spain, Spain was conquered by muslims, and the church at cordoba became a mosque, the mosque at Cordoba should stay as a mosque because it tells history. That's why the hagia Sophia should stay as a church for historical reasons, and if you don't agree at least make it a museum. Ps: good video, as always

[@HikmaHistory]

Thanks man, I wish people in power listened to people like you!

[@WagesOfDestruction]

That Turk has the right to do it, is not the question, I do not believe anyone questions Turkey right to do this? it's whether Turk should do it? What message is Turk sending?

[@wrightroenigk]

This. Channel needs more likes and subs this channel is great

[@HikmaHistory]

Say it again! Thank you

[@wrightroenigk]

Thank you for teaching the eastern side of things because school is all westernized it’s truly fascinating

[@HikmaHistory]

@@wrightroenigk even more content coming soon!

[@wrightroenigk]

Awesome looking forward to it

[@Crevulus]

I watched both your video and Al-Muqaddimah's. Very well-made double feature from both of you. I would have liked to hear Al-M's arguments later on in the video, though. Putting his comments in the middle gives you a chance for rebuttal, whereas Al-M put your comments at the end so your arguments were side-by-side. Your video felt a bit like an Al-M sandwich wherein you present arguments, then Al-M does, then you go again.

[@HikmaHistory]

Thank you!

[@muaviyehusrevsayar9439]

It's very late to comment but I wanted to say I respectively disagree with your wiew. I'm from Turkey and I can say the decision was purely political and doesn't have much to do with historical or religious heritage. It was mostly to distract people and annoy some certain Christians we are bordering with. There wasn't even a rising voice to covert Hagia Sophia to mosque. Most people didn't even care abouy Hagia Sophia but our government does everything on a whim. I also disagree you saying there is rising Islamism in Turkey. It's the other way around; people are getting less religious. The current Islamist populist government keeps erecting more mosques even though number of people who pray is declining. They don't have much support of current irreligious youth and their Islamist populist policies are backfiring. They are desperate to gain more fallowers by populism. Conversion of Hagia Sophia was one of those populist decisions.

[@zakback9937]

As a Muslim, I am fine with it returning to a mosque as it had been prior to the rule of Mustafa Kemal. I haven't seen a scholar who denounced it to being a mosque.

[@BountyFlamor]

Of course none denounced it. It's not like they're unbiased when it comes to this.

[@HikmaHistory]

Most people have biases tho, no?

[@WagesOfDestruction]

The Kaaba was originally pagan, should pagans be able to pray on it?

[@nightprowler6336]

@@WagesOfDestruction I agree.

[@a_09.7]

@@WagesOfDestruction wasn’t built to be pagan tho

[@cihangirmarsan5533]

I am Turkish national, living in the country. Nobody ask us, the common people of the country, in overruling decision made in 1934, by the founder fathers of the the Republic. Erdoğan is not the one who convert the museum into a mosque, it is the a court decision. This court ruling was based on the notion that the building itself belongs to Mehmet Fatih inheritance and wakf. How come a court ruling be based on a bygone era, an imperial law of a deceased empire. If Erdoğan was brave enough, he should have, pass a law, or a decree in converting a museum to a mosque rather the hiding behind a silly court ruling. The court that had pass this ruling had reject the same plea, not once but twice. Question still hang in the air, what was the reason overruling prior court rulings.

[@HikmaHistory]

If Erdogan did it himself without the Court, aren't you worried about him going down the path of a dictator?

[@cihangirmarsan5533]

Hikma History, should he chose the path to make decision by himself, this is a political notion, however issuing a decree behind a court ruling (based on old imperial law) that had been overruled not once but twice is political wheeling and dealing. Would a court ruling based on 15 Century French imperial law is still valid in today’s France. Or the British law in American Colonies are still valid in US courts!

[@arsalanshaikh3763]

Very interesting prospective Sir. Respect.

[@HikmaHistory]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Blackstaralpha]

The state should not take a side. That is the princple of seperation of church and state even when the majority in a country, say turkey, is muslim. It is sad to see turkey walk down this road.

[@HikmaHistory]

That's partially my point - why is the separation between church and state seen as such a virtue?

[@Blackstaralpha]

@@HikmaHistory The state can enforce laws upon EVERY citizen. The church can't. If the state for example favors schia muslims and you are yourself a sunni; well I recon that you would want this state to be fair and unbiased to you despite being a minority faith. A separation between these two institutions is practically essential for freedom of religion.

[@BountyFlamor]

@@HikmaHistory You consider it a good thing if you agree that religion is something that should be a private matter and the state shouldn't force on/pester the people with it. Try drawing parallels to other mandatory things you may not like but have to adhere to anyway because the state forces you to like state communism or state fascism.

[@robertjefferson4887]

@@Blackstaralpha Well, it is an Islamic State, and religion is more important than anything else in life. However, the west has become so religionless because of what there forefathers did during the Medieval times. And so as a result people like you cannot understand the importance of religion.

[@Blackstaralpha]

@@robertjefferson4887 You want to tell me that islam has not inspired and tolerated terrible things in their past? May I direct you to the Arab slave trade or early Muslim conquests. Honestly the difference would be the lack in self-reflection.

[@pointinhtothetruth7261]

Thank you sir

[@mohusseini11]

Great video!

[@HikmaHistory]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@constantinopleisGreek]

I personally am a greek orthodox christian. So,of course i am going to be a bit biased. But,i think that if we ever take Constantinople back,we should convert it to a church. You might compare Haghia Sophia to the Kaaba in Mecca. You wouldn't want the Kaaba to become a pagan temple?Anyways,good video.

