Restoration of Selimiye Mosque to be completed next year
Restoration work on Mimar Sinan's masterpiece, the Selimiye Mosque, is continuing simultaneously both inside and outside. The restoration project, which has been ongoing for over two years, is expected to be completed next year.
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The General Directorate of Foundations began the restoration of Selimiye Mosque in 2021, and work is currently underway.
While the work is being carried out in stages, the mosque remains open for worship and visitors during this time.
Restoration teams working to ensure the monument, which is on the UNESCO World Heritage List, is safely preserved for the future are conducting work at every point of the structure in accordance with its original state.
As part of the project, lead renewal and stone repair work on the mosque have been completed.
WORK CONTINUES ON THE FINAL MINARET
Work has been finished on three of the mosque's four minarets, which are visible from every point in the city, and the work on the final minaret is nearing completion.
The restoration of Selimiye's dome has also been completed. The finial, consisting of 29 parts, was repaired and covered with gold leaf. The stone finials of the portico domes have been installed, concluding the work in that area.
HORASAN MORTAR USED
During the restoration of Selimiye, Horasan mortar was used to replace the cement left over from previous repairs that had damaged the structure, and significant progress has been made in the exterior facade repairs.
The mosque's windows have also been renewed in accordance with their original design.
Scraping operations in the interior of Selimiye have been completed, while the restoration of the decorative painting (kalem işi) and the wooden doors and shutters is ongoing.
The restoration work is planned to be completed next year.