On October 9 and 16, Stanford University will be hosting a two-part webinar on Hagia Sophia: its world-historical significance, why it has been converted to a mosque now, and what the global implications are of its conversion. Panelists include Dr. Elizabeth Prodromou of Tufts University, who served as Vice Chair and Commissioner on the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom from 2004 to 2012, along with other noted academics from Columbia, Stanford, and Princeton Universities, as well as Istanbul Technical University. They will discuss important issues related to the renowned cathedral, including its history before the Ottoman conquest, how its conversion to a museum in 1935 was significantly aided by American donors, and current efforts to preserve the  building and its mosaics and frescoes amid the welter of contemporary politics. Following the presentations by the panelists there will be a public question-and-answer session.

Learn about Part I (Oct 9)

Learn about Part II (Oct 16)