The Poem
Mine is mine
Listen, what is yours is mine
Got it?
Mine mine, yours mine, too
Church of Hagia Sophia to Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque
Temple of Mount to Al-Aqsa Mosque
Church of Job to no-name mosque
Church of Saint John to Al-Omari Grand Mosque
Hagia Sophia of Bursa
Will not see daylight anymore, got demolished
We will convert it to a cultural center
Wink! Wink! Cultural center means mosque
We render jihadi touch
to Hagia Sophia churches
So far, we succeeded with nine
Jihadi rendering means converting to mosque/cultural center
Hercules’ Roman temple to Grand Mosque of Tangier
Sun God Pagan Temple to Great Mosque of al-Nuri
Cave of the Patriarchs to Ibrahimi Mosque
Tarikhaneh Fire Temple to Tarikhaneh Mosque
The Explanation
The paragraphs outline a concerning trend of historical religious sites being repurposed into mosques or cultural centers, often under the influence of jihadist ideology. This trend reflects a broader pattern of cultural and religious appropriation, where the rich heritage of various communities is being overshadowed or erased in favor of a singular ideology.
The conversion of Hagia Sophia, once a prominent Christian cathedral, into a mosque serves as a symbol of deliberate transformation to assert dominance and control. Similarly, the repurposing of the Temple Mount, revered by Jews and Christians, as the Al-Aqsa Mosque alters its significance and historical context.
The conversion of churches like the Church of Saint John into mosques underscores the systematic erasure of non-Islamic heritage and the imposition of a singular religious identity, often through force or coercion.
The demolition of Hagia Sophia of Bursa and its conversion into a cultural center, with hints of it becoming a mosque, reveals deceptive tactics used to justify such actions. By labeling these conversions as "cultural centers," perpetrators aim to downplay the religious significance of the sites and mask their true intentions.
Furthermore, the global scope of this phenomenon is evident in examples such as the conversion of the Hercules' Roman temple in Tangier to the Grand Mosque of Tangier, and the transformation of the Tarikhaneh Fire Temple into a mosque. This illustrates a concerted effort to establish Islamic dominance over diverse cultural and religious landscapes.
Background
Hagia Sophia
The Hagia Sophia's tumultuous history reflects the impact of religious and political conquests on cultural heritage. Originally erected as a Christian cathedral in Constantinople, it fell victim to the Ottoman conquest in 1453, leading to its conversion into a mosque. Subsequent modifications erased much of its Christian identity, as symbols and artwork were either removed or plastered over. This cultural encroachment continued when it was repurposed as a museum in 1931, signifying an Islamic approach to its heritage.
However, the Hagia Sophia's fate took a troubling turn in 2020 when it was once again converted into a mosque, highlighting the ongoing tensions surrounding its identity. This decision, fueled by political motivations, sparked international debate and condemnation, underscoring the fragility of cultural landmarks in the face of radical ideologies.
The Great Mosque of Homs
The Great Mosque of Homs, once a symbol of religious tolerance and architectural splendor, fell victim to the ravages of conflict and Islamic extremism. Originally a pagan temple dedicated to the sun god, it was converted into a mosque, reflecting the perils of radical Islamic practices of destroying non-Islamic structures.
Throughout Syria's civil war, the Great Mosque of Homs suffered extensive damage due to shelling and armed conflict. Its rich history and architectural heritage were marred by violence and destruction, underscoring the toll of extremism on cultural landmarks and the communities they serve.
From Cave of the Patriarchs to Ibrahimi Mosque
The Cave of the Patriarchs in Hebron, a site revered by Jews, Christians, and Muslims alike, has become a symbol of division and conflict. Originally a sacred shrine, it changed into a church during the Crusades and later converted into a mosque following Muslim conquest. These changes reflected the region's complex religious dynamics but also fueled tensions and animosities among different faith communities.
In recent years, the Cave of the Patriarchs has been a flashpoint for violence and extremism, with attacks and clashes occurring between worshippers of different faiths. This tragic reality highlights the destructive impact of radical ideologies on sacred spaces and the communities they represent, perpetuating a cycle of division and hostility.
The Tarikhaneh Fire Temple to Tarikhaneh Mosque
The Tarikhaneh Fire Temple in Damghan, Iran, stands as a testament to the erasure of cultural heritage under radical Islamic ideologies. Originally a Zoroastrian place of worship, it was repurposed as a mosque following the decline of the Sassanid Empire, reflecting the region's religious and cultural shifts. However, this conversion marked the beginning of a process of cultural erasure, as Zoroastrian symbols and traditions were supplanted by Islamic ones.
The conversion of the Tarikhaneh Fire Temple into a mosque symbolizes the loss of cultural diversity and historical continuity under radical regimes. It serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by extremism to the preservation of cultural heritage and the rich tapestry of human history.
Comments