According to TGA, the Turkish Tourism Promotion, the Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque dome is undergoing a complete restoration, the interventions in the iconic building, a former church serving as major cultural and historical site in the capital of Turkey, Istanbul correspond to the most ambitious phase that the monument has been targeting.
Hagia Sophia, an important Byzantine structure in the largest Turkish city, and one of world's great monuments was built as a Christian Basilica in the 6th century under the direction of the Emperor Justinian I. In subsequent centuries it has seen the arrival of various civilizations, cultures and eras of history, it became a mosque, a museum, and a mosque again and is part of the Historic Area of Istanbul, a property inscribed on UNESCO's World Heritage List.
The building reflects the religious changes that have played out in the region over the centuries, with the minarets and inscriptions of Islam as well as the lavish mosaics of Christianity.
With almost 1.500 years of history, this jewel in the beating heart of Istanbul became the quintessential model for Eastern Orthodox church architecture and its architectural style was emulated by Ottoman mosques a thousand years later. It served as an architectural inspiration for many other religious buildings including the Hagia Sophia in Thessaloniki, Panagia Ekatontapiliani, the Sehzade Mosque, the Süleymaniye Mosque, the Rüstem Pasha Mosque and the Kiliç Ali Pasha Complex.
Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque has already managed, in just three years, to renovate and reinforce a large part of of the architectural mass of marble and today, the project continues with the ambitious phase yet: the complete restoration of its flagship dome, which is 31.7 metre in diameter and 55.6 metre high from floor level, supported by the arches between piers called pendentives which were unique at those times.
Renowned for its stunning mosaics and beautiful Islamic calligraphy, showcasing the skill and artistry of the craftsmen who created this masterpiece, the soil mixture of the dome consists of only mortar and brick. From time to time, restorations have been done to strengthen the structure.
The current interventions in the Hagia Sophia are structural in nature and are being promoted through the Turkish Government's heritage conservation programme, aimed at ensuring its preservation for future generations.
The restoration of the dome will reinforce the structure, in order to make it more resistant to earthquakes, keeping intact its original shape and the integrity of its Byzantine elements.
The TGA explained that this intervention is part of an ambitious conservation project that began three years ago with the restoration of other structures of the monumental complex, such as the tombs of Sultans Mehmed III, Selim II and Murad III, the Sibyan Mektebi, the Ottoman children's and Muvakkithane, the clock room, revealing that the upper gallery has already been reopened to the public after a cleaning and maintenance.
In addition, a complete digital replica of Hagia Sophia was also created using 3D technology, which will allow a more accurate documentation of the evolution of Hagia Sophia and facilitate future conservation work.
Link
https://www.publituris.pt/2025/06/27/cupula-da-hagia-sophia-recebe-restauracao-completa
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