Istanbul’s Hagia Sophia Gets Seismic Makeover to Outlast Future Quakes

The legendary Hagia Sophia in Istanbul is about to get a major upgrade—think less marble facelift, more earthquake armor. The ancient temple, which has dazzled travelers for centuries, started as a Christian basilica nearly 1,000 years ago before it transformed into an iconic mosque under the Ottomans.

Now, Turkish officials are bracing for the big one—an anticipated Istanbul earthquake—by reinforcing the Hagia Sophia’s famous domes and arches. Crews will be swapping out old lead coverings and beefing up the steel framework to help the 1,500-year-old monument withstand seismic shocks. If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to earthquake-proof a building that’s seen more history than most entire countries, this is it.

Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of modern Turkey, made Hagia Sophia a museum in 1935, adding yet another layer to its already complicated resume. Fast forward to today, and renovation teams are about to kick off what they’re calling a "new phase" of construction—one focused squarely on seismic safety.

Mehmet Selim Okten, one of the engineers on the scientific council overseeing the project, said that after three years of prep, the focus is now on shoring up the minarets, dome, and main arches—especially after a massive 7.8 magnitude quake rocked southern Turkey in 2023. The plan includes a tower crane on the eastern side and a protective frame blanketing the top of the building.

Renovators will also have a rare chance to study the damage from previous disasters, including fires and earthquakes that battered the structure in the 10th and 14th centuries. It’s like archaeology meets disaster prevention—and the stakes couldn’t be higher, since the Hagia Sophia draws around 50,000 visitors a day (that’s more people than most music festivals!).

With so many eyes on it, ensuring the Hagia Sophia survives future centuries is no small feat. Let’s just hope the upgrades keep the iconic domes standing tall—because Istanbul’s skyline wouldn’t be the same without them.