[@Mrobertnoel]

I think that if Israel ever occupies Saudi Arabia the the great mosque should be a temple for sure.

[@ObiJohnKenobi67]

Personally my main issue isn’t Muslims worshipping there, that’s fine. My problem is that this seems like cultural colonialism from Erdogan. I think if they really wanted to turn it back into an Islamic place of worship they could have at least attempted to make it a mixed Church-Mosque compound (maybe make a deal with Spain to do the same with Cordoba). That would have promoted interfaith dialogue and unity, and would have helped cool the animosity between Muslims and Christians. This however just seems like another attempt by Erdogan to stylize himself as the leader of the Neo Ottoman state and to further cut away at secularism in Turkey. Considering his current aggressions in Iraq, Syria, Aegean, and Cyprus, it has become apparent how dangerous of an ideology this has become

[@kaisenii3821]

Same with the Babri Masjid, its upto India's majority to decide if a temple should be built. Same with Gyanvapi if its gonna be a mosque or temple. Westerners and middle easterners shouldn't interfere

[@wiseowl3720]

I support Hindus from England! Nice lads! 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🇬🇧🇮🇳

[@Pyrotic_Napalm]

I disagree with you on the matter due to my own biases and my understanding on the matter, but I respect that you give a lot of trust and hope for Turkey as you have faith they'll make the right choices, but I have no faith in them as a Christian Arab. Their identity and solidarity is one rooted in the bones and drenched in the blood of my forefathers and fertilized by lies about the atrocities they committed against my people and others peoples like the Armenians and Greeks. I see this move as yet another way to say that they can get away with denying the atrocities of their forefathers, while both derailing Ataturk's dream and wiping my people's history away by covering up this treasured religious ans historic site. The Hagia Sofia should be a museum (imo) not just because it's a significant multicultural site that needs preservation or because it is the right political move for Turkey, but because if they are just allowed to make it mosque again, I believe it will empower and embolden the Turanist and Islamist extreme of Turkey to take more power and commit the same atrocities of their forefathers and deny it all over again.

[@bangunhapsoroofficial]

Nice angle of video... Be success... Cool

[@deusvult8435]

Too bad it could not be all three, an Orthodox church, a Mosque , and a Museum.

[@ihavenomouthandimusttype9729]

Here are some quick counter arguments: 1. Hagia Sofia should be Mosque because nationalism: Turkey and Ottoman Empire are two different states. The Hagia was made a museum by Ataturk. Converting it to a mosque is disrespectful towards the father of Turkey. 2. 4:10 We have no right to intervene - “we” aren’t intervening we don’t have that right. In a just world all heritage sites should be owned universally but this is not the case. We must acknowledge nation’s power over sites in their border. We are free, however, to call them mean things if they abuse their power. Like calling the Turkish people a bunch of Ottoman roleplaying reactionaries who happily trample the secularism that made their nation in the first place. 3. 5:30 Is anti-secularism bad? - Yes. This is very, very bad. 99% of Turkey are Muslims but they aren't homogenous. There is a large minority of Islamic sects that are contrasted with the dominant Sunni majority. Secularism keeps these minorities safe from unfair treatment. 4. 6:17 Atatürk compromised his own culture - Take a look at the device you are reading this on. Is every part of it made in your country? Yet it is a vital part of your existence. Culture borrows from other cultures. Customs and ideas aren’t limited to borders. Culture is whatever a people make of it. Atatürk’s adoption of Western custom happened so long ago that it is already ingrained in the Turkish identity. 5. Did that make Turkey European? - ...last time I checked: Turkey was European as much as it was Asian. It’s a transcontinental nation. The history of the land is intertwined as much with Europe as with Asia. 6. 7:25 Imposing? - Nobodies imposing. Only offering criticism and pointing and laughing at the conservative strong man running Turkey into the ground. 7. 6:30 Not religious perspective - The only way to defend this move is from a religious perspective. The philosophical thinkers who came up with rational ideas like secularism didn’t view their ideas as European exclusive. Saying Voltaire’s theories only apply to the French would be ludicrous. If Turkey has no problem using scientific discoveries made by Westerners to power their smart phones and fuel their cars then why should socio-political theory be so contentious? Western society happily uses Islamic, Asian mathematical theory to suggest they abandon it based on nationhood would be laughable. Well, I’ve reached my limit.

[@SalmanKhan-dn9wb]

ataturk is not infallible, Ataturk banned Hijab the ban was lifted a few decades later and no one questioned it.Ataturk did it does not mean it shoul/Can't be reversed

[@ihavenomouthandimusttype9729]

@@SalmanKhan-dn9wb I agree. Ataturk wasn't perfect. And his reforms should not be immune from criticism. But he didn't ban the hijab or any female headwear. I believe that was introduced by the coup in the 80s.

[@jnliewmichael4235]

Sigh... It's such a shame that the Hagia Sophia has to have its muzeum status turned to that of a mosque... I can only hope that secularism in the islamic world could rebound someday, in a much less totalitarian fashion as with the latter-half of the 20th century. Though the examples of the aftermath of what were balkan and spanish mosques stenches with whataboutism.

[@HikmaHistory]

Maybe it is Whataboutism. But I don't know why that necessarily discredits the point. I'm trynna to approach this from a practical/pragmatic perspective. If I'm a Turk I'd respond to claims of whataboutism with "So what? Why do I have to be a victim to an idealistic, universalist standard that only some have to abide by?"

