Architect Doğan Hasol evaluates for 12punto: 'Hagia Sophia is a monument of civilization, not just anyone can perform restoration'

12punto.com.tr / Exclusive

The Ministry of Culture and Tourism has begun comprehensive restoration work at the Hagia Sophia Mosque.

While the restoration work is ongoing, the installation of an industrial shutter on the new entrance gate built for tourists at the 1500-year-old Hagia Sophia has sparked public debate.

Doğan Hasol, one of the most important representatives of contemporary Turkish architecture, made statements regarding the restoration being carried out at the Hagia Sophia Mosque.

'IT MUST BE ENTRUSTED TO THE EXPERT'

Doğan Hasol said, "Hagia Sophia is a monument of civilization; it must be protected. Restoration is entirely a matter of expertise. It must absolutely be entrusted to those who are qualified. Not just anyone who feels like it should perform restoration. If restoration is started without consulting an expert, the result will be a disappointment."

'WE MUST PROTECT IT IN A DETERMINED AND CONSCIOUS MANNER'

Continuing his remarks, Hasol stated, "There are icons inside the Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque that need to be protected. Covering those icons with plaster was also extremely unnecessary. We need to protect this history in a more determined and conscious manner."

'IT CARRIES THE QUALITY OF A BRIDGE'

The master architect, who also made statements regarding the historical importance of Hagia Sophia, said, "Today, there is no need to re-prove that both Istanbul and Hagia Sophia belong to the Turks.

As Bülent Ecevit once said, 'In its current state, I believe Hagia Sophia is a bridge between Eastern and Western cultures that fits Istanbul's geographical location and the historical function of the Turks, and it appears as a monument demonstrating that Christianity with its mosaics and Islam with its added minarets can coexist in peace.'"