Staff of Moses

‘So, the Lord said ‘Go down Moses, to the Egypt Land, tell him the Pharos to let my people go!’

Exodus 6/10

First time I heard the above words – I wasn’t a tour guide, yet – Louis Armstrong was singing one of his best classics in ‘Louis and the Good Book’ album.

A native of Istanbul, a tour guide of 7 years and an enthusiastic explorer of Historical Istanbul, so many times I have been to the Topkapi Palace, yet I could only notice the Staff of Moses a few months ago.

In the Chamber of Holy Relics (Kutsal Emanetler), the usual ambiance is a flock of people whirling round the collectibles of Mohammed; his tooth, hair, cardigan, sword and bow. Not to mention the models of Medina and the Dome of the Rock at the sofa.

However, there is another room behind on the left where you may see the Staff of Moses. According to the Monotheistic sources, this miraculous stick could draw water from a rock or divide the Red Sea into two halves.

How many of the Westerners know that Muslims do respect Moses and Jesus, and accept them as prophets? Few if any of my guests!

Ottomans saved Jews from Spain, and protected them for five hundred years. See Ottoman Naval Standard in the second floor of the Naval Museum in Besiktas. The huge flag bears the Star of David along with the Crescent.

Further more, Sinan – the Great Architect of 16th Century – saluted major civilizations of Asia Minor utilizing Persian Acroterion and Hellenistic Architrave above the Monumental Gate of Suleymaniye. (Many more to see on the Istanbul fountains!) Salute them all and enter to the Mosque.

Ottomans occupied some millions of square kilometers all around the Mediterranean for some hundred years. I don’t know how they could achieve the Staff of Moses, neither have any comment regarding the authenticity of the item. But I guess, the mischievous politicians of the last two centuries, after their great efforts in creating virtual enemies out of the indoctrinated nations in the Middle East, are seeking for a miracle.

Now, at an idle corner in a premium location overlooking the Bosphorus Strait; are we going to see someone holding the Staff of Moses to unite the East and the West? Or will the mightier Staff of Media continue manipulating the game on petroleum and water?

P.S. Caesar wanted to unite the two worlds, and his life ended in the Senate. How dare I might recall his will, despite I also know the destiny of Anthony and Cleopatra, and the talent of Shakespeare?

Umit Ozaydin
Your guide in Turkey

This article is also published on istanbullife.org.

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