Major restorations begin to preserve Hagia Sophia

ISTANBUL — Turkiye has begun a new phase in the sweeping restorations of the nearly 1,500-year-old Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, focusing on preserving the monument's historic domes from the threat of earthquakes.

Officials say the project will include reinforcing Hagia Sophia's main dome and half domes, replacing the worn lead coverings and upgrading the steel framework — while worship continues uninterrupted in the mosque.

"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, lecturer at Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University and a member of the scientific council overseeing the renovations. "At the end of these three years, we have focused on the seismic safety of Hagia Sophia, the minarets, the main dome and the main arches, especially due to the expected Istanbul earthquake."