It has been revealed that Russia will assist Syria in building a replica of the Hagia Sophia. The current Hagia Sophia, built in 537, is currently subject to great controversy following a decision by the Erdogan regime in Turkey to convert it from an independent UNESCO world heritage site into a mosque. This has led to widespread criticism of Turkey by the US, Russia and Greece in particular.
The building, which sits in Istanbul, Turkey, was originally constructed by Emperor Justinian during the Byzantine Empire as an Orthodox Christian church. Following the takeover of Turkey by Muslims, the Ottoman Empire converted the church into a mosque in the 1500s. In the early 20th century, it was decided that the building should remain open to all faiths and be held as a UNESCO world heritage site. The move this year by Erdogan to have it reconverted into a mosque is seen as an attempt to shore up support amongst his ultra-conservative base.
Russia, which is predominantly an Orthodox country, will work with Syria to produce the new Hagia Sophia in the Syrian province of Hama in an attempt to show solidarity and peace between peoples of all faiths. Syria is predominantly Muslim but also has a significant Christian population.
Senior Russian politician, Vitaly Milonov, said in a statement:
"Russia will provide funding for the miniature Hagia Sophia in the western Syrian to show the importance of peaceful dialogue between faiths. Syria, unlike Turkey, is a country that clearly shows the possibility of peaceful and positive interfaith dialogue. President Bashar al-Assad would never transfer a cathedral from one denomination to another. I think that all of Russia will want to help. This will truly be a landmark event for all Orthodox people; I am sure that every Orthodox Christian wants his name to be inscribed in at least a stone or brick of the new Hagia Sophia."
It is believed that preparations for construction will begin next month. It is understood that the idea for the new Hagia Sophia is not the idea of Russia themselves but of a pro-Assad militia leader, Nabeul Al-Abdullah, who approached Russia with the idea.
The construction will only be a short distance from Turkey itself. Turkey invaded Northern Syria last year in an attempt to destroy the Kurdish autonomous region of Rojava.
Russia has been a key ally for the Syrian regime under Bashar al-Assad and has been involved in military operations on his behalf during the Syrian civil war where, the regime fought against both ISIS and Western backed anti-Assad forces.
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