Hagia Sophia's iconic dome to be disassembled for major restoration

Restoration efforts are underway at Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, focusing on the disassembly of the iconic dome's outer shell as part of an extensive project aimed at preserving its historical and structural integrity. According to Proto Thema, a scientific committee is overseeing the removal of the outer casing of the dome, with work expected to commence in March or April, contingent upon the approval of project designs.

Professor Dr. Ahmet Güleç, a member of the scientific committee for the restoration, explained the challenges posed by the dome's intricate interior. "The underside of the dome is covered with mosaics, making structural intervention from below almost impossible," he stated, as reported by Capital. To address the issue, the restoration will focus on the exterior, starting with the removal of the lead covering and the cement-based materials that have been damaged over time, according to Hurriyet Daily News.

Güleç elaborated on the plans for the restoration: "We will use materials and techniques that are consistent with Ottoman-era construction to ensure that the dome will be stable and true to its original character," he said, as cited by Proto Thema. Studies and project designs related to the dome's restoration are nearing completion, and after approval, a protective roof is being considered for the upper part of the dome to shield it from environmental conditions like rain and snow.

During preliminary studies, structural anomalies were identified in the lead covering of the dome, necessitating the planning of the disassembly of the outer layer and assessment of its structural elements, as reported by iefimerida.

To facilitate work throughout the year and protect against adverse weather, a temporary roof structure will be erected over the dome, allowing the restoration team to proceed without interruptions from rain or wind. The protective roof will enable the team to address the restoration's complexities, given the dome's vulnerability to environmental conditions and the impossibility of structural intervention from below due to the mosaics.

Non-original cement-based plasters are being replaced with traditional Ottoman materials to ensure durability and authenticity.

In addition to the dome, the restoration project includes repairs to the northern and eastern façades of Hagia Sophia. Work started with the north facade body walls, which are the most damaged, and is continuing on the east facade. Scaffolding made of steel pipes and safety mesh coverings has been installed on the façades for safety purposes, according to iefimerida.

A section of the Second Bayezid Minaret was partially dismantled due to structural weaknesses, and repairs have been made, including the consideration of metal ties to be used against earthquakes, as reported by Hurriyet Daily News. The restoration of the Second Bayezid Minaret includes reinforcement using modern tensioners integrated into its body. In the minaret of Sultan Selim II and in brick minarets in general, external supports will be used as a precaution against earthquakes to improve their earthquake resistance.

The restoration work is being conducted in multiple phases, with the second phase now underway, which includes the restoration of the III. Mehmet Tomb, II. Selim Tomb, III. Murad Tomb, Princes' Tomb, and Muvakkithane Sıbyan School, as noted by Hurriyet Daily News. Recently, the restoration completed work on the tombs of Mehmed III, Selim II, and Murad IV.

This article was written in collaboration with generative AI company Alchemiq