Professor Robert Nelson of Yale University will be the guest at the Boğaziçi University on March 31 as part of the lecture series marking the university's founding Chancellor Aptullah Kuran, known for his studies on Mimar Sinan and the history of architecture. Nelson will deliver a speech titled "Ayasofya: Holy Wisdom. It is what the world needs most and has lost." He will be talking about his studies on the Haghia Sophia, one of the leading world cultural heritage sites. Nelson will put emphasis on the role of museums in the national identity and the transformation of Haghia Sophia from church to mosque. Hosted by current Chancellor Gülay Barbarasoğlu, the event will take place at the rector's conference hall on 05:00 p.m. Nelson currently teaches at the Art History department of Yale University and conducts studies on medieval art, notably within Eastern Mediterranean countries. He has published many articles on Byzantine art, the perception of Byzantine art during the Renaissance, and how medieval art was perceived in Europe and America in the 20th century. His 2004 book "Ayasofya, 1850-1950: Holy Wisdom Modern Monument" describes the Haghia Sophia, which was a church at the time of Byzantium, as one of the most important works of world architecture. Nelson contributes to other methodological and theoretical studies on art and visual culture.

When: March 31

Where: Rector's Conference Hall, Boğaziçi University