Istanbul: Hagia Sophia’s Majestic Dome Undergoes A Year-Long Restoration; Remains Open For Prayers & Tourists

Hagia Sophia’s iconic dome, a majestic structure, is undergoing a restoration program, and it has to be a mega. Standing proudly for 1,486 years, Istanbul’s iconic building has undergone several centuries of change. Finally, it’s receiving the most extensive restoration project in its long history. Focused on enhancing the dome’s earthquake resilience, the preservation work will ensure the building continues to inspire future generations without losing any of its timeless beauty.

Istanbul’s Iconic Hagia Sophia Undergoes A Comprehensive Restoration

Hagia Sophia’s dome is as iconic as it gets, but like all great things, it needs a little restoration from time to time. The project has focused on making this central feature more resilient to earthquakes, a critical concern given Istanbul’s seismic history. Here’s what’s going on:

• Exterior Work: The lead covering of the dome’s exterior is being removed, repaired, or replaced. This ensures that the building’s structural integrity is maintained without compromising its historical value. 
• Protecting the Interior: To preserve the stunning mosaics inside, the dome will be temporarily retained with a steel structure and a high-quality protective tarp. This prevents any damage from seasonal weather conditions or accidental harm.
  The interior mosaics, some of which date back to the Byzantine period, will also undergo careful restoration. A steel platform system, standing at 43.5 metres, will allow conservators to reach the mosaics safely without disturbing the building’s worship schedule.

A Towering Effort Of Large-Scale Restoration

Safety is paramount in any large-scale restoration, and for Hagia Sophia, this means using cutting-edge equipment. The team will install a 41-metre tower crane on the eastern side of the building. This crane will enable workers to reach all the necessary spots for repairs, offering rotation and distance control for optimal safety.

Once the restoration is complete, the crane and temporary structures will be dismantled, leaving Hagia Sophia as stunning as ever.

Also Read: Avneet Kaur Visits Turkey’s Hagia Sophia Mosque; Here’s Why You Should Too!

Past Renovations: A Legacy of Care

This isn’t Hagia Sophia’s first restoration project. The ongoing work follows a series of improvements over the years. Key projects have included:

• Restoration of the Tombs of Ottoman Sultans: These structures, which are part of the Hagia Sophia complex, were cleaned and preserved.
  
• Revitalisation of the Sıbyan Mektebi and Muvakkithane: The primary school and prayer timing room have been carefully maintained.
  
• 3D Documentation: A digital twin of Hagia Sophia has been created, preserving every nook and corner in virtual form. This ensures that even if something were to happen, the mosque’s history would be documented for posterity.
  

The ongoing restoration of Hagia Sophia is part of Turkey’s broader efforts to protect its cultural heritage. By enhancing the building’s resilience while respecting its rich history, the project ensures this UNESCO World Heritage site will continue to stand as a beacon of human ingenuity, faith, and artistry. 

Cover Image Courtesy: Supplied