This is one of the large “medallions” hanging inside Hagia Sophia. I found that the various medallions have the names of God, The Prophet and other important Islamic figures, but which one is this, and does it say anything other than the person’s name?
I cannot directly help you as this site is blocked at my office, where I could ask my co-workers. Next, the inscription cannot really be read, it is in a fancy style and is really just meant to be pretty. It is a decoration, not really a sign.
Finally, and I am just guessing, it almost certainly is the Declaration of Faith, which is commonly displayed in mosques (and on the rear windows of cars). “There is no God but God and Mohammed is his prophet.”
Yup, that’s what it says alright.
Either that or it’s a giant Babylonian Chuck-E-Cheese token.
Nope, I checked with the guys in the office. It says, “Ali, May God Preserve Him,” speaking of Ali, the son-in-law of Mohammed.
Thank you!
My pleasure.