[@crashbandicoot5470]

If it started as a church, from an Islamic perspective, it may not be haram to make it a masjid but it is against the established tradition of respecting people of the book. The Ottomans should not have made it a masjid but they did. If I was Ataturk, I would have kept it a masjid. Since it became a museum there has been no need to change that. There are no shortages of masajid in Istanbul and this serves no purpose other than political like Netanyahu declaring Jerusalem their capital. And Allah knows best.

[@marvelfannumber1]

@@HikmaHistory Whataboutism is a logical fallacy, and your blatant defense of it as an argument is very disconcerning. The reason whataboutism is a fallacy is because it implies some kind of veiled hypocrisy. But the fact of the matter is that just because one thing is just as bad as another thing, does not make either of them ok. The Mosque of Cordoba should be a museum, or a space of shared worship, the Hagia Sophia should be the same. These are not contradictory opinions, and just because the Cordoba Mosque is a church, does not mean that the Hagia Sophia should ergo be a mosque. After all, an eye for an eye makes the whole world blind.

[@HikmaHistory]

@@marvelfannumber1 You're right about the eye for an eye thing, for sure. To be honest, I never really understood why people get so excited by that term whataboutism. I mean I get it in theory and from a logical perspective, definitely. But humans don't necessarily act logical all the time. So in practise, the value of whataboutism gets severely diluted.

[@marvelfannumber1]

@@HikmaHistory Yeah, but surely you want people to act logically? After all, from a utilitarian perspective it results in the maximum amount of good outcomes for the maximum amount of people. Even from a religious perspective, I think one can get behind that. When people act illogically, is when you get stupid outcomes like anti-vaxxers or Trump. People end up voting or acting against their own self-interest.

[@suphitoprak]

As a Turkish citizen I must emohasize that Al Muqaddime ıs aware of facts of my country so his conclusion is absolutely correct.

[@ruggedindividual708]

Excellent video. Regardless of which spectrum you stand on this topic, you have to admit that the video is produced very well and is very informative. And for this I must give you praise and respect!

[@HikmaHistory]

Much appreciated!

[@zah1db376]

U made some good points i agree with you here dude

[@HikmaHistory]

Thanks man!

[@khaledallan1551]

@@HikmaHistory thanks for this informative video a watched both of yours and your friends vids, I do agree with you but I appreciated both of your efforts.

[@HikmaHistory]

@@khaledallan1551 Thank you!

[@amitcohen2269]

Seeing that this is your position on the Hagia Sofia. I must assume you support or at least accept turning El Aaqsa mosque in Jerusalem back to the Jewish Temple that it’s built on? After all most of Israelis are Jews and Israel has the Westphalian right of sovereignty.

[@robertjefferson4887]

Bruh Jerusalem is Muslim's land, and Al Aqsa is in Muslims's hands. Haga Sophia was bought by Sultan Mehmet Al Fatih with own money, even though he coddle just took it without pay, buddy.

[@HikmaHistory]

It almost doesn't matter what I think; I try to think about what I could do about it. What could I do about the al-Aqsa's conversion

[@robertjefferson4887]

@@HikmaHistory Well, logically it matters less what we can do. What actually matters is that we understand, we differentiate between right and wrong, and that we do not be ignorant. For example, if we take sides with zionists we could help by raising money and spreading awareness, but at the end of the day, if the side we are supporting is wrong, corrupt, cruel etc.; then it does not matter what we do, we do in vain. But if you think, educate yourself, not believe in the lies of the West; then we are the real successful ones despite what we do, because we are on the truth. It is like religion; if we spend our whole life worshipping God, following our religion; it is still all in vain if we are not following the TRUE religion. It is like reading a book full of lies; we learn nothing and get no benefit. Please let me know if you understand my point? -this was meant to be friendly*

[@mohamednazirbasharat913]

An excellent piece of work, a rationale substantiated with facts, historic convention and logic, and presented in a very calm, thoughtful and emotion-free way.

[@ThejollyFrenchman]

My question is: Does the Byzantine art truly have to be covered up? My family descends from Egyptian muslims, but I'm not a muslim, or any sort of expert on the religion, so forgive me if I'm missing something obvious, but isn't Christ a prophet in Islam? Can't they just keep the Christian imagery up, perhaps with some signage? It seems tragic to me that these pieces of art will be covered up, never to be seen again.

[@HikmaHistory]

I can see where you're coming from but there is a bunch of issues about the representation of Jesus/Issa in Islam and Christianity (divinity, which for Muslims is a big no-no). Also, those images will only be covered up during the 5 daily prayers (which will only be a few hrs a day maximum)

[@24xv555]

Only during the prayers will they be covered

[@hpsauce1078]

@@HikmaHistory To be honest the Iconoclastic position taken by some sects of Orthodoxy, Islam and Bhuddism just doesn't make sense to me at all, it is an insult to peoples intelligence to assume that they could confuse a painting with the concept itself or be distracted from prayer by them - you could reduce it to absurdity by saying that there should be no beauty at all as it could distract one from god. Just like writing or the spoken word, art is a tool for communication so why is there prescription against certain types of art over others, you could use the same logic to say that people shouldn't read the Qu'ran because people might confuse the symbols to be the literal word of god when in actuality it is simply a copy of the alleged recitation of the word of god. I think we all agree that it would be better for the world to be more beautiful so why do we put limitations on what beautiful things people are allowed to see during prayer.

