The exterior shell of Agia Sophia’s iconic dome will be disassembled as part of an extensive restoration project for the Byzantine structure, which has functioned as a mosque since 2020.
“The underside of the dome is covered with mosaics, making structural intervention from below nearly impossible,” explained Ahmet Gülec, a member of the scientific restoration committee. “To address this, the restoration will focus on the exterior, starting with the removal of the lead covering and damaged cement-based materials that have deteriorated over time.”
Preliminary studies revealed structural irregularities in the lead covering of the dome. These findings necessitated plans to dismantle the dome’s outer layer to evaluate the condition of its structural elements, Gülec added.
To facilitate year-round work and protect against adverse weather conditions, a temporary roof structure will be erected over the dome. This will allow the restoration team to continue without interruptions from rain or wind.
The restoration project also includes repairs to the northern and eastern facades. Steel pipe scaffolding and safety mesh coverings have been installed, and non-original cement-based plaster is being replaced with traditional Ottoman materials.
The dismantling of the dome and subsequent repairs are expected to begin in March or April, pending approval of the project plans by the scientific committee. The project is overseen by the General Directorate of Foundations under Turkey’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism.
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Photo source: Raimond Klavins on Unsplash
Source: ANA-MPA
