Adventures in Turkish Civilization Envy, Wanting to re-convert Hagia Sophia

[grumbler]

They're not allowed to pray in Hagia Sophia. It was a big deal during Pope Benedict's visit over whether he'd do anything that would look like he was praying.

  How could someone possibly tell when another person is praying?  That would take a mind-reader.

One isn't allowed to engage in religious ceremony in the HS, but that doesn't stop anyone from praying.

[Sheilbh]

I know but it was a big deal for ages:

Pope Benedict XVI yesterday in Istanbul put an end to weeks of speculation in the Turkish press over whether or not he would pray in the Hagia Sophia museum. Instead of stopping to pray in the ancient Byzantine church, the Pope chose to pray in Istanbul's formidable Blue Mosque, turning to face Mecca alongside his Turkish host, Minister of Religious Affairs, Ali Bardakoglu.

I think they were worried he'd make a gesture like he was praying, or even pause a little to pensively. Instead he kept walking and looked engaged.

[Ed Anger]

I liked seeing the Loover.

I went to the Davout musuem.

[Crazy_Ivan80]

the Pope chose to pray in Istanbul's formidable Blue Mosque, turning to face Mecca alongside his Turkish host, Minister of Religious Affairs, Ali Bardakoglu.

not the smartest thing he did. Over here it sends a message of interfaith dialogue. Over there it sends a wholly different message.