Comprehensive Restoration Works Continue at the Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque
Minister of Culture and Tourism Mehmet Nuri Ersoy visited the restoration site at the Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque, inspecting the latest situation on-site and the progress achieved in the four-stage project.
Minister of Culture and Tourism Mehmet Nuri Ersoy visited the Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque—where the most comprehensive restoration in the history of the Republic is being carried out—received information about the ongoing work, and announced that three of the four stages have been completed.
General Framework of the Restoration
Minister of Culture and Tourism Mehmet Nuri Ersoy visited the historical structure to examine the latest phase of the ongoing work on-site.
Emphasizing that the structure, entrusted by Fatih, has undergone the most comprehensive restoration in the history of the Republic, Ersoy announced that three stages of the four-stage planning have been completed.
Repairs Carried Out in the First Stage
The lead coverings of the Tombs of Murad III, Selim II, Mehmed III, and the Princes in the southern courtyard garden were renewed.
While the Muvakkithane (timekeeping house) and primary school were restored, the ablution area was made active, and bird deterrents were placed inside the interior.
Second Stage and Minaret Reinforcements
It was stated that the second stage of work, covering the minaret, dome, and mosaics, is continuing meticulously.
In accordance with static analyses, controlled disassembly was carried out on the northeast minaret, and stainless steel rod systems were applied.
Opening of the Gallery Floor with the Third Stage
Within the scope of the completed third stage, the gallery floor was made accessible to visitors and a visitor route was established.
Entrance ramps, ticket booths, and X-ray systems were installed, and cleaning was performed on the marble surfaces and wooden sections of the gallery floor.
Underground Tunnels and Excavation Works
In the underground works carried out at Hagia Sophia, excavations for Space 1 and Space 2 were initiated and documented.
Ninety percent of the tunnel cleaning in Vezir Garden and West Garden has been completed, and the excavations of the hypogeum structure in Vezir Garden have been finished.