NORTHEAST MINARET OF THE HAGIA SOPHIA GRAND MOSQUE COMPLETED

Within the scope of the restoration works carried out by our Directorate General at the Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque, the interventions concerning the northeast minaret have been completed.

In line with the decision of the Scientific Committee, partial dismantling and reconstruction were carried out on the upper sections, while strengthening works were implemented on the lower sections. In this process, 411 stones and 26 rows of steps were carefully dismantled and classified in a controlled manner. Every stage of the process was documented, ensuring the structural integrity of the minaret.

Based on the principle of preserving the original material, all necessary interventions were carried out with meticulous care. Cleaning and surface repairs were also conducted on sections where no dismantling took place.

The wooden elements of the conical spire (külah) underwent conservation treatments and were prepared for reuse. The copper finial (alem) was repaired, coated, and reinstalled in accordance with its original form.

As a result of these works, the minaret was reinforced to meet contemporary earthquake safety standards.