Hagia Sophia restoration to protect Unesco-protected ‘masterpiece’

The Hagia Sophia in Istanbul is undergoing its most extensive restoration in years to protect the nearly 1,500-year-old UNESCO-listed landmark from earthquake damage, The Guardian reported.

Architect Hasan Fırat Diker leads the project, focusing on strengthening the grand central dome and its supporting structures, which have suffered from centuries of seismic activity and repairs.

Originally built in AD 537 under the Byzantine Empire, the Hagia Sophia has served as a cathedral, mosque, and museum. It was controversially reclassified as a mosque five years ago, drawing criticism from UNESCO for undermining its universal heritage.

The restoration involves removing the lead covering of the main dome to inspect and reinforce fragile joints and pillars. The work follows a recent 6.2-magnitude earthquake near Istanbul, highlighting the urgent need for seismic protection. Turkey’s location on two fault lines makes such precautions critical.

Scaffolding will allow visitors to continue exploring the site during restoration. The team also hopes to uncover hidden Ottoman-era murals beneath the dome’s surfaces. No fixed timeline has been set for the project, emphasizing careful preservation alongside public access.