Dear reader,
What do Ayodhya, Istanbul, Córdoba, Bangkok, Nasiriyah, Samarkand, Timbuktu, Penang, and Zanzibar have in common?
These diverse cities, scattered across continents, share a remarkable legacy: a history shaped by the interaction and fusion of different faiths, religions, and cultures. They stand as testaments to humanity’s shared spiritual journey and the ongoing dialogue between diverse traditions.
Istanbul, with its iconic Hagia Sophia, reveals a fascinating past. This architectural marvel, once a Byzantine church, later became a mosque, showcasing both Christian and Muslim influences. Similarly, the Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba in Spain bears witness to a shared history. Originally a Visigoth church, it transformed into a mosque during the Islamic era, retaining its Christian elements even as Islamic features were added.
Bangkok’s Wat Phra Kaew temple complex exemplifies cultural exchange. This Buddhist sanctuary, housing the revered Emerald Buddha, reflects Thai, Khmer, and Chinese architectural influences, highlighting the vibrant cultural tapestry of the region. Nasiriyah in Iraq offers another fascinating example. The Mandaean Beth Manda, a place of worship for the Mandaean faith, exhibits influences from Mesopotamian, Jewish, and Christian traditions.
Despite enduring regime changes, onslaughts, and even demolitions, these cities have tenaciously preserved their unique blends of identity. Standing the test of time, they blossomed into vibrant cities and towns, each reflecting the rich mosaic of influences that shaped them.
Ayodhya, too, once proudly stood as a city of harmony. Its history boasts a rich heritage of Hindu, Islamic, Jain, Buddhist, and even Sikh traditions. Apart from Hindu texts and scholars, it is learnt that Islamic writers like Al-Biruni, Ibn Battuta, Abdul Fazl, and Dara Shikoh spoke fondly of Ayodhya, recognising its beauty and rich cultural heritage.
However, this harmonious reality was tragically altered on December 6, 1992, with the demolition of the Babri Masjid. As we know , this event not only changed the course of the country but also the identity of Ayodhya. As a grand new Ram Mandir gets ready on the site of the demolished Babri Masjid, Ayodhya’s identity too appears to be shifting towards a unipolar focus on Hinduism. This raises concerns about the future of the city’s rich and diverse heritage and its potential erasure.
Our reporter Ismat Ara travelled to Ayodhya recently and found that historical structures like Afeem Kothi, the palace of the Mughal nawab Shuja-ud-Daula, or the building called Badi Bua’s orphanage, stand starkly neglected. These historical structures, underfunded and deteriorating, serve as poignant symbols of a fading legacy. Ismat’s visit paints a stark picture of a city grappling with its identity. The question looms large: “Whose Ayodhya is it now?” It prompts us to reflect on the kind of cities we want to create for the future–cities that rejoice in their rich layers of history or those that erase their past? A truly mature government will ensure that we value and preserve Ayodhya’s diversity, as indeed the nation’s, recognising these treasures for what they are.
Read Ismat’s powerful exploration and share your thoughts on this critical issue.
Wishing you a great week ahead,
For Team Frontline,
Jinoy Jose P.
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