Hagia Sophia Undergoing Major Restoration to Protect Against Earthquakes

Hagia Sophia's Major Restoration

• 🏛️ Hagia Sophia, the 1,486-year-old structure in Istanbul, is set to undergo one of its most significant repair efforts.
• 🏗️ The project will focus on restoring and reinforcing the dome, addressing weak structural points identified through earthquake simulations.

Historical Context and Significance

• 🌍 Experts note that Hagia Sophia has a long history of enduring disasters and undergoing various restorations throughout the Byzantine and Ottoman periods.
• ⛪ Originally the world's largest cathedral for 900 years, it was later converted into a mosque, then a museum, and reconverted into a mosque in 2020.

Restoration Process and Accessibility

• 🔬 Modern technology and methods will be employed to ensure the restoration is comprehensive and effective.
• ⏳ The restoration process is expected to be challenging, as noted by Byzantine art historian Aslihan Akca.
• 🚶‍♂️ Hagia Sophia is anticipated to remain accessible to both worshippers and visitors throughout the duration of the repair work.
• 🗓️ A specific completion date for the restoration has not yet been announced.