Details from museums across Istanbul

  An advantage of having visiting friends is the chance to learn by visiting museums. While I had been to parts of the museums below before, there is always more to see and learn. A few tidbits...

an arrowhead from Israel, authenticated as being 'from the time of the Judges'
(in the Istanbul Military Museum)

fish symbol (in similar spots, images of crosses had been removed)
(in the Hagia Sofia)

figures from Mesopotamia - one appears to be a winged unicorn, a similar relief was from the Babylonian Ishtar Gate.
Does pegasus cross with unicorn in ancient mythology as well as modern children's play?
(in the Ancient Orient Museum in the Istanbul Archaeological Museums)

an altar
(in the Istanbul Archaeological Museum)

another perspective on the altar

The 'wall of partition' beyond which Gentiles were not allowed to enter the Jewish temple. It is believed to be from Herod's temple.
(at the Istanbul Archaeological Museums)

The Turkish would be better translated 'no foreigner' instead of 'no intruder', as is confirmed elsewhere online: "No foreigner is allowed in the courtyard and within the wall surrounding the temple. Whoever enters will invite death for himself."
(at the Istanbul Archaeological Museums)

An item of interest which I didn't take a picture of is the Siloam Inscription (pictured here) which describes the conduit that Hezekiah had built as mentioned in 2 Kings 20:20. This is apparently one of the earliest extant Hebrew inscriptions.

Caltrops - historically used to stop calvary charges; here apparently used against infantry
(in the Istanbul Military Museum)

a daffodil, with a snail inside
(between Gulhane Park and the Archaelogical Museum)

Understanding, Attacks, and Faith

 Often I wish that I could improve understanding between the cultures that I have lived in and love. My life has been spent mostly among three vastly different cultures, with a number of smaller variations or visits. Cultures do not easily or naturally understand each other. More accurately, people do not desire to listen to those whom it will be difficult to understand or who are easier to 'wonder about.' Here is an article from a Turkish newspaper that expresses commonly-held thoughts from the media here; at the center it says, "Attacks on Muslims at 2,800 separate points." It then goes on to list attacks in Canada, the USA, Germany, Belgium, Holland, Norway, Sweden, Austria, and Greece.

 Do you feel threatened by those of a different religion or culture than you? Maybe they are just as scared of you. Have you met them or talked to them? Have you prayed for them or welcomed them to your neighborhood? Have you made sure they know you are a safe person for them? Are you a safe person for them?

"A Balance Sheet of Islamophobic Attacks in the West"
"(2016 - Jan. 2017 Data)"

 A day after that article came out, this article was published in a Turkish English-language daily, concerning the difficulties faced by Christians (particularly Turkish nationals) in this country. This is the other side of the same coin, and none of this is new. Or, in an unrelated country and demographic, here is another article: this one is about anti-Semitism in Britain.

 This is the world we live in: fear is easier; violence is real; our impact feels impossibly small. But, in whatever country or culture we live in, at least for Christians, we are to supersede politics - whether we agree or disagree; we are to overcome fear with love - whether it is safe or not; we are to enter the realities of others' fear and darkness (and hopes and dreams and joys!) - whether we find it comfortable or not. Whenever I hear someone fearing and judging someone from a different culture or background, I always want to know if they have at least one friend whom they love from that background. It makes a difference! A few years ago, I had two friends who are atheists tell me that they would come be with me (as a Christian) if I ever felt threatened. That meant a lot, a whole lot.