Istanbul's Hagia Sophia Enters The Most Extensive Phase Of Its Multi-Year Restoration
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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National Geographic
6 hours ago
- National Geographic
Why autumn is the ideal season for walking in Japan
It's Japan's cities that often hog the headlines — sprawling expanses of concrete, steel and neon, with gleaming skyscrapers surging upwards. Yet, most of the country looks completely different. Over 70% of the land is mountainous and more than 60% is forested — in other words, a walker's paradise. Japan is also threaded with ancient trails, forged by centuries of travellers. You can still follow stretches of the historic Tokaido and Nakasendo paths, linking Kyoto and Tokyo, and the pilgrims' trails of the Kumano Kodo. Autumn is the ideal time to explore these routes, as the sticky heat of summer subsides and the wooded mountainsides burst into burnished colour. From wandering in the footsteps of samurai to staying in traditional inns, here are six reasons Japan makes the ultimate walking destination. 1. Follow ancient trails walked by pilgrims and samurai Walking is one of the best ways to immerse yourself in Japan's history. The Nakasendo provides a look into the Edo period (1600-1868), when everyone from wandering merchants to samurai and nobles followed this inland route between Kyoto, home of the imperial family, and Tokyo, then called Edo and the seat of the shogun (military leader). Alternatively, connect with Japan's spiritual past on the Kumano Kodo — one of the only two UNESCO-registered pilgrimages, along with the Camino de Santiago in Spain. This network of interconnected trails in the mountains of the Kii Peninsula, south of Kyoto and Osaka, leads you to a series of atmospheric shrines. The 133-metre Nachi-no-Taki is located a short distance from Nachi Taisha — one of the three Kumano shrines. Photograph by Sean Pavone, Getty Images 2. Marvel at historic temples and shrines The Kumano Kodo's main shrines are all remarkable. Hayatama Taisha houses more than a dozen national treasures in its vermilion Treasure Hall, while Hongu Taisha is accessible through the world's largest torii (shrine gate), which stands an awe-inspiring 33 metres high. And at Nachi Taisha, a three-storey pagoda serenely stands watch over sacred Nachi-no-Taki — Japan's tallest single-tiered waterfall. Across the mountains to the north is the city of Nara, once an imperial capital and a centre of Buddhism. Though the most impressive of its many temples is Todaiji — home to the world's largest bronze Buddha — there are several to marvel at on a walking tour through the green expanse of Nara Park, where sacred deer roam free. Located at the foot of Mount Wakakusa, Nara Park is a must-visit attraction in Nara — particularly for the opportunity to spot one of the many free-roaming deer. Photograph by t_kimura, Getty Images 3. Explore scenic rural towns and villages One of the joys of a walking holiday in Japan is the chance to experience rural life. In some places, this looks like sleepy villages surrounded by wide-open fields; in others, you'll find hamlets hidden high in the cloud-hung forests. On the Kii Peninsula, one of the most breathtaking is Takahara, known as Kiri-no-sato (Village in the Mist). The Nakasendo route is also dotted with juku — post towns where weary travellers in bygone times found shelter and supplies. Many of these have been lovingly preserved by locals, with wooden buildings and cobbled paths offering a glimpse of the Edo era. You can visit three towns in one afternoon by following the time-worn track along the river valley between Magome, Tsumago and Nagiso. 4. See Japan's autumn foliage at its best The beauty of Japan's mountain paths is magnified in September and October, when blazes of copper and gold appear between the evergreens. As autumn continues, the colours spill down to lower altitudes, adding sepia tones and splashes of red to the townscapes. In Kyoto, the beating heart of Japanese culture for over 1,000 years, the effect is especially dramatic in the Higashiyama district. Follow the Philosopher's Path to see leaves swirling in the canal's gentle current, and the temple buildings of Nanzenji and Eikando framed by crimson maples and vibrant yellow ginkgo trees. Magome is a former post town in the Kiso Valley, which served as a stopping point for travellers on the Nakasendo. Photograph by blanscape, Getty Images 5. Enjoy traditional hospitality at a ryokan Staying in a ryokan (traditional inn) is one of the key highlights of a walking trip to Japan. With Kyoto's enduring links to classical Japanese culture, naturally the city has some of the best ryokan in the country, but you'll find them wherever you go. Many of the inns along the Kumano Kodo have an extra attraction: onsen, the natural hot springs which bubble up throughout this volcanically active country. After a long day of walking, as the chill of an autumn evening sets in, there's truly no better feeling than sinking into those warm, mineral-rich waters. 6. Taste some delicious food along the way A walking holiday here will certainly work up an appetite, and many ryokan serve kaiseki, an elevated multi-course cuisine that prizes local, seasonal ingredients. Autumn presents Japan's chefs with an embarrassment of riches — warming chestnuts and ginkgo nuts, fragrant matsutake mushrooms, juicy persimmons and rich salmon. Kyoto's Nishiki Market and Kii-Katsuura's Nigiwai Market are great places to sample what's in season. It's also well worth trying local specialities as you travel: after exploring the Philosopher's Path in Kyoto, take the time to try different varieties of sake. And in nearby Uji, Japan's green tea capital, savour a cup of fresh, grassy matcha. There are direct flights from London to Tokyo, as well as to Osaka-Kansai via international hubs. Within Japan, it's easy to get around using the comprehensive public transport network. Travelling with a knowledgeable guide will allow you get the most out of your trip and deepen your understanding of Japan's rich and complex culture; plus, a guide will help you spot unique local flora and fauna along the way. Explore Worldwide offers a 12-day Kumano Kodo tour covering all destinations mentioned in this article, with meals, transport and accommodation included. For more information, visit This paid content article was created for Explore Worldwide. It does not necessarily reflect the views of National Geographic, National Geographic Traveller (UK) or their editorial staffs. To subscribe to National Geographic Traveller (UK) magazine click here. (Available in select countries only).
