Hagia Sophia without scaffold after 17 years…

After the comprehensive work realized by Istanbul 2010 European Capital of Culture Agency for the past one year; last parts of the 180 ton-scaffold which had been inside the museum for 17 years were dismantled with a press conference held at the same time.

Hagia Sophia is waiting for its visitors after 17 years to be rediscovered with all its beauties exposed.

By the comprehensive restoration work launched in January 2009, the Istanbul 2010 European Capital of Culture Agency aims at conveying the story of Hagia Sophia to many generations in the world as it witnessed 1.500 years of Istanbul’s entrenched past.

Within this context last parts of the 180 ton-scaffold which had been inside the museum for 17 years were dismantled with a press conference hosted by Şekib Avdagiç the Chairman of Executive Board of Istanbul 2010 European Capital of Culture Agency with the participation of Haluk Dursun the President of Hagia Sophia Museum.

An important discovery during the restoration, the Seraphim figure had taken the museum up to the agenda to reveal once again the deep history of the museum. While making the opening remarks of the press conference, Şekib Avdagiç the Chairman of Executive Board of Istanbul 2010 European Capital of Culture Agency articulated that the angel figure with six wings (Seraphim) on the northeast dome of the museum –estimated to be 700 years old- could be seen after 160 years without the scaffold hindrance. Avdagiç went on to say “This unique building which is also the focus of the world and visited by 2-2and a half million foreign tourists every year, is going to keep on inspiring both Istanbul residents and visitors with its new face. From today on a new time is set for Hagia Sophia: it is the time to rediscover. As Istanbul 2010 European Capital of Culture Agency, we are excited and happy to contribute to this historical and important event”.

Second phase of the Hagia Sophia work by Istanbul 2010 European Capital of Culture Agency is the repair of the gallery floor and restorations in the Library of Mahmut I, the Fountain of .Mahmut I and the Primary School (Sıbyan Mektebi).

At the same time within the context of the repair work, it is planned to run restoration and conservation work on the main place walls for deterioration correction, purification of the contaminated marble columns, and fixing on worn-out panels, wooden maksures, wooden doors and interior lightings.