The iconic Hagia Sophia in Istanbul (Constantinople) will undergo extensive restoration, including the dismantling of its dome, to preserve the historical and structural integrity of the world-renowned monument, according to the Turkish newspaper Hurriyet.
Ahmet Gulec, a member of the project’s scientific committee, said damage to the dome’s lead cover and cement materials made the restoration necessary. “The underside of the dome is covered in mosaics, making structural intervention from below nearly impossible” Gulec explained. The team will remove the lead cover and other harmful materials to ensure the building’s safety.
Ottoman-era construction techniques
“We will use materials and techniques consistent with the Ottoman-era construction to ensure the dome is both stable and true to its original character,” Gulec said. However, nowhere was it mentioned what the actual Hagia Sophia’s “original character” is.
Hagia Sophia was originally constructed as a church in the 6th century during the Byzantine Empire, more than nine hundred years before Constantinople fell to the Ottomans. Therefore, making the claim that Ottoman-era construction materials ensure its “original character” is somewhat absurd.
Repairs are expected to begin in March or April, pending official approval. To facilitate work year-round and protect against harsh weather, a temporary roof structure will be erected above the dome. Crews will also repair the north and east sides of the structure.
A legacy of Byzantine and Greek heritage
Hagia Sophia, meaning “Holy Wisdom” in Greek (Αγία Σοφία), was built in 537 A.D. under the rule of Byzantine Emperor Justinian I. For nearly 900 years, it stood as the most significant cathedral of Eastern Orthodox Christianity and a crowning achievement of Byzantine architecture. Its grand dome and intricate mosaics symbolized the rich artistic and engineering skills of the Greek-speaking Byzantine world.
Following the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople in 1453, Hagia Sophia was converted into a mosque. Christian mosaics were covered and Minarets and Islamic elements were added, marking a new chapter in the building’s long history.
In 1935, it was turned into a museum under the Turkish Republic. In 2020, it returned to its former status as a mosque, but it remains open to visitors from all over the world.
Hagia Sophia is still accessible to people
Despite the restoration work, officials plan to keep Hagia Sophia accessible to visitors and muslim worshippers. This project is part of a broader effort to safeguard the structure, which also includes repairs to two of the four minarets added after the Ottoman period.
Hagia Sophia continues to stand as a testament to the enduring legacy of Byzantine craftsmanship and Greek heritage, reflecting the rich history that has shaped the heart of Istanbul for centuries.