Time Business News
6 hours ago
- Time Business News
Divorce Procedure in Pakistan Explained with Fees Documentation and Legal Value
The Divorce procedure in Pakistan is governed by the Muslim Family Laws Ordinance 1961 and related legal provisions under family law. In Pakistan, divorce is considered a legal right but must follow a formal procedure to be recognized officially. Both men and women have different rights and methods when filing for divorce. For men, it is commonly known as talaq, while women may seek dissolution of marriage through khula or family court. The procedure of Divorce Process in Pakistan ensures that both spouses are given fair rights under the law, and the matter is properly documented with the Union Council or relevant authority. The Divorce law in Pakistan outlines the legal rights of spouses during separation, ensuring that divorce is not carried out without proper notice and verification. Under Islamic law and family laws in Pakistan, a husband can pronounce divorce, but it must be reported to the Union Council within 90 days to be valid. Similarly, women have the right to seek separation through the court. The divorce process in Pakistan ensures the protection of women's rights such as maintenance, dower, and custody of children. The role of family courts, Union Councils, and arbitration councils is central in confirming and finalizing the separation. The Divorce fee in Pakistan varies depending on whether the couple hires a lawyer or proceeds directly with the Union Council. Generally, government fees are minimal, but additional expenses may arise. Key expenses include: Government charges for registering the notice of divorce. Lawyer's fee for preparing legal documents and representing in court if required. Translation and notarization costs if documents are to be used abroad. Additional fees for overseas Pakistanis processing divorce from another country. Hiring a lawyer helps avoid mistakes in the procedure of divorce in Pakistan, especially for overseas applicants who cannot appear in person. When spouses cannot resolve disputes directly, the divorce process in Pakistan often goes through the family court and arbitration council. Important aspects of this process include: Filing of a written notice of divorce with the Union Council. Formation of an arbitration council to attempt reconciliation between husband and wife. A waiting period of 90 days during which reconciliation is encouraged. Issuance of the official divorce certificate after the completion of the waiting period. The structured procedure of divorce in Pakistan ensures that both spouses have the opportunity to reconcile before the separation becomes final. For those living abroad, the divorce procedure for overseas Pakistanis involves additional steps to make the divorce valid both in Pakistan and in the foreign country. Important points include: Overseas Pakistanis can authorize a legal representative in Pakistan to complete the process. The divorce must be registered with the Pakistani Union Council even if pronounced abroad. Attestation from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and sometimes the embassy is required. Foreign recognition may require additional steps such as apostille or legalization. This makes it essential for overseas residents to carefully follow the divorce procedure in Pakistan to avoid future complications with marriage or immigration. While divorce in Pakistan is available to both men and women, the legal mechanisms differ. A husband can pronounce talaq by issuing a written notice, while a wife must approach the family court for khula. In both cases, the Union Council plays a critical role in registering and confirming the divorce. Women may also seek divorce based on specific grounds such as cruelty, non-payment of maintenance, or desertion. This legal framework under the Divorce law in Pakistan ensures gender-specific rights while maintaining fairness in family matters. The divorce procedure in Pakistan does not end with the issuance of a divorce certificate. Legal consequences such as custody of children, maintenance, and financial rights are decided separately. Fathers are usually responsible for child maintenance, while custody is often granted to mothers depending on the welfare of the child. Women can also claim unpaid dower (haq mehr) and other financial rights under the Divorce law in Pakistan. These issues are usually settled in the family court to protect the rights of both parties after separation. Many people face complications because they fail to follow the proper divorce procedure in Pakistan. If the notice of divorce is not filed with the Union Council, the divorce may not be legally recognized. This can lead to future disputes regarding remarriage, property, or immigration. Legal assistance ensures proper filing, representation in arbitration, and validation of documents for international use. A qualified family lawyer is especially important for the divorce procedure for overseas Pakistani, and Divorce Certificate in Pakistan as they cannot be physically present