Hagia Sophia's Bayezid II minaret dismantled
As part of the restoration and conservation works at the Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque, the dismantling of the Bayezid II Minaret has been carried out.
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According to information obtained from the General Directorate of Foundations of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the 2nd phase of restoration works at Hagia Sophia began on October 6, 2023.
The restoration project will involve work on areas such as the facade and minarets that make up the exterior of the structure. First, perimeter fencing was installed for the work area, and the construction of a steel minaret platform was completed in accordance with the approved project for the dismantling of the Bayezid II Minaret.
Scaffolding was erected on top of the minaret platform. In the scientific committee decision dated February 23, it was decided to wrap the completed minaret scaffolding with fireproof netting with 1.5-centimeter gaps for safety purposes.
Dismantling was carried out on the minaret up to the balcony (sherefe) in line with the decisions of the Hagia Sophia Scientific Committee and the Regional Conservation Board.
STRENGTHENING CARRIED OUT
Within the scope of the approved static project, strengthening and necessary stone manufacturing will be carried out on the minaret.
Following the removal of the finial (alem) on the minaret, the damaged lead covering of the minaret and the old felt underneath were removed.
The water-damaged and degraded lead-underlay boards were removed, the wooden carcass underneath was assessed, and condition assessment sheets were prepared.
According to the assessment, there is an 18-meter single-piece central mast and 16 supporting poles approximately 11 meters long.