Turkey has launched a significant new phase of restoration at the historic Hagia Sophia in Constantinople, aiming to protect its domes from potential earthquake damage.
This includes reinforcing the main and half domes, replacing worn lead coverings, and upgrading the steel framework—all while keeping the mosque open for worship.
Originally built as a Christian cathedral in 537 AD by Emperor Justinian I, Hagia Sophia has been a mosque, a museum, and now a mosque again since its conversion in 2020.
According to Turkiye Today, construction engineer Dr Mehmet Selim Okten described the recent renovation works as “the most significant intervention in over 150 years,” particularly in light of fears of a major earthquake in Istanbul.
A tower crane has been installed on the eastern facade to aid the efforts, which will also involve academic study of structural damage from fires and quakes dating back to the 10th and 14th centuries.
Okten noted: “We plan to use modern, lightweight materials and keep the building open to the public.”
The timeline for completion remains uncertain, but Okten promised the restoration would be “monitored transparently.”
Source: Turkiye Today
