The most comprehensive restoration in history in Hagia Sophia: Worship and visits will continue

A new phase has been entered in the most comprehensive conservation, restoration and reinforcement works in the history of the Republic, carried out in the Hagia Sophia Mosque by the General Directorate of Foundations of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism. In order to continue the restoration of the main dome under safe conditions, the temporary steel roof installed has begun to be covered with a protective tarpaulin meeting high safety standards. Minister of Culture and Tourism Mehmet Nuri Ersoy also made a statement on his social media account regarding the works and the 6th anniversary of Hagia Sophia's opening for worship.

Minister Ersoy stated that a new phase has been reached in the restoration works carried out by the General Directorate of Foundations and said, "We have initiated another important phase in the most comprehensive conservation, restoration and strengthening works in the history of the Republic, carried out by our General Directorate of Foundations in the Hagia Sophia Mosque. he said. Stating that the temporary steel roof, which was established in order to safely continue the strengthening and restoration works to be carried out on the main dome, started to be covered with a protective tarpaulin, Ersoy emphasized that with the application carried out under the guidance of the Scientific Committee, the historical building was protected against climatic conditions, the unique mosaics were secured and all works were carried out with great precision without damaging the original texture.

In his post, Minister Ersoy said, "We will continue with determination to transfer Hagia Sophia, one of the most valuable heritages of our civilization, to future generations in the strongest way with the understanding of scientific preservation. He stated: The Need for Reinforcement in the Main Dome was Determined. In the comprehensive analysis and examinations carried out in the Hagia Sophia Mosque, which is among the most important works of the world cultural heritage with its historical and architectural features, it was determined that the dome needed to be strengthened.

In order to repair the lead coating on the dome and carry out comprehensive strengthening applications, it became necessary to remove and repair or renew the existing lead coatings. Simultaneously with the strengthening works on the outer surface of the dome, it was planned to carry out the conservation, restoration and strengthening processes of the mosaic decorations on the inner surface in a holistic, healthy and safe manner.

Due to the sensitivity of the applications to be carried out, while the lead cover of the dome was removed, protection measures were evaluated to prevent the structure from being affected by seasonal weather conditions and to prevent the mosaics inside from being damaged. In the Scientific Committee meetings, it was decided that the dome surface should be temporarily closed. In this regard, it was deemed appropriate to start manufacturing after covering the dome with a temporary steel construction and a suitable protective tarpaulin.

Within the scope of the work carried out to transfer the main dome safely to future generations, the temporary steel roof installed to protect the area from external factors has reached the stage of covering it with a tarpaulin. In order to continue the restoration work on the dome in a safe environment without being affected by climatic conditions, the process of covering the temporary steel roof with a protective tarpaulin has started. MATERIAL WITH HIGH SECURITY STANDARD WAS SELECTED The protection cover to be used within the scope of the project was determined as a result of detailed technical examinations carried out by the Scientific Committee consisting of academicians and conservation experts.

The tarpaulin, which was chosen in gray color to match the lead appearance of the dome, was produced from flame retardant material that meets the highest safety standards against fire risks. Before the application, calculations regarding weight and wind load were completed in line with architectural and engineering requirements, taking into account the current load balance of the dome and the carrying capacity of the temporary steel construction.