Question

Султан, приказавший превратить храм святой Софии в мечеть был поражён фресками и мозаикой храма. Он велел не уничтожать изображения, а сверху замазать их краской. Как вы думайте почему он так поступил? о чём свидетельствует этот факт?

Answer 1

Легенда это.
просто все- легче замазать, чем сбивать, а потом еще и заделывать стены.

а вот самим храмом он был поражен и решил использовать его, как мечеть.

Answer 2

The Conversion of Hagia Sophia into a Mosque

The decision to convert the Hagia Sophia into a mosque was made by Sultan Mehmed II, also known as Mehmed the Conqueror, after the Ottoman Empire captured Constantinople (now Istanbul) in 1453. The Hagia Sophia was originally a Byzantine Christian cathedral and later became a mosque under Ottoman rule. Sultan Mehmed II's decision to convert the Hagia Sophia into a mosque was a significant event in history, marking the transition of power and religious influence in the region.

Preservation of the Artwork

Despite the conversion, Sultan Mehmed II did not order the destruction of the artwork inside the Hagia Sophia. Instead, he chose to preserve the frescoes and mosaics by covering them with paint. This decision has been a subject of debate and speculation among historians and scholars.

One possible reason for this preservation is that Sultan Mehmed II recognized the historical and artistic significance of the Hagia Sophia. The building itself was an architectural marvel, and the artwork inside represented centuries of Byzantine Christian culture and heritage. By covering the artwork with paint, the Sultan may have intended to respect the cultural and religious history of the building while adapting it to its new purpose as a mosque.

Another reason could be the practicality of the decision. Removing the artwork would have been a time-consuming and costly process. By covering the frescoes and mosaics with paint, the Sultan could quickly transform the interior of the Hagia Sophia into a suitable space for Islamic worship.

Symbolic Significance

The preservation of the artwork in the Hagia Sophia, even if covered, carries symbolic significance. It represents the complex and layered history of the region, where different cultures and religions have coexisted and left their mark. The Hagia Sophia stands as a testament to the blending of Byzantine Christian and Islamic influences in Istanbul's history.

The decision to cover the artwork rather than destroy it also reflects a certain level of tolerance and respect for cultural heritage. It acknowledges the value of the artwork and its historical importance, even in the context of a religious conversion.

In conclusion, Sultan Mehmed II's decision to cover the frescoes and mosaics in the Hagia Sophia with paint instead of destroying them likely had multiple motivations. It may have been a practical decision to quickly adapt the building for its new purpose as a mosque, as well as a recognition of the historical and artistic significance of the artwork. This preservation, even if concealed, carries symbolic meaning and reflects the complex history of the region.