[@StrikerNite]

@@hpsauce1078 I just want to clarify something on the matter of beautifying mosques. The position is that we should not adorn the mosques, so to prevent distracting the worshippers. You might argue that people are intelligent enough to stay focused, but if all of the selfies by Muslims in front of famous masjids (while prayer is in session) are anything to go by, that's false. And let me be clear. We don't ban beauty. There is no prohibition against using geometric patterns or incorporating caligraphy into public works or private buildings. By all means, if you can afford it, go ahead. But the mosques are meant to be simple. 'Umar ibn al-Khattab (may Allah be pleased with him) went as far as forbidding the use of red and yellow clay bricks during the construction of mosques (when the Prophet's mosque was being expanded), due to its potential to distract people. Again, you can argue that people are too smart for that, but you can probably sense the truth in my words when I say that some mosques around the world have (sadly) been reduced to soulless tourist locations. Photos over prayers. It's tragic.

[@StrikerNite]

@@hpsauce1078 As for the Hagia Sophia, it's just a building, like any other. We can construct another mosque if need be. I mean, in my eyes, we already have a mosque that can rival the splendor of the Hagia Sophia, in the form of the Blue Mosque which stands parallel to it. But there is one concern I have. From my understanding, there is not a huge population that would justify such a large church in the middle of Istanbul. More Christians would need to move in for it to make logistical sense.

[@saimalishahid1406]

Honestly, if it HAS to not be museum, then it should be returned to it's state as a church. It is respect and consideration for those who brought it into this world in the first place and those who once were. It was their thing and turning it into a mosque is and was essencily a slap in face to them. Edit: If possible, it would be better if it could serve the role of both a church and a mosque

[@mueffe1357]

I would rather see the funds diverted to Hagia Sophia mosque upkeep be distributed to improve whatever socieconony programs being done in Turkey. At the very least, the museum could attract tourist money, not just from Muslims for the upkeep of the place. You already have Sultan Ahmed mosque nearby, why be wasteful. Patriotism/nationalism are just another word for public funds wastage.

[@brucefrier333]

I have no objection to the Hagia Sophia remaining a mosque. I do object to the decision to hide the artistically important Byzantine mosaics from the inspection both in the chancel and in the galleries. This decision has become even more controversial with what appears to be the conversion of the former Chora church from a museum into a mosque, followed by its apparently permanent closure “for restoration.” The Chora has, like the Hagia Sophia, extraordinary cultural significance, which Turkey concedes. For centuries prior to its conversion into a museum, the Chora was used as a mosque without concealing these mosaics. Turkey’s cultural insensitivity on all this has justifiably attracted worldwide condemnation, above all from UNESCO. The point is that Turkey holds these treasures in public trust, and it cannot just use arguments of sovereignty to escape that trust.

[@IDK-ue1gy]

you know I agree with you because a lot of people try to force secularism like in the case of Iran where they want to force it to be a secular nation or turkey in this place,let them decide for themselves,even if they wanted right now to have Sharia as the supreme law of the country then it's their choice and should be left alone

[@MattCellaneous]

It should be what it is which is the home Church of the patriarch of Constantinople.

[@Bladingmom]

A good video with many good comments. I loved visiting Hagia Sophia and believe it to be one of the most beautiful structures in the world. I believe Erdogan is doing this as a political ploy. I want Hagia Sophia to remain a museum, but, if this is what the Turkish government voted for, we have to accept it. I'm disappointed, but I understand your point.

[@HikmaHistory]

I hope Erdogan isn't using it as a political ploy, although you might be right. That's a refreshing viewpoint, Venitra!

[@robertjefferson4887]

lol "a good video with many good comments" it has majority of people disagreeing and b far the most dislikes he's ever gotten on a single video.

[@denizergun6325]

Yeah why do we need secularism, or democracy or human rights? We have our own traditions. We see those traditions in Saudi Arabia, Iran, Gulf countries or Afghanistan. Why do we care half of the population don't give a fuck about our religious ideology. You really seem confused Akp/Mhp voters with the rest of the population. You don't have any idea of Turkish socio-political situation. Personally i don't give a fuck about Ayasofya's conversion, but the importance of this it's symbolic meaning. Also your logic is tricky, for example Israel can turn Al-Aqsa into the Temple again. The majority are Jews. When you compare secular/conservative ratio in Turkey, the Muslim/Jew ratio in Israel is waaay more in favour of Jews. So one day an Israeli court would decide that the conversion of Al-Aqsa, nobody can talk about it right? Must be their internal business... If you say no that is different then you're a typical hypocrite.

[@jtadros16]

This is not fair. I watched Al Muqaddimah’s video first and I agree with him. What happened with the story that Umar refused to do the Adhan at the Church of the Holy Sepulcher? Instead of giving it the title of a mosque, a museum is fair to both sides. It is not more weighted to another. If your going to say “what about Spain? The Balkans?” This is just as Al Muqaddimah said, it is “What aboutism” Two wrongs don’t make it right. Actually, only 51% of the Turkish people are actually practicing Muslims, and that number is going down, so it doesn’t represent the people.

[@HikmaHistory]

"only 12% of Turkish people are actually practising Muslims" - are you being serious?

[@jtadros16]

Hikma History sorry. In 2018, 51% of the people in Turkey identified as Muslims, and that number is going down. I mixed up the stat with 12% of the people in Turkey wanted the death penalty for apostates.

