Istanbul's Hagia Sophia Enters The Most Extensive Phase Of Its Multi-Year Restoration
Interior of Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque (Ayasofya-i Kebir Cami-i Şerifi), Istanbul Turkey
Ask any tourist traveling to Istanbul for the first time what is number one on their must-visit list and there's a good chance they're going to tell you the Hagia Sophia. The nearly 1,500-year-old landmark sees more than 50,000 visitors every single day.
The Hagia Sophia is one of the most celebrated religious landmarks in the world, having been first an Eastern Orthodox Church by Byzantine emperor Justinian I before being converted to a mosque by the Ottoman Empire, a museum by secularist Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, and eventually reconverted back to a mosque in 2020.
The architectural wonder features a blending of preserved Christian mosaics and Islamic calligraphy on display shoulder-to-shoulder, offering an unparalleled look at the layers of culture and spirituality within Türkiye.
Mosaic From The Byzantine Era In The Hagia Sophia Of Istanbul, Turkey
The UNESCO-listed heritage site is currently undergoing extensive preservation work, made even more urgent due to Istanbul's recent 6.2-magnitude earthquake.
As of this spring, the Hagia Sophia has entered its most crucial phase of the multi-year restoration project, specifically focusing on reinforcing the 31-meter-wide dome. The main purpose of this specific part of the project is to strengthen the structure against potential future earthquakes while also preserving the original form and safeguarding the interior mosaics and architectural details.
'In the most terrifying scenario, an earthquake will shake the entire structure,' Hasan Firat Diker, architect and lead of the restoration told The Guardian. 'The main arch connecting the main dome and semi-domes could tremble and there might be cracks that occur.'
Key restoration work includes reinforcement of the central dome using custom-engineered steel structures, which allows the restoration to continue without having to pause visitors or worshippers from visiting the mosque. The exterior coverings will also be dismantled, and repaired or replaced, while a 43.5-meter-tall interior scaffolding system will support the conservation of mosaics on the interior of the historic building.
The entire Hagia Sophia has also been 3D-scanned in order to create a digital twin of the complex for longer-term historical preservation and further research.
Undoubtedly one of Istanbul's most iconic landmarks, Hagia Sophia has stood as a place of worship since Roman times. Over the centuries, it has endured earthquakes and wars, including the Nika Revolts, leading to numerous restorations. Commissioned by Emperor Justinian I, the current architectural masterpiece reflects the grandeur of Byzantine design. Once transformed into a museum in the 20th century, it was reconverted into the city's grand mosque in 2020. Yet, its upper gallery remains open to visitors, offering a glimpse into the timeless splendor and excellence of its ancient heritage.
This extensive restoration comes on the heels of other completed projects over the past few years, including the restoration of the Tombs of Mehmed III, Selim II, and Murad III. The project also included the reopening of the upper gallery to tourists; non-Muslim visitors can no longer enter the ground floor of the structure, which is now reserved for prayer.
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