Map

Built as cross in square plan, which was the dominant architectural form of middle and late Byzantine period, The Hagia Sophia church in Trabzon is an important example of late Byzantine architecture. Four large column arches support the central dome and ceiling. On the floor there is a opus sectile pavement made with multicolored stones. On the south and north porches provide the church with a cross shape on the exterior as well. Restoration works in the 1960’s revealed frescoes with the subject matter from the New Testament. On the exterior walls there are figurative stone works. There is also a 40 mt. high bell tower. During the Ottoman Period, it was used as a mosque. Between 1958 and 1964 it was restored and opened as a museum but in 2013 it started to serve as a mosque again since the ownership passed to Directorate of Religious Affairs after some legal disputes with Ministry of Culture. The floors were covered with carpets. The frescoes on the walls were covered with parapets. It still available to visits for the tourists as it is listed in the museum list of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.

The Fourth Crusaders occupied the capital of the Eastern Roman Empire (Byzantine Empire) instead of sailing to the Holy Lands to fight the Muslims. This was due to schism between the Catholic and Orthodox churches empowered with the commercial greed of the Venetians. Leaving the capital, some nobles founded Trabzon (Trebizond) Empire until it was taken by Mehmed II who also conquered Constantinople, putting and end to the heir of the Roman Empire. It continued to serve as a church until 1584 when it was converted into a mosque.

The Greek Orthodox and Muslim communities continued to live in the region until population exchange after the War of Independence of the foundation of modern Republic of Turkey. Since it was almost 100 years ago, there is no inter-religious dialogue remained in the region but the monuments remind the multi-culture past of the region. There is a debate in the society on the conversion of the church into a mosque. While conservative Muslims support this conversion, some NGOs are against claiming that the monument should have stayed as part of the cultural heritage. Some news in the papers stated that even the local shop-owners were unhappy with this conversion since the number of visitors dropped.

There is no religious influence to speak of.

- Direct visit
If possible, a direct visit would be of most value.
- Virtual visit (specify how)
A virtual visit by PPP prepared by the teacher.
- Classroom activity (pre- and post- visit)
A pre-visit research on the Revelation.
A pre-visit research on if there is any converted religious building in the region. Here conversion means any kind of of conversion (religious or some other function).
Post-visit discussion can be on why a conversion of a religious monument is necessary or is it necessary? The reaction of the local shop owners can also be discussed as they oppose something with their faith but affecting their earthly life.