Istanbul residents spent a sleepless night in tents and parks after a 6.2-magnitude earthquake and over 120 aftershocks, fearing a larger quake. The Marmara fault, part of the active North Anatolian fault, could produce a magnitude 7 quake, potentially damaging the Hagia Sophia and older buildings. Geologist Naci Görür urged proactive preparation to build a seismically resilient city.
Tag: Hagia Sophia
The restoration of the Hagia Sofia dome is one of the biggest restoration projects.
A scientific study crowns “Sophia” as the world’s most beautiful name, praised for its melodic sound and deep meaning. Rooted in the Greek word for “wisdom,” Sophia carries a legacy of virtue, history, and global appeal—from ancient philosophy to the iconic Agia Sophia.
A 1,500-year-old Byzantine cistern next to Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, transformed into a luxurious spa center operated by Navitas Spa Sarnıç within the Hilton hotel, has sparked controversy and legal action. Following complaints, the Turkish Ministry of Culture and local authorities have sealed the business, emphasizing the need for cultural preservation.
Centuries-old legends from the island of Rhodes whispered of a crucial contribution to the majestic Hagia Sophia: the very bricks used to construct its magnificent domes. Now, cutting-edge scientific research has confirmed these whispers, revealing that the iconic structure owes its strength and lightness to the unique clay of this small Aegean island. Discover the fascinating story of how Rhodian materials and Byzantine ingenuity combined to create one of the world’s architectural marvels.
Paul Golding, leader of the far-right Britain First party in the UK, posted a image…
After 15 centuries shrouded in mystery, a vast underground network beneath Hagia Sophia is being opened to the public. Explore a labyrinth of tunnels and catacombs, some potentially older than the iconic structure itself, offering a unique glimpse into this historic landmark’s hidden depths.
Hundreds of thousands marched in Istanbul on January 1, 2025, protesting Israel’s actions in Gaza. Bilal Erdoğan, son of the Turkish president, addressed the crowd, condemning the “genocide” and declaring that “Western values have died in Gaza.” He also vowed to “liberate” the Al-Aqsa Mosque, just as Hagia Sophia was converted into a mosque.
In the heart of Istanbul stands a building that has witnessed the ebb and flow…
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s recent comments on Jerusalem raise significant questions about Turkey’s sovereignty over Istanbul. While his government claims to protect religious heritage, Erdoğan’s actions, such as the conversion of major Christian landmarks into mosques, tell a different story. These moves not only challenge the status of Jerusalem but also highlight concerns about religious freedom and minority rights within Turkey. As discussions on Jerusalem’s status unfold, the international community may reconsider its stance on Istanbul’s sovereignty.
Despite being acquitted of theft charges, Greek woman Agathi Markopoulou remains stranded in Turkey due to a travel ban.
Six cadets from the Hellenic Air Force Academy (three Greek nationals and three Cypriot nationals) were reportedly arrested outside the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul last Saturday after unfurling Greek flags.
The video was first posted on Instagram by the lyra player from Rethymno, Giannis Giannakakis.…
The historic Hagia Sophia in Istanbul is gearing up for a significant restoration project, with plans to dismantle and carefully restore its iconic dome. Aimed at preserving the structural integrity of this ancient monument, the process will involve the removal of the lead cover and repairs using traditional materials, ensuring minimal disruption to visitors and worshippers.
On December 5, Japan’s Crown Prince Fumihito and Crown Princess Kiko visited Istanbul’s iconic Hagia Sophia as part of their first official trip to Türkiye. The visit commemorated the centennial of diplomatic relations between the two countries, showcasing the enduring cultural significance of the historic site.
The European Union’s recent report highlights rising tensions with Turkey over key issues such as the conversion of Hagia Sophia into a mosque, the aggressive “Blue Homeland” doctrine, and prolonged disputes in the Aegean and Cyprus. These developments pose challenges to EU-Turkey relations and emphasize the need for alignment with European principles.
Empress Theodora is referred to as the most powerful woman in Byzantine history. She was…
In a recent development, the Turkish government has targeted the Ecumenical Patriarch, following inflammatory remarks by Devlet Bahçeli, President Erdogan’s coalition partner. Bahçeli, addressing his party’s parliamentary group, declared, “There is no Ecumenical Patriarch, nor a city named Constantinople.”
Unveiled in a stunning ceremony, the intricate details of Hagia Sophia’s digital twin come alive on massive screens. This virtual replica, meticulously crafted using millions of laser scans, allows visitors to explore the monument’s nooks and crannies from anywhere in the world.
Greek-American businessman John Catsimatidis, in an interview, condemned the conversion of Hagia Sophia into a mosque, calling it “tragic.” He expressed doubt over Turkey reversing this decision and highlighted the challenges faced by the Ecumenical Patriarchate from the Moscow Patriarchate.