Turkey and its many sides

Olusola Fabiyi, who has just returned from a trip to Turkey, writes on his experience and places of interest, especially in Istanbul, which is the only city in the world that is on two continents. Fabiyi shares his impressions on a panoramic museum that depicts conquest of Istanbul in 1453, and gives extensive details on the artwork in the museum.

His article continues to explore Istanbul, particularly Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque:

Another place of interest is the Hagia Sophia Museum, whose history is instructive for religious faithful. Historically, Hagia Sophia was regarded as the greatest and most sacred part of the city. In Turkish language, Hagia Sophia means the Divine Wisdom, which is said to be an attribute of Christ. The museum is an architectural masterpiece and it was used as a church for 916 years since its construction in 537 AD. However, when Istanbul was conquered, it served as a mosque for 481 years until 1934.

After what was described as the restoration under the Turkey founder, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the building was opened to visitors as a museum in February 1935. While it served as a church, it was the largest in Turkey. Today, its dome is said to be the fourth largest in the world trailing the likes of St. Paul’s in London, St. Peter’s in Rome and the Duomo in Florence, Italy.

Several areas within the museum testify to its being visitors’ delight. Numerous paintings and ornamentals adorn it, while colourful mosaic tiles were deployed in the paintings of different objects and persons. At the gallery are two mosaic panels depicting different emperors and their families, alongside religious figures like the Virgin Mary holding baby Christ in her arms. In another drawing, Christ is painted seated on a throne, with an empress and an emperor on both sides.

The Sultan Ahmet Mosque, popularly called the Blue Mosque, which was constructed by Ahmet, who ruled Turkey between 1630 and 1617, featured more artistic monuments. There are five entrances that also lead to the outer courtyard.

Mr. Fabiyi continues his article with their visit to Turkish Airlines Headquarters, and briefly introduces Mr. Fethullah Gulen:

One man the Turkish people would not forget in a hurry is Fethullah Gulen. Everywhere you go, he is discussed and appreciated. Born on April 27, 1941 in Erzurum, a village in the north, Gulen preaches peace and dialogue. He teaches Turks how to tackle ignorance, poverty and disunity. He has many foundations which deal with various issues, including education, journalism, and health care, among others. He is credited with the establishment of the Fetih Koleji, Sema Hospital, Samanyolu Broadcasting Group, Fatih Universitesi and Zaman Newspaper, which reportedly sells about one million per day.

 Food, an important component of Turkish hospitality, also finds its place in his closing paragraphs:

In Turkey, no meal is complete without Turkish tea. Indeed, a Turkish proverb — “A cup of tea guarantees 40 years of friendship” — buttresses this. No wonder, taking tea is generally described as a ritual and not just a drink. It is the major hot beverage at breakfasts, afterwards or in-between meals.

Without necessarily being disappointed, in my five days in Turkey, I did not come across the turkey meat in any of the numerous restaurants we visited.

Posted in: Fethullah Gulen, Hagia Sophia, Istanbul, Nigeria, Turkey