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Hagia Sophia has been converted back into a mosque, but the veiling of its figural icons is not a Muslim tradition

  • Written by Christiane Gruber, Professor of Islamic Art, University of Michigan
Hagia Sophia has been converted back into a mosque, but the veiling of its figural icons is not a Muslim traditionPeople pray inside the Byzantine-era Hagia Sophia, with sail-like drapes covering mosaic figures of the Virgin Mary and Jesus.AP Photo/Yasin Akgul

Ever since the reversion of Hagia Sophia back into a mosque, the Muslim call to prayer has been resounding from its minarets.

Originally built as a Christian Orthodox church and serving that purpose for...

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