[@jtadros16]

Hikma History also, I didn’t mean to sound rude or anything like that, sorry if I came across like that. 😂 👌

[@robertjefferson4887]

@@jtadros16 Seems like you didn't do any research on the occasion of Umar not doing the Athan at the church. The Haga Sophia was bought by Sultan Mehemt II himself, with his own money, and converted to a mosque, while Umar didn't even bother buying the church. The city of Jerusalem surrendered and Umar gave peace, unlike the situation surrounding Mehmet II, which allowed him to take the church, and convert it to a mosque without even having to give the money, according to religion, and the time's laws. However, he was generous enough to give either way. And lol, no muslims want to pray at a church, we have our mosques. Your points are completely irrevelvant. The Haga Sophia was legally and lawfully bought, therefore it is 100% illegal to make it a museum, regardless of people's opinion . Even if 99% of Turkish citizens were to become nonmuslims, it would not make a difference buddy. The Ottoman Sultan bought it with his own money, he left it as a heritage for Turkey, no one has the right to steal this heritage and make it a museum, it is shameful and illegal to do so. And in Spain and Balkans they did not bother buying, they did not even bother to let mosques remain as holy places such a churches, they even made some mosques covert to clubs and inappropriate places. At least the Haga Sophia remains holy, and open to non Muslims, what grand Church allows non Christians to go inside and check the place out on a daily basis? Do you know any?

[@sfenderbabil5551]

Its nobody's business but Turks. Thats my stance on the matter. I used to gp to Hagia Sophia on a monthly basis sometimes for praying(it has section for praying) and sometime for admiring the mosaics(particularly the one Constantine the founder of the city offering his city to Jesus on one side and Justinian offering the Hagia Sophia on the other side) and sometime just to amaze myself for human accomplishment. Either church, mosque or museum it is a important building for us.

[@HikmaHistory]

Truly one of a kind monument

[@sfenderbabil5551]

@@HikmaHistory sure it is. Of you ever come to Istanbul let me know i'd like to host you.

[@HikmaHistory]

@@sfenderbabil5551 I just might take you up on that one day

[@anandjhave]

if your argument is to be accepted, should all the temples in India converted into mosques by the muslim conquers be restored to temples?????

[@Ma_ksi]

I do understand where you're coming from but the sovereignty part isn't a good argument

[@HikmaHistory]

How come?

[@Ma_ksi]

@@HikmaHistory you could use it to justify the things that happen in Nazi Germany and the Confederate South

[@marvelfannumber1]

@@HikmaHistory Because the Hagia Sophia is a UNESCO world heritage site, and Turkey is one of the founding members of the UNESCO treaty. As a UNESCO site the Hagia Sophia is recognized as a site of *universal* value (not Turkish value, universal value), and aquires various benefits as a result. Turkey can't proudly be a member of UNESCO, and proudly market their tourism based on their amount of UNESCO sites, and then give UNESCO the finger and tell them they can do whatever they want (which they were not legally allowed to do without consulting UNESCO). It also discredits multinational organizations like the UN, the international courts and human rights by implying that countries should be allowed to do whatever they want, with no opposition. Also I don't think anyone has threatened war or consequences for this decision anyway, even Greece has just stated that it was a 'provocation', every other response has just been a message of dissapointment or distress.

[@robertjefferson4887]

@@marvelfannumber1 Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror BOUGHT the mosque with his OWN income, and converted in into a church. If you do not agree with this action, then therefore, all the many churches all around the world that were bought and turned to mosques are also improper? However, from an Islamic and very logical point of view, once a city is conquered without a surrender; the city is owned by the next ruler, meaning it is okay for them to convert the church to a mosque. Despite this point of view which Islam has, Sultan Mehmed II was generous enough to PAY for the entire structure, bringing the Non Muslim population to full satisfaction. What more do you want?

[@AFGeezy]

Interesting video. I agree with you here

[@HikmaHistory]

Thanks for watching!

[@terratremuit4757]

I think I agree with your points on sovereignty but it should apply to all countries including European Christian ones. If Poland wants to promote Catholicism over other religions because the majority population is Catholic there, then shouldn't be any objections.

[@HikmaHistory]

I can't find serious qualms with that statement, Terra.

[@zakattack8624]

I am a complete atheist and I'm against a religion taking hold of a nation's government, but sovereignty is key. I am not a Turkish citizen, therefore I have no say. If I were a Turkish citizen, I would fight against this, but I am an American citizen. Sovereignty is important and we cannot have double-standards on which country should have sovereignty simply because you're racist or do not approve of one's culture and/or religion. Turkey is predominately Muslim. Though I may view their President as a political dictator and using this reconverstion of the Hagia Sophia into a mosque as a political motive, at the end of the day, it's only pleasing what the majority wants. As an American, our Consitution and fundamental values look down upon majority-rule, however, we cannot be ignorant to the fact that each nation has their own values on conducting their affairs. We are not in the late 1800s ealry 1900s where Western civilization forced every nation to imitate them. Let's rely on Western ideals of Liberalism and Enlightenment and let's let people of their respected countries to choose how they want to conduct themselves. We are not the authority to control other people's nations. That is for them to decide. Let us mind out business. Let's be happy that they will preserve the historic arts, sculptures, etc within the Hagia Sophia, for it is a significant landmark in human history.

[@HikmaHistory]

Do I detect a hint of pre-Wilsonian US Foreign Policy? Great points to be honest.

[@zakattack8624]

@@HikmaHistory Sadly, these ideals are not what the current US government holds, but I feel that it may become a common ideal among the younger American population. But I'm not an optimistic person. All I could do is type opinions into the internet and apply them to my college papers. It is insane how much the T. Roosevelt and Wilson administration has gave longevity to the Monroe Doctrine, but more global. I see it as an outdated policy which is a recipe for future disasters.

