Turkey has initiated an important phase in the restoration of the Hagia Sophia, a historic monument that has stood for nearly 1,500 years in Istanbul. This new phase prioritizes enhancing the structure’s resilience against earthquakes, ensuring that this iconic site remains safe for future generations.
Officials involved in the project have outlined plans to reinforce the main dome and the half domes of Hagia Sophia. They will replace the aging lead coverings and upgrade the underlying steel framework—all while keeping the mosque open for worship services. A new tower crane has been set up on the eastern side of the structure, which will aid in transporting materials and speeding up the renovations.
Dr. Mehmet Selim Okten, a construction engineer and a member of the team overseeing the restoration, emphasized the significance of these efforts. For the past three years, teams have focused on improving the seismic safety of Hagia Sophia and its surrounding minarets and arches, especially in light of the recent earthquake that hit southern Turkey and raised concerns about Istanbul’s vulnerability to similar natural disasters.
The 2023 earthquake, which registered a magnitude of 7.8, caused widespread destruction in southern Turkey, tragically resulting in the loss of over 53,000 lives. Although Istanbul itself was spared from significant impact, experts are aware of the city’s location near fault lines, which raises alarms about potential future quakes.
Dr. Okten remarked that this new phase of work represents the most extensive intervention in Hagia Sophia’s history in over a century and a half. The installation of the tower crane and the protective framework will allow workers to safely examine and repair the building, including reviewing damage from past fires and earthquakes.
Originally completed in 537 under Byzantine Emperor Justinian, Hagia Sophia became a mosque following the Ottoman conquest of Istanbul in 1453. In 1934, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the founder of modern Turkey, converted it into a museum, but it has operated as a mosque since a court ruling in 2020 overturned that earlier decision.
Dr. Okten stated that while the main restoration work on the four minarets and the primary structure has been completed, the focus will now shift to the domes, with plans to use modern, lightweight materials that support both preservation and public access.
Visitors to Hagia Sophia have expressed their support for the restoration project. Cambridge University lecturer Rupert Wegerif highlighted the significance of strengthening this key monument against earthquakes, noting its vital place in world heritage.
While there is no specific timeline for when the renovations will be completed, Dr. Okten reassured the public that the restoration process will be open and transparent. This commitment to maintaining and protecting such a valuable piece of cultural heritage reflects a strong desire to honor the traditions and history associated with Hagia Sophia.
