Posted on 12/10/2024 7:01:04 PM PST by nickcarraway
The iconic Hagia Sophia in Istanbul (Constantinople) will undergo extensive restoration, including the dismantling of its dome, to preserve the historical and structural integrity of the world-renowned monument, according to the Turkish newspaper Hurriyet.
Ahmet Gulec, a member of the project’s scientific committee, said damage to the dome’s lead cover and cement materials made the restoration necessary. “The underside of the dome is covered in mosaics, making structural intervention from below nearly impossible” Gulec explained. The team will remove the lead cover and other harmful materials to ensure the building’s safety.
Ottoman-era construction techniques “We will use materials and techniques consistent with the Ottoman-era construction to ensure the dome is both stable and true to its original character,” Gulec said. However, nowhere was it mentioned what the actual Hagia Sophia’s “original character” is.
Hagia Sophia was originally constructed as a church in the 6th century during the Byzantine Empire, more than nine hundred years before Constantinople fell to the Ottomans. Therefore, making the claim that Ottoman-era construction materials ensure its “original character” is somewhat absurd.
Repairs are expected to begin in March or April, pending official approval. To facilitate work year-round and protect against harsh weather, a temporary roof structure will be erected above the dome. Crews will also repair the north and east sides of the structure.
A legacy of Byzantine and Greek heritage
Hagia Sophia, meaning “Holy Wisdom” in Greek (Αγία Σοφία), was built in 537 A.D. under the rule of Byzantine Emperor Justinian I. For nearly 900 years, it stood as the most significant cathedral of Eastern Orthodox Christianity and a crowning achievement of Byzantine architecture. Its grand dome and intricate mosaics symbolized the rich artistic and engineering skills of the Greek-speaking Byzantine world.
Following the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople in 1453, Hagia Sophia was converted into a mosque. Christian mosaics were covered and Minarets and Islamic elements were added, marking a new chapter in the building’s long history.
In 1935, it was turned into a museum under the Turkish Republic. In 2020, it returned to its former status as a mosque, but it remains open to visitors from all over the world.
Hagia Sophia is still accessible to people
Despite the restoration work, officials plan to keep Hagia Sophia accessible to visitors and muslim worshippers. This project is part of a broader effort to safeguard the structure, which also includes repairs to two of the four minarets added after the Ottoman period.
Hagia Sophia continues to stand as a testament to the enduring legacy of Byzantine craftsmanship and Greek heritage, reflecting the rich history that has shaped the heart of Istanbul for centuries.
“Ottoman-era construction techniques “We will use materials and techniques consistent with the Ottoman-era construction to ensure the dome is both stable and true to its original character,” Gulec said. However, nowhere was it mentioned what the actual Hagia Sophia’s “original character” is.”
Except, it wasn’t an Ottoman-era construction. It is Roman/Byzantine
I don’t think the Elgin marbles have been returned, for what it’s worth.
They’re going to mess it up, I feel it.
My guess is that the Christian mosaics to the extent that they still exist, will be destroyed. Sad.
Biden is still missing his marbles too. But I digress......
The Fourth Crusade was a giant cluster!
Interestingly, I had some family recently visit the site. There are a number of Christian decorations and iconography. They are typically covered over so visitors cannot look upon them. That said, there are vantage points within the building where visitors can glimpse some of the works, at least in part.
Indeed. And desecrated every day since one of the darkest days in the history of civilization, may 29, 1453
Inside in 1963: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MDfB_wV8fns
Last year we admired it from the outside, ignoring the minarets.
The sacking in the Fourth Crusade weakened the Roman Empire irretrievably. They never called themselves byzantines
Not intentionally. But it will fall down afterwards and be razed as it will be too expensive to repair.
Objective achieved.
I am a Catholic. We’ve done much good, but I think the sack of Constantinople ranks among the worst things we’ve ever done
Nor should they be. If Lord Elgin had not rescued them they would have been lost.
And Hagia Sophia should be reclaimed from the moslems.
It's unfortunate that the Christians couldn't stick together in the face of an existential threat.
I am a Catholic. We’ve done much good, but I think the sack of Constantinople ranks among the worst things we’ve ever done
I know a guy who visited there the last 2-3 years
He said it’s carpeted inside .... in GREEN of course ....
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.