[@gulrukhsalahuddin7710]

No one ever said that about the mosques converted into churches in balkan states but got huge problem about hagia sofia converted into mosque...If you want to hagia sofia as a museum than convert all the mosques into the museum in Spain than we are even😊

[@ObiJohnKenobi67]

There is a difference between converting some random church into a mosque to changing one of the holiest sites in Christianity into a Mosque. It would be the equivalent of Israel turning the Al Asqa Mosque into a Synagogue.

[@gulrukhsalahuddin7710]

@@ObiJohnKenobi67 This is called karma like Israel didn't try this The blood bath in Palestine what about this??its all about the power Turkey have a power so Turkey did it Israel also have a power so he suppressed Palestine people captured there land but as Palestine retaliate and Muslim have about 2billion population all over the world with a deep religious ties so Israel do as much as he doing now...hope i am making a point here

[@ALWALEED1911]

well, I'm not a turk and i don't like ardogan but i don't see spain maintaing the mosques and nobody have a problem with that, why should turkey live by the west duople standards. plus, it's their country, they should do whatever they want, just like other nations does without regard

[@juliankaltenbach2804]

Interesting point about the socio-political system you make. However, your argument about the sovereignty issue doesn't work that well I'd say. You're right, mutual non-interference is a basic principle of the Charta of the United Nations and also of public international law. However, subject of public international law are no individuals but mostly states. Therefore, the foreign ministry of UK or Germany may not criticise Turkey for the conversion, but me as an individual or a private association e.g. for cultural heritage of humankind are not bound to that obligation of non-interference. We may criticise the Turkish government if we think they've done something wrong. To go even further: I'd say it's the duty as a citizen to criticize government acts you consider wrong to uphold government accountability and a pluralistic debate.

[@HikmaHistory]

I don't disagree with anything you said, Julian. I certainly uphold everybody's right to an opinion. I guess I was coming at this from the perspective "what if people's criticism was channelled by their governments into action" - quite a paranoid way of thinking I know haha.

[@GreMnMlin]

@@HikmaHistory eh its not so paranoid, if there was a large enough public outcry its possible. However, ultimately I feel a lot of western governments just don't care enough for it to translate into action. That said the ideal solution would be to have it serve as a mix of mosque, church, and museum. Unfortunately I don't think that's viable at this present moment in time, but it doesn't mean that we shouldn't strive for a world where it is

[@davsalda]

'The Byzantine artwork will simply be covered'. How can anyone be certain of that. Especially with the political leanings of the people who will be in charge of the conversion of the Hagia Sophia into a mosque. Ataturk's appropriation of western ways is not a negative or bad thing. Many countries throughout history when they see themselves loosing ground to competitors copy the other side. The classic example is Japan. When they realized they could not compete militarily/technologically, they quickly appropriated western ways (in Ataturk's time Turkey was known as the sick man of Europe and after coming out of WWI on the loosing side the country had to adapt to a new world order). But no one will ever acuse Japan of loosing it's cultural identity. Many other countries come to mind as well that have industrialized or are developing countries that have appropriated western ways. There is no doubt that Erdogan has become a patriotic strong man in his long tenure as Turkey's president and converting the Hagia Sophia to a mosque is clearly a political stunt to gain easy patriotic popular support. Much like a war is good for boosting popular support of any world leader. Plus there is no need to do this, everyone forgets the turkey already has the stunning Blue Mosque in Istanbul and other amazing and monumental mosques right there in the same city.

[@HebaruSan]

As has been noted, sites like this were commonly converted back and forth between faiths in various waves of conquest. But we no longer permit the acquisition of territory by military conquest, and the World Heritage Site / museum status was a way out of that nasty feuding attitude, guaranteeing a kind of neutral access to all. Abandoning that feels like part of the general world backsliding into a more primitive and short-sighted way of behaving, wanting to take what you think ought to be yours regardless of how it will affect others or what future conflicts it might lead to.

[@Matt_The_Hugenot]

I agree with returning it to a mosque. Even the most secular state in western Europe, France, restored its chief place of worship after 20 years of trying to force a new order on the people. Notre Dame de Paris is also a UNESCO world heritage site yet very few say it ought to be a museum. There are ten cathedrals in Spain that were mosques, Europeans aren't demanding they be given back or made museums. In former communist countries cathedrals that the state had seized and used for other purposes and have now been returned to churches. It's only because it's becoming a mosque that other countries are objecting.

[@HikmaHistory]

It's tough not to see the double standards, isn't it?

[@Matt_The_Hugenot]

@@HikmaHistory It's blindingly obvious, I'm surprised by the total lack of self awareness. Many places of worship have layers of history and archaeology, keeping them as they are is the least violent option. Forced secularisation of any place of worship is contrary to freedom of religion so those places should be returned to their communities.

[@Liquidsback]

@@Matt_The_Hugenot Again the only concern I have is the erasure of the Byzantine past and its artwork.

[@nightprowler6336]

@@Matt_The_Hugenot that's like saying half the mosques in middle east must be converted back to churches or pagan temples.

[@Matt_The_Hugenot]

@@nightprowler6336 That's not what I contend. Places of worship should not be forcibly changed from one religion to another. The only valid argument for change is to correct a recent wrong such as when states have seized and secularised them.

[@ArshadKhan-hq8pb]

It could have been a museum and turkey could have asked to open mosques in other orthodox Christian countries like Greece,russia

[@HikmaHistory]

Fair enough - but what are the chances of Greece and Russia agreeing to that request?

