The Guardian: Istanbul's Byzantine heritage is in danger

The report alleged that despite restoration projects by CHP Istanbul Metropolitan Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, some structures from the Byzantine era have been neglected.

Architect Zeynep Ahunbay stated that while İmamoğlu wants to protect Byzantine heritage, restoration work in this area is costly, noting, "When compared to work on Ottoman heritage, the fact that there is more limited action in this regard is most likely due to this."

British investigative author Alexander Christie-Miller drew attention to the Panorama 1453 History Museum in Istanbul, emphasizing that the city's true historical fabric is in a state of neglect.

The report noted that the walls mark an important period in the city's history with the conquest of Istanbul by Fatih Sultan Mehmed in 1453 and the collapse of the Byzantine Empire, and that the AKP frequently utilizes this symbolism.

Recalling President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan performing morning prayers at Hagia Sophia on May 29, the report highlighted the symbolic importance of Hagia Sophia, which was opened for service as a mosque in July 2020 following a controversial process.

Şükrü Golak, manager of the Giritli Restaurant in Istanbul's Fatih district, stated that customers show interest in the walls and feel they are touching history by touching them. Noting that some walls are neglected, Golak said, "Weeds are growing out from between the stones here. It is difficult to maintain, but at least they are not crumbling like in other places."

News Source: 12punto