Türkiye announced the start of restoration work on Hagia Sophia, one of the most important historical sites in its largest city, Istanbul, local media reports.
The restoration project, initiated by the Turkish Culture and Tourism Ministry, aims to “eliminate the centuries-old fatigue” of the 1,500-year-old Hagia Sophia, the Hurriyet Daily News reported.
According to officials, the restoration and maintenance work, which could span over 50 years, will be carried out gradually, section by section, without a complete closure of the site.
The monument, which initially served as a cathedral and later as an Ottoman imperial mosque, reopened as a museum in 1935, unveiling some unique features of Ottoman and Byzantine art. It was turned into a mosque again in 2020.
Hagia Sophia, located on the European side of Istanbul, is one of the most visited tourist sites in the city.
Two-year restoration reveals tales of Istanbul’s Sunken Palace
After two years of arduous restoration and consolidation, the Basilica Cistern, a 1,500-year-old Byzantine underground reservoir, finally has its hidden beauties and the stories behind its formation brought to light. Known for a huge underground [Read More]
Istanbul Airport breaks daily passenger record
Istanbul Airport on Sunday set a new record in terms of daily passenger numbers, the airport operator said Monday. More than 250,000 passengers traveled on Sunday through the airport aboard over 1,500 flights, “a passenger [Read More]
