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Hagia Sophia’s 1,486-year-old main dome to undergo comprehensive restoration
15 April 2025
The Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, Turkey (Image: nexusseven via AdobeStock - stock.adobe.com)
The main dome of the 1,486-year-old main dome of Turkey’s Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque in Istanbul is to undergo what the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism is calling its most-comprehensive-ever restoration.
The project, the cost of which has not been revealed, involves reinforcing the structure against earthquakes while preserving its architectural merit.
The Ministry said that work to restore and structurally enhance the dome, conserve historic mosaics, and repair the façade and minarets, will be carried out without interrupting daily prayers.
A digital twin of the Hagia Sophia has already been created and transferred into a digital model to allow for earthquake scenario simulations that have informed the design of the structural support system. Work to 3D scan the 6th century Byzantine structure started in 2022 and completed in 2024.
A temporary steel framework and specialised sheeting will be erected around the dome to protect it from the elements, while a 43.5m-high steel platform supported by four main columns will be used for the works.
The Ministry said a 41m-high tower crane with a 60m boom would support the words and will be set up on the eastern side of the Hagia Sophia.
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