in Pakistan. Q1: What is the divorce fee in Pakistan? The government fee is minimal, but lawyer fees and attestation costs may increase the total expense. Q2: What is the procedure of divorce in Pakistan for men? Men can pronounce divorce by issuing a written notice, which must be filed with the Union Council and confirmed after 90 days. Q3: Can women initiate divorce in Pakistan? Yes, women can apply for khula through the family court, or obtain divorce rights if delegated in the marriage contract. Q4: How long does the divorce process in Pakistan take? The process generally takes 90 days, but court proceedings or overseas cases may extend the duration. Q5: Is the divorce procedure for overseas Pakistanis different? Yes, overseas Pakistanis must register the divorce with the Union Council and may need embassy or MOFA attestation for international recognition. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
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Travel + Leisure
a day ago
- Travel + Leisure
This 560-mile French Bike Trail Has Châteaus, Charming Houseboats, Surreal Gardens, and Limestone Wine Caves
Exploring France's Loire Valley is a surreal affair, with its blend of ancient Gaelic history, resplendent Renaissance châteaus, and vineyards with roots in an era that makes the American mind, with our comparatively infant 250-year history, malfunction. And there's no better way to be immersed in it all than by hopping on a bike and cycling along the Loire River, tracing the seams that hold together this enchanting region. In 2025, the area is celebrating the 25th anniversary of its certification as a UNESCO heritage region, as well as the creation of Loire à Vélo (Loire by Bike), a 560-mile marked bike route that stretches from Nantes in eastern France to its terminus in the seaside resort town of Saint-Brévin-les-Pins. I already had plans to be in Barr, an Alsatian half-timbered village, to run a 50-kilometer ultramarathon. What better way to recover than to spend a few days shaking out my legs across 100 miles of bike trail and spoiling myself with good food and drink? Joe Baur while riding his bike through the Central Loire Valley. Joe Baur/Travel + Leisure I start my journey on a Tuesday morning in Orléans at the Empreinte Hotel, where a touring bike is waiting for me. I leave my duffel bag with reception for transport to my next stop and hop on the bike for an 18.5-mile ride to Beaugency. It's a beautiful start to the day with the gentle morning sun glistening against the Loire. Tracing the river makes for relatively flat, easy riding. It's also, at this point, almost entirely separated from vehicular traffic. Skirting through the countryside with tall oaks surrounding me and a mix of great tits (don't look at me, I didn't name them), blackbirds, and the common swift chirping, it's easy to slip into a peaceful trance, humming Mungo's 'In The Summertime.' My only plans for Beaugency are to catch a train. As I make my way through town, I'm quickly confronted with one of the challenges of traveling along a 560-mile route: There are too many places and not enough time. I'll find over the next three days that if I made a pit stop at every charming village or roadside cafe, I'd never make it back home to Berlin. Château de Chaumont overlooking the Loire River. Joe Baur/Travel + Leisure Despite the temptation to linger, I promptly hop on the train to make my scheduled tour of the historic Château de Chaumont. This is part of the beauty of travel in western Europe. You can cycle, hop on a train when you're tired, and continue onward as you please. About 40 minutes later, I depart the train in Blois and rejoin the bike path for another 14 miles to the château, where I meet with Ophélie Le Coze after a buffet-style lunch—my hefty plate featured veggie sausage, a couple of salted grenadine potatoes, rice, and a small helping of ratatouille before I finished with an apple crumble. This would end up being one of my favorite meals of the trip: filling, flavorful, and varied. Le Coze is a press relations assistant at the Domaine de Chaumont-sur-Loire, an 11th-century estate and UNESCO World Heritage Site that could serve as the backdrop of a Disney film with its series of connected cylinder towers topped with smooth coned roofs. Guests walking into the Domaine de Chaumont-sur-Loire. Joe Baur/Travel + Leisure Because the Loire Valley is brimming with castles, there's almost a kind of competitive impulse to stick out among the pack. Here, the coup de grâce, as it were, is the extensive gardens surrounding the château. Le Coze explains that Domaine de Chaumont-sur-Loire is home to the annual International Garden Festival running from April to November. More than 900 gardens have been created over 30 years of competition. This year's theme is 'Once Upon a Time, in the Garden,' evoking a childlike playfulness from a world full of fairy tales. These are not your average gardens. They're walk-in exhibitions that transport visitors to the fantastical place of a child's imagination. There's one with Pinocchio and Jiminy