[@ArshadKhan-hq8pb]

@@HikmaHistory that's upto Erdogan's diplomacy. How well he could have negotiated

[@robertjefferson4887]

@@ArshadKhan-hq8pb U R and idiot, all I have to say

[@StrikerNite]

I think orthodox countries would see this more as Türkiye threatening their heritage. From their eyes, it would be like blackmail, where if they don't open such and such mosque, then their crown jewel will be converted. Is that truly diplomatic?

[@shonehi546tim9]

While I agree that the opinion that matters is from the Turkish people. The Hagia Sofia is a special building that is more of an inherited responsibility than a place of worship. If the Byzantine artwork has to be covered to function as a mosque then it loses its essence as the historical seat of power for an empire that lasted 1100 years. It is important to world heritage. Sure Europeans have been garbage with similar considerations but as always, Muslims should give evidence why Islam is the true path. Islam took European intellectual legacy and gave the authors their proper citation and recognition, something that Europeans have had to be constantly reminded of Islamic innovation and scholarship because of their terrible memory. Ataturk did a lot of things I disagreed with but making the Hagia Sofia a museum was not one of them.

[@HikmaHistory]

Love this take Tim! Regarding the Christian iconography being covered - that's literally only for minutes 5 times a day (during the prayer), the rest of the day it's on full display for visitors. In all honesty, I've somewhat changed my opinion on this issue - ideally it probably should be treated unlike other buildings. When I made the video, I'm pretty sure I was fairly annoyed at the double-standards of the West on this issue and the overall Western drive to shove their views down the throats of the rest of the world. Still, it's a bit of a coin-flip issue for me.

[@muazzamshaikh2049]

4:26 if you claim that then you must also be comfortable with other countries destroying mosques because it's their sovereignty. I'm not making a judgement of you...I'm just saying you have to be consistent then.

[@robertmitchell8630]

Every religion builds a place of worship with the labour of their own hands and love of their own heart Anything else would be a glorification of imperialism and aggrandizement of conquest An unsuitable habitat for a God of a purified spirit. Islam conquered theirs a pagan City Mecca took a pagan temple kabbah Took a Jewish city Medina If Islam insist on might is right Law of the jungle Muslims shouldn't object to the removal of the Al asqa mosque so the Jewish temple can be built Ditto the Hindus Reclaiming their Hindu temples turned into mosque

[@catalinsoare1261]

The Turkish society changed a lot. It came as a natural decision to reopen it as a mosque. ALTHOUGH i would open the ground floor as a mosque and i would keep the upper levels as a museum. I'd separate the 2 with a glass wall.

[@HikmaHistory]

If the separation with a glass wall is feasible, I'd want to see it! Not even a bad idea.

[@ahmedasghar5727]

Sorry I was from youtube because of some problems and I was busy but I'm back ur last 2 videos are very good Hikma brother.... Stay blessed

[@isaacharvie3102]

It isn’t a moskqe and will never be

[@anneeq008]

It has idolatrous iconography. On that basis alone it can't. It's a historical injustice we need to rectify

[@alexandermartinez6600]

it was not made to be a mosque....it should al least stay as a museum...that is like desecrating a Christian holy place...

[@schrickitfggh3533]

Im pretty sure a mosque is closer to a church than a museum is

[@alexandermartinez6600]

@@schrickitfggh3533 nope,un a mosque they praise Allah ,in a church they praise Jesus,in a museum how it was,it showed the history of the church,but still it wasn't a place of worship for something totally different than it was made for.

[@MarkusTronsg]

I disagree with theses conclusions. In regards to former mosques located in places formerly part of Islamic empires: if these mosques were built as new structures, then allow them to be restored as such. If they were built on or in existing Christian churches (or synagogues?), then let them devolve to the original denomination. Agia Sophia, as well numerous other churches in Turkey, were built by the Christian inhabitants for Christians and as such remain the cultural patrimony of the indigenous Christian community. In return for the restoration of mosques now located in “Christian “ lands, the former Greek (and Armenian?) churches should be returned to the care of those communities.

[@Redrockettt]

I honestly think that you should’ve featured a Christian historian/KZbinr to get their take on it.

[@Redrockettt]

@good character Wouldn’t that be too far back to be relevant?

[@ahmedmuawia2447]

I indeed agree with your point of veiw that it's a matter of Turks to decide. Attaurk made the decision to turn into a church [pretty much without asking anyone I might add] But still you can argue he had the public backing. Which is ironically is the same thing with Erdogan. He did that decision with public backing from the conservative populace of his country. So why is it the right of Greece of all nations to condem turkey? And call this action barbarous, if anything this is just an indicator that this indeed is not a simple matter of history but that of national dignity. Turks made it a Museam, so why is it a problem when they turn it back into a Mosque. Except if you argued Erdogan isn't turkey which I can again do to Attaurk. Who did the same thing. Secondly I believe this descion not to be that of simple internal change inside turkey of the conflict between seculars and conservatives. But rather that of Turkey and it is allies. (buckle up it's about to get political here) So the turkish nation has been isolated for years trying to become a western european nation, something no one accepted. They tried and tried and yet they have been denied this. And to add insult to injury Turkish integrity manifesting in Kurdish separatism and its implications a matter I must add was always a problem since Attaurk before blaming Erdogan for it [who actually did some reforms to support the KURDS before allying with the nationalists who will never accept such a thing]. The US supported what is to Turkey essentially is a terrorist group, western nations like Greece tried to corner it economically by undermining it in the Mediterranean sea. Even tho turkey has helped in countless affairs the US [the cold war and the invasion of Iraq are big examples] the US gave absolutely nothing in return for all of this but an antagonistic attitude. So naturally turkey began looking for allies east. Russia (even tho to us Muslims its a western country) is an example funnily enough the Orthodox Church in Russia was less antagonistic and more concerned about this something that I absolutely respect unlike the Greek one that talks from a position of moral and cultural superiorty to a nation they apparently still fail to recognize it's worth. But more importantly are the other Islamic Nations, Turkey in the last years has become a more and more accepted part of the Islamic world. Before that it was more of the shy kid in the room, now turkey is both loud and active. I have noticed an increased acceptance of separation of church and state even by religious people giving current turkey as an example. A nation that is neither aggressivly in denial of itself nor stuck to bloating stagnation like some other states. And even tho I disagree with those people I can still admire their views. And I still do believe the other side of the argument has validity to it. But sometimes good arguments fall short because of the wrong person preaching them.

