Turkey Restores Hagia Sophia
The 17-year long effort to restore the mosaics and frescoes decorating the dome of the Hagia Sophia has been completed in time for the launch of year-long celebrations under Istanbul’s designation as the 2010 European Capital of Cultural.
The scaffolding that obstructed the views of the magnificent dome were removed last week to bring into full view the restored frescoes, including a newly discovered Seraphim figure, estimated to be 700 years old.
Previous restorations of the Hagia Sophia have been undertaken by the great Ottoman architect Sinan, who strengthened the structure’s earthquake resistance. In 1847, a two-year long restoration commissioned by Sultan Abdulmecid.
The Hagia Sophia, completed in 537 under the reign of Eastern Roman Emperor Justinian, is listed as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site and is one of Istanbul’s most important historical structures, visited by over 2 million visitors per year.
