Turkiye has launched a landmark restoration project on Istanbul’s Hagia Sophia, marking the most extensive structural intervention to the 1,500-year-old monument in over 150 years. The restoration focuses on reinforcing the main dome and surrounding semi-domes to withstand potential earthquakes. “We have been carrying out intensive restoration efforts on Hagia Sophia and its surrounding structures for three years,” said Mehmet Selim Okten, a construction engineer and member of the scientific council overseeing the renovations. “We are now focusing on the seismic safety of Hagia Sophia, especially in light of the expected Istanbul earthquake.” A steel platform is being built atop four 43.5-metre columns to allow restoration work to continue without halting worship. A newly installed tower crane will also help […]
