Theresa Kong

This project examines the intricate relationship between Christianity and Islam, examined through the architectural evolution of the Hagia Sophia in modern day Istanbul. Originally a symbol of Byzantine power, the structure's conversion into a mosque under Mehmed II foregrounded the complex dynamics of cultural and religious dominance. The coexistence of Christian and Islamic elements within the Hagia Sophia illustrates an "asymmetrical reciprocation" of respect, where Islamic expansion often threatened Christian territories, yet some Muslim scholars recognized the sanctity of Christian sites. Although the building underwent significant alterations—including the addition of minarets and the replacement of mosaics—it retains its historical importance as a site of reverence and contention. Subsequent modifications by later Ottoman sultans indicate a pattern of adaptation rather than destruction, reflecting ongoing negotiations of identity and power. Ultimately, the Hagia Sophia serves as a testament to the multifaceted relationship between faiths and their architectural legacies, encapsulating the intricate history of religious and political transitions.

 

Sector C

Advisor: 
Ann Kuttner (ARTH)

Gregory Vershbow (VLST)