Beneath one of the most magnificent Byzantine monuments is a ticking time bomb: the 55-meter-tall Turkish landmark Hagia Sophia is at risk of collapse.
Constructed in 537 AD during the reign of Byzantine Emperor Justinian I, Hagia Sophia has served various roles over the centuries, functioning as a cathedral, mosque, and museum before returning to its status as a mosque in 2020. Its architectural marvel—a massive 31-meter-diameter dome—has inspired the construction of many other sacred structures around the world.
Why are experts concerned about the building’s condition?
The iconic Constantinople landmark is at risk of collapsing. “It’s only a matter of time if urgent measures are not taken,” said historian İlber Ortaylı. The building’s foundation is unstable, and the structure is under more stress than it can bear.
Historians, archaeologists, art historians, and tour guides are sounding the alarm: the Istanbul sanctuary could face irreversible damage if efforts are not made to preserve it.
According to Ortaylı, comprehensive restoration of Hagia Sophia has not occurred since the 16th century, when the Ottoman architect Mimar Sinan reinforced it.
Experts say beneath the cathedral lies a network of ancient passages, making the ground unstable. Earthquakes, vibrations, and heavy foot traffic have worsened the condition of the columns and dome. Some columns have visibly tilted and the marble floors have cracked, Arkeonews reported. After a recent magnitude-6.5 earthquake, the site was hastily closed, prompting questions about its condition.
Tour guides who lead groups there describe their feelings: “We go in there, risking our lives. And the public has no idea.”
The building is once again functioning as a mosque, but not all visitors have equal access to its interior. Non-Muslim tourists are barred from entering certain sections. For example, the best view of the dome is visible only from parts of the building that many visitors cannot access, one local guide said.
Art historian and artist Gürol Sezen passionately reminded people that Hagia Sophia was once a beacon of tolerance.
Meanwhile, archaeologist Nezih Başgelen, director of the Cultural and Natural Heritage Monitoring Platform, called for round-the-clock structural monitoring and for restoration decisions to be made by conservation experts — not just religious or political authorities — and for those decisions to be transparent to the public.
“The building should be treated like an elderly patient — constantly monitored and handled with care. UNESCO World Heritage status alone does not provide protection. Only conscious actions can save Hagia Sophia,” Başgelen stressed.
Hagia Sophia is more than a stone building; it’s a mirror of humanity’s rises and falls over centuries. This treasure now faces the threat of collapse. The world is unlikely to stand by and lose such a magnificent monument to indifference.
