Minister Ersoy explained the restoration process at the Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque.

Minister of Culture and Tourism Mehmet Nuri Ersoy inspected the restoration and reinforcement work at the Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque. Minister Ersoy stated, "The work carried out at the Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque is not just a restoration, but also a major conservation effort that combines engineering, art, and science."

Minister of Culture and Tourism Mehmet Nuri Ersoy visited the Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque. He was accompanied by Istanbul Governor Davut Gül, Istanbul Provincial Director of Culture and Tourism Hüseyin Keskin, and other officials. Minister Ersoy, who inspected the conservation and restoration work carried out at the Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque, held a press conference afterwards. Noting that Hagia Sophia, which reopened to worship on July 24, 2020, thanks to the resolute stance and leadership of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, celebrated its fifth anniversary this year, Minister Ersoy said, "We are working diligently to protect, strengthen, and properly pass on to future generations this unique legacy, which is the shared heritage of not only our nation but all of humanity. We have taken, and continue to take, many important steps to date."

"We have created a new artificial intelligence-supported security system"

Minister Ersoy, stating that new technologies have been implemented for the protection of Hagia Sophia, said, "In addition to our 300 physical security personnel, we have created a new artificial intelligence-powered security system in our mosque. We have increased the number of cameras in and around the mosque, and with the support of AI, we can quickly respond to potential problems. We would never want this to happen, but in the unlikely event of an unforeseen incident, the screens immediately alert personnel, and the security personnel on duty inside the mosque can intervene immediately."

"We have been recording the structural movements and humidity levels of the mosque, which has been monitored with sensors since 1991."

Minister Ersoy, who stated that the works were carried out under three headings: protection, repair, and reinforcement, said, "In the first phase, we repaired the damage detected in the architectural elements within the scope of simple repairs and carried out preventive interventions. We also repaired the damage to the wood, plaster, and marble surfaces. We took barrier and warning measures to prevent visitors from damaging the structure at the Hagia Sophia-i Kebir Mosque, which attracts great interest from both the public and tourists. We also protected sensitive surfaces with transparent covers at the exit of the inner narthex. We repaired the gallery floor and renewed the electrical and mechanical infrastructure. In addition, we are keeping a close eye on Hagia Sophia as part of our structural monitoring approach. We have been recording the structural movements and humidity levels of the mosque, which has been monitored with sensors since 1991. Hagia Sophia-i Kebir also has a multi-layered and complex underground section. We have completed the survey and cleaning works for the cleaning of these sections in the first phase. We are working on projects that will further emphasize the integrity and aesthetics of the complex, as well as the works of Mehmet III, Selim II, and Selim III. Murat said, “We have successfully completed the restorations of the Şehzadeler Mausoleums, the Primary School and the Muvakkithane.”

The works extend from minarets to domes

Minister Ersoy explained that significant steps have been taken on the minarets and dome as part of the ongoing second phase of restoration work, saying, "As part of the second phase of restoration work, which began in 2023, we are working on the minarets and exterior facades. Dismantling and strengthening of the Beyazıt Minaret II is ongoing. Scaffolding was erected on the minaret platform to dismantle the minaret. Reinforcement work and the necessary stone fabrication for the minaret are underway based on the approved structural project. Regarding the main dome, experts determined that this structural component needed strengthening. We have planned to renew the lead coating on the dome's exterior and carry out the reinforcement work. To prevent damage to the delicate mosaics on the dome and to ensure the smooth operation of the work, we have installed a temporary cover system made of steel construction and protective tarpaulin on the dome."

Continuing his speech, Minister Ersoy said, "Once the necessary interventions on the dome, such as reinforcement, lead replacements, mosaic conservation, and minaret and façade repairs, are completed, the temporary steel roof structure, platform, and tower crane will be dismantled using the same method they were installed, and the dome's restoration work will be completed. We are continuing our work with the scientific delegation, including Prof. Dr. Can Binan, Prof. Dr. Asnu Bilban Yalçın, Prof. Dr. Ahmet Güleç, Prof. Dr. Hasan Fırat Diker, and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mehmet Selim Ökten. The work carried out at the Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque is not merely a restoration; it is also a major conservation campaign combining engineering, art, and science."

40 million visitors flocked in 5 years

Minister Ersoy stated that Hagia Sophia has attracted significant public and international attention since its opening, saying, "Nearly 40 million people have visited Hagia Sophia in five years. Considering the small populations of European countries, Hagia Sophia has hosted visitors equal to the population of 4-5 countries in five years. This is a source of pride for us. When we complete our work, the Great Hagia Sophia Mosque will, God willing, continue to welcome visitors in all its glory, with a structural integrity even stronger than before."

UAV

Reporter: News Center