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Cathedral Hagia Sophia, A 1500 years old church converted to mosque, Turkey’s President said its Turkey’s ‘sovereign right’.
The order of the highest court stated, “It was concluded that the settlement deed allocated it as a mosque and its use outside this character is not possible legally. The cabinet decision in 1934 that ended its use as a mosque and defined it as a museum did not comply with laws.”
As reported, Erdogan said in a national address, “With this court ruling, and with the measures we took in line with the decision, Hagia Sophia became a mosque again, after 86 years, in the way Fatih the conqueror of Istanbul had wanted it to be.”
In a press conference, Erdogan informed that the first Muslim prayers would be held inside Haga Sophia on July 24. He also told, ” Like all our mosques, the doors of Hagia Sophia will be wide open to locals, and foreigners, Muslims and Non-Muslims.” The Turkish officials clearly mentioned that the Christian emblems like mosaics of the Virgin Mary on the golden dome of the cathedral would not be removed.
According to Erdogan, the status of Hagia Sophia is their domestic matter where any intervention from ‘international players’ is not welcome. This decision has prompted criticism from various religious and political leaders from across the globe.
Reportedly, UNESCO has stated that it deeply regrets this decision of converting the museum into a mosque and has asked Turkish authorities to immediately open a dialogue without delay. UNESCO further added that its World Heritage Committee would review Hagia Sophia’s status. The Eastern Orthodox Church, the Russian Orthodox Church, Cyprus, the US and Greece too have criticized this decree and have condemned it. They also accused this Turkey’s decision of ignoring voices of millions of Christians. Hagia Sophia has long been the symbol of Muslim- Christian Cultural Rivalry and this decision could now lead to greater divisions since Hagia Sophia is a site which is equally revered by both, Christians and Muslims.
It is apparent that Erdogan headed Turkish government has quashed its secular foundations with this step. Is this decision taken to strengthen the Islamisation of the Turkish society and to gain political mileage? However, the political gain would be short term but can cost long term disharmony between Christians and Muslims.
Hagia Sophia, famous for the grandeur of its iconic dome, is the landmark of Istanbul and is a magnet for tourists worldwide. Today, it is Turkey’s most popular tourist attraction drawing more than 3.6 million visitors last year.
Police register FIR and launch search for accused after late-night incident.
The Case
A woman travelling home after attending a party in Chembur has alleged that her cab driver tried to molest her after stopping the vehicle at an isolated location in Navi Mumbai during the early hours of September 6.
According to her complaint, the incident took place around 1:30 am. The driver reportedly stopped the cab on the roadside, saying he wanted to drink water. After getting back into the vehicle, he allegedly moved to the back seat, held the woman’s hand and tried to remove her clothes despite her resistance.
The woman strongly protested, following which the driver allegedly fled from the spot. She then contacted her family and approached the police to report what had happened. Police identified the accused as Mohammed Afzal Sheikh and registered an FIR based on the woman’s complaint. Multiple police teams have reportedly been formed to trace and arrest him.
Investigators are using technical information and other leads to locate the accused. Police have said the complaint is being taken seriously and that appropriate legal action will follow. The incident has once again raised concerns about the safety of passengers travelling alone in cabs during late-night hours. Police are continuing their investigation into the case.
Thousands of devotees join colourful processions as towering idols arrive in Navi Mumbai.
The Grand Ganesh Celebration
With Ganesh Chaturthi just around the corner, the festive spirit has already taken over Navi Mumbai. Vashi and CBD Belapur witnessed enthusiastic celebrations as devotees gathered to welcome two towering Ganesh idols.
In Vashi Sector 17, the 12-foot idol of Navsala Pavnara Maharaja arrived on September 4 amid the beats of dhol-tasha and chants of “Ganpati Bappa Morya.” Nearly 3,000 devotees took part in the welcome procession. The idol, depicting Lord Ganesha seated on an elephant, will be installed in a grand replica of a royal palace. The mandal is celebrating its 43rd year.
Meanwhile, CBD Belapur Sector 2 welcomed the CBD Cha Raja, a 12.5-foot idol prepared by renowned sculptor Bhendkar from Chembur. A large number of devotees gathered to seek Bappa’s blessings during the arrival ceremony.
The mandal, now entering its 44th year, is creating a replica of the famous Banke Bihari Temple in Mathura as this year’s main attraction.
Beyond the grandeur, the celebrations also reflect Navi Mumbai’s spirit of unity. People from different communities come together to participate in aarti, puja and havan at the mandal. As the city prepares for Ganesh Chaturthi, these celebrations have brought communities together and set the mood for a festival filled with devotion, tradition and togetherness.
Traditional performances, a vibrant procession and an eco-friendly idol mark the beginning of Ganeshotsav in Vashi.
The Grand Celebration
The festive spirit of Ganeshotsav came alive in Vashi as the Ganraj Vashi Cha Raja Public Ganeshotsav Mandal, Sector 16A, began its 43rd year with a grand idol arrival ceremony.
The procession started from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Chowk and made its way to the main pandal amid the energetic beats of dhol-tasha. Thousands of devotees joined the celebrations, turning the streets into a sea of devotion and excitement.
Traditional performances added to the charm of the procession. Mardani Khel demonstrations, a colourful Lezim performance and the presence of a Govinda troupe drew loud cheers from the crowd. The Govindas formed a human pyramid and offered a special salute to Ganraj Vashi Cha Raja.
The event was attended by BJP corporator Anjali Valunj, mandal president and social worker Vijay Valunj, social worker Ajay Valunj, along with mandal office-bearers, volunteers and devotees. This year, the mandal has also focused on protecting the environment. The Ganesha idol, depicting Lord Ganesha seated on an elephant, has been made from paper as part of its eco-friendly initiative.
The organisers said the mandal has been preserving culture and tradition for 43 years and was among the first in Navi Mumbai to organise an idol arrival ceremony. They also invited devotees from across Navi Mumbai and Maharashtra to visit the mandal and seek Bappa’s blessings.
Woman Alleges Cab Driver Tried to Molest Her in Navi Mumbai
Vashi, Belapur Welcome Grand Ganesh Idols Ahead of Ganesh Chaturthi
Ganraj Vashi Cha Raja Enters 43rd Year with Grand Arrival Celebration
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