Fresh damage to Hagia Sophia’s historic Imperial Gate

·

More damage has been caused to Hagia Sophia’s historic imperial gate with one of the metal plates on the oakwood doors appearing to have been pried out.

According to a report by Turkish broadcaster, ATV, the temple has once again been “the target of reckless individuals.”

“In the past, vandals have destroyed the Imperial Gate, the walls and the marbles. And now one of the emblems of the Imperial Gate of Hagia Sophia has been lost,” the report said.

This is the second time in less than three months that the door has been damaged. In April, the Turkish Union of Art History shared a picture on Twitter showing damage to the doors of the 15-century-old gate.

A month later, photos emerged online showing visitors scraping the walls of the historical structure and placing small pieces in their bags as souvenirs.

The Imperial Gate is the main entrance to what was the most important church of the Byzantine Empire and according to tradition, the doors were made with oak from Noah’s ark.

READ MORE: Greek Foreign Ministry condemns damage to Hagia Sophia’s historic Imperial Gate

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Popular mountain destination in Greece introduces ‘culture fee’ per night for visitors

Tourists staying in the Municipality of Zagori will now pay a €0.75 “culture fee” per night for hotel or short-term rental accommodations.

Greece declares 2026 a tribute year to Manos Hadjidakis

The Greek Ministry of Culture has proclaimed 2026 a year dedicated to honoring Manos Hadjidakis, the visionary composer.

Greece to deregister 285,000 inactive university students

Greece’s Education Ministry will remove over 285,000 inactive students from university records in December, Sofia Zacharaki announced

My Greek Kitchen’s Niki Louca shares her favourite Pavlova Roll recipe

Niki Louca from My Greek Kitchen shares her favourite recipe for a pavlova roll with The Greek Herald.

Australians among top investors in Greece’s landmark Ellinikon project

The Ellinikon project, one of Europe’s largest urban regeneration initiatives, is transforming the former airport site into a modern city.

You May Also Like

Greece to monitor Aegean Sea with new state-of-the-art surveillance system

Greece is about to receive a desperately needed state-of-the-art surveillance system covering the entire Aegean Sea.

VIDEO: Erdogan uses map to indicate where Turkey plans drilling off Crete

In an interview on Turkish television, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has indicated where Turkey plans to conduct research for hydrocarbons through drilling. The...

Corinthia’s historic Church of Panagia Katafygia decimated by wildfires

Wildfires ran rampant in the Municipality of Xylokastro-Evrostini in Corinthia, Greece, resulting in the loss of Church of Panagia Katafygia.