The former Sainte-Sophie basilica, which has recently become a mosque, has known the largest restoration in its history since April 2025 since April 2025, including its 1,486 year old dome. The work does not yet have a defined calendar. A digital twin of Holy Sophie was designed to guide the design of the new structural support system. The 3D digitization work of the Byzantine structure began in 2022 and ended in 2024.
The Minister of Turkish Tourism Mehmet Nuri Ersoy explained to the Turkish media Anadolu: “Lead coverings will be removed, repaired or renewed. The dome will be temporarily covered with a special structure and tarpaulin in order to protect mosaics from bad weather. A 43.5-meter high steel platform will be installed on four main columns to allow simultaneous continuing on catering work and cult activities. »»
The work will be carried out without interrupting worship. The site is entrusted to the chief architect Hasan Firat Diker, who explained to The Guardian :: “It may be one of the greatest restorations of the present time in Türkiye. »» The objective is to strengthen the structure weakened by time. Built in 537 AD Under the Byzantine Empire, the ex-lounges presents irregularities visible in certain places, especially at the level of the Grand Dome.
The building, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage since 1985, has already been the subject of restorations, “A patchwork of repairs carried out after the collapse of the dome in 558, then of several surrounding half-domes during subsequent tremors”recall The Guardian. In recent years, the concerns about this building, transformed into a museum in 1935 and then returned to mosque five years ago, have been lively in the face of natural risks. “In the most terrifying scenario, an earthquake would shake the entire structure”explains Mr. Diker. “The main arch connecting the central dome and the half-domes could tremble and cracks appear. An earthquake could also project the minaret against domes or cause the complete collapse of the arches. »»
Turkey has recently experienced several major earthquakes. Two powerful earthquakes struck the south-east of the country in early 2023, causing more than 53,000 dead. The destruction affected an area equivalent to that of Germany. Last month, an earthquake of magnitude 6.2 also struck the Istanbul coast, shaking the buildings of the whole city.
For the moment, the objective is also “Ensure the comfort of visitors”said Hasan Firat Diker at The Guardian. “Those who come here must be able to see as much as possible Holy Sophia despite the restoration work. »» Especially since, in order to finance these operations, access to the mosque has become paying since 2024, with a entry fee set at 25 euros. Two separate access is provided: one for the faithful, the other for tourists.
