Video: Why did the Imam in Hagia Sophia give a Friday sermon holding a sword?
He delivered a sermon holding a sword, which is a tradition of the Ottoman Caliphate and is considered a symbol of victory.
Professor Ali Erbash holds a sword in his left hand, which on the one hand conveys a message of terror to the hearts of the enemy and on the other hand gives a message of strength and confidence to the allies.
Symbolism matters: #Turkey gov't top Imam uses Ottoman sword ⚔️to climb up the staircase of Minbar (pulpit) before delivering a sermon for Friday prayer in #HagiaSophia where entire Turkish leadership is present.
Sword represents the conquest for #Erdogan's neo-Ottoman dreams. pic.twitter.com/yh3qMd8cL2
— Abdullah Bozkurt (@abdbozkurt) July 24, 2020
