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Istanbul’s Hagia Sophia Undergoing Major Restoration to Withstand Future Earthquakes

Istanbul’s iconic Hagia Sophia, a symbol of architectural grandeur for nearly 1,500 years, is now undergoing its most comprehensive restoration yet — aimed not only at preserving its historical beauty but also at strengthening the structure against future earthquakes.

Having transformed from a church to a mosque, then a museum, and again a mosque, the landmark is now facing its latest evolution: a “global restoration” that includes repairs to its dome, walls, and minarets.

Seen from a distance, Hagia Sophia’s majestic dome and towering minarets continue to define Istanbul’s skyline. But up close, scaffolding now marks the eastern façade and one of the minarets — visible signs of ongoing preservation work.

Though the scaffolding somewhat alters the monument’s aesthetic, restoration is essential, noted guide Abdullah Yilmaz. “It disrupts the view, but it’s necessary,” he said.

Architecture professor Hasan Firat Diker, part of the restoration team, explained that Hagia Sophia has long struggled with structural issues. Past renovations were often fragmented, but this time the effort is comprehensive.

Constructed in 537 AD atop earlier church ruins, Hagia Sophia became a masterpiece of Byzantine architecture. It remained a church until the Ottoman conquest in 1453, after which it was converted into a mosque. In 1935, under Mustafa Kemal Atatürk’s secular reforms, it became a museum — until it was reconverted to a mosque in 2020 by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.

Beyond historical transitions, Hagia Sophia faces another enduring threat: earthquakes. Istanbul sits near a major seismic fault line, and the city’s last major quake in 1999 was a stark reminder of the risks. The Hagia Sophia’s dome previously collapsed during an earthquake in 558 and has suffered further damage in subsequent tremors.

The current restoration is focused on reinforcing the structure to endure future quakes with minimal damage, explained Ahmet Gulec, a member of the scientific oversight team. Engineers are studying the dome to determine how best to support and preserve its internal features.

While scaffolding hasn’t yet reached the interior, plans include erecting four massive pillars inside to support platforms for restoring the dome’s mosaics and artwork.

Visitors like Ana Delgado from Mexico were still struck by the monument’s grandeur. “It’s magical inside,” she said, with her friend Elias Erduran from the Dominican Republic adding that the structure remains awe-inspiring even during renovations.

Last year, Hagia Sophia welcomed 7.7 million visitors — 2.1 million of whom were international tourists. The entry fee for foreigners stands at 25 euros, generating significant revenue.

Officials hope the restoration will not disrupt tourism or religious activity. “The aim is to ensure that prayers and visits continue uninterrupted,” Gulec added.

For some tourists, the chance to witness history being preserved is itself worthwhile. “Even if I didn’t see it at its peak, what matters is that my children will one day see it in all its beauty,” said Yana Galitskaya, a visitor from Russia.

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