Cricket, another with a large pond surrounded by mythical creatures exquisitely made of wire, and one where, after walking through a keyhole, you're invited to sit on benches playing their own soft melody next to an encased flower offering a thematic scent for the encounter. In total, there are 15 gardens shaped like leaves hanging off branches when viewed from the sky. It's a kind of experiential art I've never before encountered, and I leave with a newfound appreciation for human creativity and imagination. From the château, I roll down the hillside back to a houseboat on the Loire where I'll be spending the night. It's a charmingly no-frills setup, but I don't need much when views of the Loire are literally right at my feet. I wake up to birds chirping like an orchestra tweaking their instruments. Breakfast is served by basket delivery on the deck of the boat. I devour my pain au chocolat and jar of fresh strawberries while sipping on a second batch of French press coffee. It's a gloomy, chilly morning with afternoon rain threatening in the forecast. I've got another 28.5 miles ahead of me on the day and am motivated to get moving. The last thing I want is to risk missing out on my wine tasting. Despite the cool wind, I warm up quickly on my roughly 13-mile ride to Château du Clos Lucé just outside of Amboise. Loads of school children in matching hats are trotting around the grounds like lemmings to admire the home where Leonardo da Vinci spent the last three years of his life. The Tuscan artist and inventor moved to the château in 1516 at the invitation of King Francis I. Since da Vinci turned out to be the most famous resident, the château has been converted into a museum of his life's work while giving a glimpse into where he lived and slept during the last few years of his life. The exhibitions touch not only on his artistic career, but also on some of the more interesting-to-bizarre designs he concocted for military equipment, like the large tank shaped like a Hershey's kiss. Outside, visitors wander the gardens that have been shaped to mirror the Tuscan landscape that inspired da Vinci, complete with the tall, thin cypress trees so emblematic of the region. You can also spot the occasional homage to da Vinci's inventions, like his take on the precursor to a helicopter's propellers. Children run over to turn the handle that makes the wavy blades spin. Crates of wine bottles from Maison Lauducius. Joe Baur/Travel + Leisure Ready for wine, I unlock my bike and head back to the trail to make it to my tasting before the rain clouds decide to alleviate themselves. Fortunately, it's just another 40 minutes on the saddle before I reach Maison Laudacius—a wine cave built in 1961 into a limestone cliff that keeps up to two million bottles cooling at around 12 degrees Celsius (53 Fahrenheit). It's now a cooperative for a group of 15 local winegrowers. Monks started making wine in this region as early as the 5th century. Chinon quickly became the grape of choice for both its resilience and versatility. That's why it can be used to make all of your favorite varieties, from a dry Montlouis-sur-Loire to a sweet 2018 Montlouis Liquoreux. I also learn about the North American phylloxera insect that wiped out vineyards all across Europe in the late 1850s thanks to its accidental introduction by American sailors. Fortunately, we managed to help fix what we broke by introducing American rootstock, a type of soil resistant to the insect that's still used today. I'm handed over to wine expert Etienne Delannoy for the tasting. I taste six different wines, all representative of the Loire Valley. I am no wine connoisseur—and it would be a disservice to pretend I know my notes from my tannins. So I'll just say that the wine, unsurprisingly, was good. And though my palate will never be even half as refined as a sommelier's, I am always appreciative of the opportunity to taste the land while standing right in the middle of it. With my taste buds buzzing in the finest flavors of the Loire Valley, I coast for another 40 minutes to Les Hautes Roches, where I'll be spending the night. The property radiates the French luxury of American imagination with its castle-like stone architecture built into the side of a limestone cliff. I'm in room nine of 14, up a short outdoor stone staircase. Inside is a spacious suite that puts to shame some of the actual royal chambers I've seen thus far. A fresh plate from a restaurant in Villandry, France. Joe Baur/Travel + Leisure After standing at the doorway for a few minutes, not wanting to sully the place with my aura of dried sweat and imposter's syndrome, I finally slip out of my shoes and walk a bit further into my room. I decide to embrace it all—the glitz and glam of staying at a hotel whose name I can barely pronounce—by treating myself to a hot bath. With a fresh face, I warm up in the bathrobe and spend the next couple of hours lounging about in bed. Refreshed, I pull something out of my bag that's a bit more worthy of Les Hautes Roches and head to dinner. The server seems surprised when, in