Turkey has initiated a new phase in the ongoing restoration of the nearly 1,500-year-old Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, focusing on enhancing the resilience of its iconic domes against the threat of earthquakes. The restoration efforts will involve reinforcing the main dome, half domes, and arches, replacing worn lead coverings, and upgrading the steel framework, all while the mosque continues to welcome worshippers.
A newly installed tower crane on the eastern façade will aid in transporting materials, speeding up the renovation process. Dr. Mehmet Selim Okten, a construction engineer and member of the scientific council overseeing the project, emphasized that the seismic safety of Hagia Sophia and its surrounding structures has been a key focus for the past three years, particularly due to concerns about an expected earthquake in Istanbul.
Following the devastating 7.8 magnitude earthquake in southern Turkey in 2023, which caused massive destruction and loss of life, the risk of a similar quake in Istanbul has raised concerns. While the city was spared from the worst of the damage, experts are focused on protecting buildings like Hagia Sophia due to the region’s proximity to fault lines.
Dr. Okten described this new phase of work as the most significant intervention in over 150 years. The renovation includes installing a protective frame system over the top of the building, which will allow for safer work conditions and provide an opportunity for detailed examination of the building’s layers, including damage from fires and earthquakes that occurred in the 10th and 14th centuries.
Originally built in 537 by the Byzantine Emperor Justinian, Hagia Sophia was later converted into a mosque following the Ottoman conquest of Istanbul in 1453. In 1934, Turkish leader Mustafa Kemal Atatürk transformed it into a museum, but religious and nationalist groups advocated for its return as a mosque. In 2020, Turkey’s highest administrative court overturned the 1934 decree, allowing Hagia Sophia to be reopened as a mosque.
The restoration efforts have already been completed on the four minarets and the main structure. However, for the domes, modern, lightweight materials will be used to ensure the building’s stability while preserving its historic features. Visitors to the site have expressed support for the project, recognizing its importance in preserving the monument for future generations.
While it is unclear when the renovations will be completed, Okten assured that the process will be open to the public and monitored with full transparency.
