1
The Greek Parthenon (447 BC) was desecrated & converted into a mosque by Ottoman Turks in 15th c. When Greece gained independence, Greeks destroyed the mosque to restore Parthenon back to its full glory. But when Hindus ask the same for Gyanvapi we are called intolerant.
2
The Parthenon (447 BC) built on the Acropolis hill is regarded as the finest example of ancient Greek architecture. It was a temple complex with shrines to goddess Athena & associated gods, creatures & heroes. The Parthenon was converted into a Christian church in 6th C. CE.
3
In 1456 CE, the Turks invaded Athens & Sultan Mehmed 2 forcibly converted the Parthenon into a Mosque, using parts of the temple itself. Many ancient sculptures of Greek gods were destroyed, Christian icons whitewashed, windows blocked up & watchtower converted into a Minaret
4
Just like Visheshwar, the mosque was built on top of remains of the temple, as a trophy of Islam’s conquest over Christianity & Pagan gods. The ancient sacred sculptures were smashed to bits & their marble limbs, torsos & heads were burned in a kiln to provide lime for mortar.
5
The ancient Erechtheion north of the Acropolis, which was the shrine for a giant statue of Athena, was converted by the Muslims into a sex harem for Turkish soldiers. The Temple of Athena Nike was dismantled & its blocks used to make structures to store guns & ammunition.