Turkey begins installing protective covering over Hagia Sophia's dome

Installation of a protective covering over Hagia Sophia's dome in Istanbul has begun. Photo: Türkiye Today

In Turkey, specialists have begun installing a protective covering over the main dome of the Hagia Sophia cathedral in Istanbul. The work is being carried out as part of a large-scale project to restore and reinforce the temple's structures, reports Türkiye Today.

The restoration has entered a new phase following the installation of a temporary steel framework, which is now being covered with a special protective membrane. This shelter is necessary to protect the historic building, its interior mosaics, and workers from precipitation during the repair or replacement of the dome's lead covering. According to the scientific committee's calculations, without a temporary roof the cathedral could suffer damage from weather conditions.

Before work began, engineers carried out calculations of weight balance and wind loads to ensure the temporary structure would not damage the original architectural fabric. A grey fire-resistant material was chosen for protection, which visually harmonizes with the lead surface of the dome. The presence of the canopy allows craftsmen to simultaneously reinforce the exterior of the dome and carry out conservation of the mosaic decoration inside the building.

Culture and Tourism Minister Mehmet Nuri Ersoy said the work was being carried out under the guidance of a scientific committee and with particular attention to preserving the monument's original character. Despite the large-scale construction work, Hagia Sophia continues to function.

Previously, Turkish Minister Mehmet Nuri Ersoy called Hagia Sophia a symbol of the Ottoman conquest.

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