my never-ending quest to force France to feed me vegetarian food, I point out that all of the main options are meat or fish. With apologies, I'm served a full menu that includes steamed white asparagus ('tis the season) over a creamy hollandaise sauce and bits of cubed bread crumbs, a Neapolitan rigatoni with tomato sauce, and a luscious chocolate mousse with a garnish of toasted almonds wrapped around like a skirt. There are worse ways to end the day. The sun is out once again after a restful night's sleep. It's my last day on the bike, but I don't want to leave. One night at Les Hautes Roches and my imposter syndrome is gone. With 42 miles to cover on the day, this will be my longest bit of cycling on the trail. Leaving the hotel in Rochecorbon, I rejoin the trail in nearby Tours, cutting through the city like a local thanks to my watch beeping directions at me. Then, with one turn, I'm suddenly out of the urban confines of sidewalk bike lanes, traffic lights, tricky intersections, and the general cacophony that comes with city life, and I'm back in the Loire countryside with white fuzz from the surrounding poplars floating gently to the ground like a batch of fresh snow. I make it to Château de Villandry around 10 a.m. to meet with the owner, Henri Carvallo, for a quick tour of the castle. Early in the visit, I'm surprised to learn that Villandry is, arguably, a part-American castle. The gardens at Château de Villandry. Joe Baur/Travel + Leisure Carvallo's great-grandmother was Ann Coleman—the daughter of wealthy Irish immigrants, born in Lebanon, Pennsylvania. Ahead of her time, she was a researcher in Paris when she met her future husband, the Spaniard Joachim Carvallo. The two married in Pennsylvania, moved to France, and eventually purchased the Château de Villandry. During their lifetime, they opened sections of the castle to the public. Now, visitors can see just about everything. I finish up with a short walk, starting among the forest paths before dipping into the gardens with views of the castle. Then, I embark on my final leg of the trip—nearly 24 miles to the Royal Fortress of Chinon. Unlike the first day, when I cycled almost exclusively on bike paths, today I'm almost always sharing the road with cars following speed limits between 30 and 45 miles per hour. Obviously, my preference would be for the solace and almost guaranteed safety of the bike-only sections, but I'm comforted by the knowledge that there are still more cyclists—both of the Lycra-clad variety and leisurely tour groups—than cars. I'm whizzing down a hillside when I notice the sign for the Royal Fortress of Chinon. Unfortunately, I'm already committed to this descent. I loop around through the medieval heart of the city and follow directions along Rue Jeanne d'Arc (Joan of Arc Street). I imagined myself finishing with a triumphant climb back to the top of the fortress, but the path of giant, jagged stones made that impossible. By the looks of it, nobody has touched this road since Joan of Arc walked up in 1429 to meet the man she thought to be the rightful king of France, Charles VII. At just 17 years old, she convinced the 26-year-old royal to allow her to raise the siege of Orléans. A guide greets me at the gift shop before taking me on a quick tour of the castle. She starts by noting this place has been inhabited for 3,000 years. (The beginnings of the castle didn't come until the 10th century.) Indeed, a subtle theme of the trip has been the frequent historical reminder that this is where the Celts once lived before the Romans conquered the region. The fortress is smaller than other castles along the way, but still well worth the visit given its connection with the always fascinating Joan of Arc and the exhibition of artifacts associated with her life. And to help bring the experience to life, you can grab a HistoPad. These tablets allow visitors to scan select locations throughout the grounds to load up an image of what it would've looked like in the 15th century. It does lead to some comical sights of tourists spinning around with tablets, like some kind of educational Pokémon Go, but the silliness of it all doesn't make it any less fascinating. It's less than a mile down from the fortress and over the Vienne River before I hop off the bike for the last time at Hôtel Rive Sud. My timing is impeccable, with the owner pulling up just as I arrive for check-in. In order to make my research a little more well-rounded, I decide to pause the wine, switch course, and try some of the local brew. I'm advised to check out Bras(se)fort—conveniently just down the street from my dinner reservation. I pop my head in and meet either a British man or a Frenchman with a native-British accent. He tells me they just brew and sell on site. If I want to try a cold beer, I can go next door to La Cave Voltaire. I follow orders and grab a seat in the evening sun and try their IPA—bitter and hoppy, just what I was looking for. Not to mention, a fitting transition as my time in central France comes to an end and I prepare for my return home to Germany.
