Rome, the theological and philosophical center of 17th century Italian art, was not quite ready for such a break with tradition.
Over the centuries the monastery became a theological, cultural and artistic center of primary importance in Europe.
By 1983, the name of the school was changed to Theological Centre for Asia.
As an early example of Muslim architecture in a city known as a theological center, the tower has become a symbol of the city.
Tarim is widely acknowledged as the theological, juridical, and academic center of the Hadhramaut Valley.
The current calls for change are coming as much from Qum and other theological centers as they are from the non-clerical public.
In 970 the Fatimids also founded the world famous al-Azhar mosque, which later became the leading Sunni theological center.
But it occupies a hallowed place in Iranian history as a theological center for the Shiite branch of Islam for 10 centuries.
Its theological center and the Fatima al-Masumeh Shrine are prominent features of the provincial capital of Qom province.
The original (1860) church building was converted into a parish hall, and was also used as a theological centre and for some of Christ Church School's activities.