Russia’s support for the building of a church, named Hagia Sophia, in Syria’s central Hama countryside has prompted debate among Syrian activists. The naming of the church was seen as Moscow’s response to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s decision to convert the iconic Hagia Sophia in Istanbul back to a mosque. Pro-regime social media users and media posted photos of the laying of the foundation stone of the church in al-Suqaylabiyah city. The move was backed by the Russian Duma and the event saw the participation of members of the Russian Duma and local national defense forces. The construction was proposed by Nabel al-Abdullah, leader of the pro-regime national defense forces. Russian lawmaker Vitaly Milonov said Russian Orthodox Christians can help Syria in building a copy of the original Hagia Sophia, adding: “Contrary to Turkey, Syria is clearly demonstrating the ability to hold peaceful dialogue.” He added that Syrian president Bashar Assad had never converted a place of worship of one religion to a place of worship of another. Sources close to Damascus told Asharq Al-Awsat that the Russians were boosting their relations with Syria’s Christians for economic and political motives as they enjoy good ties with Christian businessmen. They added that regime loyalists along the Syrian coast have “warily” been monitoring the developments in Suqaylabiyah as they are “worried that Russia would strengthen its relations with Christians at their expense.” Church sources in Hama told Asharq Al-Awsat that this was not the first time a Russian delegation visits Suqaylabiyah and other Christian towns in the province. Previous visits saw Russian officials meet with Orthodox clerics. Russia’s interest in Syria’s Christians, especially the Orthodox sect, stems from the Russian church’s belief that it is carrying on the legacy of the Byzantine church that is based in Constantinople, now Istanbul, they continued. Abdullah said the founding of the Hagia Sophia church in Suqaylabiyah “is a reminder that a spiritual landmark cannot be erased by a fanatic and murderer.” “The dream of Ottomanization still fascinates some minds,” he added in an indirect reference to Erdogan. He said the church will be built on his own private property and funded by him personally. He added that his idea received the blessing of the Patriarch of Antioch.