Historic Restoration at Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque: Main Dome Under Renovation

A significant phase has been reached in the ongoing restoration and reinforcement works at the 1486-year-old Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque. The most comprehensive reinforcement and restoration process in the structure’s history has begun on its main dome. The works, carried out by the General Directorate of Foundations, are being conducted under the meticulous supervision of scientists and expert restorers.

Extensive Work on the Main Dome

Within the scope of the restoration, reinforcement procedures are being carried out to increase the main dome’s resistance to earthquakes. While utmost care is taken to preserve the dome’s original structure, the work is being conducted from the outer surface to avoid damaging the mosaics on the inner surface. Lead coverings will be removed, repaired, or replaced. Additionally, to protect against weather conditions and preserve the mosaics, the dome will be temporarily covered with a steel construction and a special tarpaulin.

Worship and Restoration to Continue Simultaneously

The Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque will remain open for worship and visits throughout the restoration process. A steel platform, 43.5 meters high and supported by 4 main columns, will be erected to allow worship and restoration works to continue simultaneously.

Experts’ Views

• Prof. Dr. Asnu Bilban Yalçın (Member of the Hagia Sophia Science Board): “Hagia Sophia has a 1500-year history. We are tasked with preserving this heritage. For the first time, Hagia Sophia’s dome will witness very deep research and reinforcement works. This restoration is a very significant step for us.”
• Prof. Dr. Hasan Fırat Diker (Member of the Hagia Sophia Science Board): “A scaffold will be erected to encircle the building from both the bottom and the top. After completely removing the dome’s lead covering, we will scientifically research and understand the dome for the first time. Necessary repairs will also be made to its inner surface.”
• Prof. Dr. Ahmet Güleç (Member of the Hagia Sophia Science Board): “In previous works on this dome, we saw that the voids inside the dome were filled with wood and rubble. We want to remove these and make the outer surface of the dome more balanced. We want to encircle and reinforce the dome to make it earthquake-resistant.”

The Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque, where the historic restoration of the main dome has begun, was captured in aerial drone footage.

This work aims to ensure that the Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque is passed down to future generations in the best possible condition.