Restoration of Hagia Sophia sets example for world, says official

The restoration works being carried out using the most advanced techniques in Istanbul's landmark Hagia Sophia have set a clear example for the world to see a work of exceptional precision, keeping the cultural heritage of different beliefs and civilizations intact, the provincial director of culture and tourism has said.

Hagia Sophia was a protocol temple that witnessed coronation ceremonies of the Roman Empire and various significant ceremonies in the Ottoman period, Coşkun Yılmaz said, adding that many political, social, and cultural upheavals, including natural disasters experienced in the process, had also left their traces on the marvel.

Hagia Sophia was burned in the Nika riots, suffered the Latin invasion, and was exposed to major earthquakes, fires and other disasters, he noted.

Stating that the Ottoman Empire attached great importance to Hagia Sophia, Yılmaz said that one of the priorities of Ottoman sultan Mehmet II, known as Mehmed the Conqueror, after the conquest was to protect Hagia Sophia.

Originally built as a Christian Orthodox Church and after serving that purpose for centuries, Hagia Sophia was transformed into a mosque by Ottomans upon their conquest of Constantinople in 1453.

Yılmaz stated that the Hagia Sophia, starting from the era of Ottoman sultan Mehmed the Conqueror, was transformed into an Ottoman complex, with minarets, madrasahs, almshouses, shrines, fountain, primary schools, and a library built inside the mosque.

"In fact, the support, maintenance and repair work that carried Hagia Sophia from the 16th century to the present day and will lead it even to the next centuries was carried out by Mimar Sinan," he said.

Yılmaz said that architects of the day say that if it wasn't for...