[@HikmaHistory]

That's a lot of detail!

[@ahmedmuawia2447]

@@HikmaHistory lol that's the price of trying to cover every detail and possibility XD.

[@margahe9157]

Question! Did the Spaniards convert Mosques into Churches? I mean buildings, which were build from scratch as Mosques'. I don't know if something like this had happened. I think, it was a big mistake, in the first place by the Muslims to convert Christianity's most important and biggest Church into a Mosque! This was a deliberate insult to Christianity! It was a very wise decision from Atatürk to change Hagia Sophia into a museum! He didn't dare to change it back to it original purpose, so he changed it into a neutral place. This kept the peace in Türkey AND served his worldview. It was a wise decision! Erdogan shows us his worldview! No sensitivity for Turkey's Christian minority, nor for Christians worldwide. Once a Mosque, always a Mosque? By the way, what happened to Turkey's Christians? Around the early 20th century it was 25% and nowadays.... 2%????? That calls for a Video!

[@borisbuklijas4151]

While I will withold my opinion on should Hagia Sophia be turned in to a Mosque, I will say that I believe that your reasoning is fallacious. State sovereignty is never absolute. 1) It is subject to itself - neither the will of the people, nor the representative of the state can break the highest laws of the state. This is what it means to be a republic and not a democracy. Even if the whole of the people and the head of state agreed to kill, torture and mutilate a child, just because, they shouldn't be able to if the laws, on which the country was founded upon, disagree. To do this is to spit upon a cultural heritage far more important then any building. 2) It is subject to community of states that it is a part of - by this I mean the surrounding state, the UN, EU ( if Turkey still wishes to be a part of it ) and other such entites; also international laws, trade agreements...... If a state would break a rule of one these international unions/agreements it should be subject to criticism or censure from the other states. And by these agreements there exist such things as "World Cultural Heritage Sites", of which I believe the Hagia Sophia is one. So the wilful damaging of these sites is not in the full sovereignty of a single state. For example , if Egypt wanted to raze the pyramids and turn them into a parking lot, or if the US would do the same to Yellowstone - they shouldn't be able to. 3) It should be subject to humanity itself. This may not play a huge part in this subject, but is nevertheless important. Human rights are inalienable by the UN constitution, so tyranny of the mass over a minority ( or vice-versa) is forbidden. This brings us back to the first point of Turkey being a Republic not a Democracy ( I use these terms in a philosophical not political sense ). They are also present in the Muslim culture, and I believe Sharia law. Sorry for the long post, or for any insult recieved, for none was meant. Also for any grammar errors, I am writing this between sets during a strength workout :D . P.S. As to my last point on the Sharia law. I am not very familiary with it. Does anybody know what it teaches on the turning of other temples ( that belonged to the People of the Book/Ahl al-Kitā ) into Mosques, and worshiping in a Mosques that has other religious symbols, even if they are covered up ? P.P.S. Also I am hoping that the length of this set discourages trolls

[@HikmaHistory]

The length almost discouraged me as well! 1) Laws have to be reflective of the culture/desires of the nation's people. I like the idea of a Republic in general but you can make the argument - "was Ataturk's Republic representative of the Turkish nation/culture?" 2/3) I don't disagree with you in theory but in practise things don't always pan out like that. Ultimately, I think every state overwhelmingly puts its own self-interest before group cooperation; it's just the more powerful ones are able to get away with it because, well, they have power. That raises the question - what is the ultimate arbitrator of truth? To a cynic, it may seem that the answer to that question is power, unfortunately. Ngl I got kinda intimidated by the fact you wrote this during your strength workouts, haha.

[@shabirwaziri6563]

I love your videos. Please make videos about Hotak dynasty, Durrani empire and Emirate of Afghanistan.🇦🇫❤️💯.

[@chaudhry6769]

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@lakis9314]

See Elder Paisios prophecys about Hagia Sophia and Turkey

[@HolyknightVader999]

Russia would like to say hello. And so would the American Christians, who would not be happy with this sword-rattling.

[@prinstonpereira9978]

Well i think Hague Sophia is the architecture of byzantine empire and it should be restored as an remnant of that civilization. Just a thought that will it be fine if pyramid were used as mosque if such architecture provided the place for worship. Do you think Egyptian Muslims would use that as a mosque. The answer is no because they know that such architecture does not belong to them. It belongs to Pharoah's Egyptian civilisation . So why are Turks after making Hage Sophia a Mosque when they know it was originally Cathedral. Secondly, the great leader Ataturk identified a way to make peace with the past of Islamic conquest of Byzantine empire by making it a museum and giving a secular message to the world about Turkey. Then why current generation wants to go back to Islamic ways. We already have the example of middle east where people are running to europe to evade from repression and hard-line Islamic religion that is followed.

[@a_09.7]

Remember Islamic Elements are part of the architecture of the Hagia Sophia