In a statement, HE Noura bint Mohammed AlKaabi, the UAE’s Minister of Culture and Youth has spoken out on Turkey‘s decision to reinstate the status of Hagia Sophia from museum to mosque.Built in the 6th Century as a Greek Orthodox cathedral, the Hagia Sophia was converted into a mosque under the Ottoman empire nine centuries later, before being declared a museum in 1934 under secular Turkish rule. In her statement, Minister AlKaabi notes the importance of viewing cultural heritage “as a human legacy that ought to be preserved.” Speaking to the decision by Turkish authorities, she says cultural landmarks “should neither be misused nor altered through change in a way that touches the human essence.”
Hagia Sophia. Photo: Instagram/@Unesco
Directing her comments particularly toward World Heritage sites, as determined by the specialized agency, Unesco, AlKaabi says landmarks like the Hagia Sophia “have exceptional international value, and are the common heritage of all peoples and cultures.” Stressing that the change in status was effected without much regard for “civilizational value,” the Minister’s comments highlight important issues of cultural dialogue that have, for decades, been facilitated through the historical edifice that is the Hagia Sophia. “It has remained a global landmark with significant cultural legacy,” says AlKaabi. “It also served as a bridge connecting different peoples and cementing their bonds.”Preserving human heritage and promoting values of tolerance, Al Kaabi explains that world heritage sites have “become the platforms for knowledge exchange between diverse cultures and civilizations that evolved in history across time.” “[The] Hagia Sophia is an important example of interaction and dialogue between Asia and Europe and should remain a witness to harmonious human history,” she says. “It is designated as a heritage museum by Unesco. It is an architectural marvel and is a unique witness to the interaction between Asia and Europe across centuries. It is a symbol of dialogue.”
By: Tanika D’Souza
Source: en.vogue.me
