Ottoman Heritage Restoration and Hagia Sophia Rows — 2026-10-10

Top developments

Ministry reports completion of 73 earthquake-restored Vakıf works

As of late September 2026, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism announced that the restoration of 73 Vakıf cultural heritage sites damaged by the February 2023 earthquakes has been completed. A further 176 structures are currently undergoing planned restoration and repair. This progress is part of a broader mobilization to preserve civilizational heritage in the disaster zone, with the Ministry having allocated over 12.2 billion lira for its own projects and the General Directorate of Foundations (VGM) dedicating a 22 billion lira budget specifically for earthquake-region repairs.

Cultural heritage investment reaches 34 billion lira target

Minister Mehmet Nuri Ersoy stated that the total investment in cultural heritage restoration across Turkey has reached 34 billion lira. The strategy aims to complete an additional 168 projects by the first half of 2027. The VGM is financing this extensive program largely through its own revenues, ensuring that historic mansions, hans, and palaces in private ownership also receive support, including free project preparation services provided by the Ministry.

Hagia Sophia restoration phase continues with 2027 completion goal

Although the primary announcement occurred in mid-September 2026, the status remains active: Minister Ersoy confirmed that the comprehensive restoration of Hagia Sophia, including the main dome and underground galleries, is targeting a 2027 completion. The project includes seismic reinforcement to protect the 1,500-year-old UNESCO masterpiece against future earthquakes. Recent phases have involved the installation of steel platforms and scientific investigation of Ottoman-era calligraphy hidden since the Fossati restoration of 1849.

Local view

Notbir and Benguturk report on the financial scale of the restoration efforts, emphasizing the government's narrative of "civilizational responsibility." Local media highlight that the VGM's self-financing model allows for rapid deployment of funds without relying solely on state budget allocations. These outlets note that the focus has shifted from emergency stabilization to long-term preservation of Ottoman-era vakıf properties in the 11 provinces affected by the earthquakes.

Context & numbers

• Hagia Sophia Entry Fee: Foreign tourists are charged €25 for access to the upper gallery and the "History and Experience Museum" section. Turkish citizens and Muslim worshippers can still access the prayer areas on the ground floor for free.
• Topkapi Palace Fees: The combined entry fee for Topkapi Palace, Hagia Irene, and the Harem is 2,750 Turkish lira (~€54) for foreigners.
• Restoration Volume: In the earthquake zone alone, 79 projects under the Directorate General of Cultural Heritage and Museums are complete, 17 are ongoing, and 4 are in tender stages. The VGM has restored 109 foundation properties since the start of the post-earthquake program.

On the radar

• 2027 Deadline: Monitor the progress of the remaining 168 restoration projects targeted for completion by mid-2027, particularly those involving Ottoman-era hans and palaces in Istanbul and Anatolia.
• Fossati Calligraphy Discovery: The outcome of the "scraping" (raspa) work in Hagia Sophia’s semi-domes will reveal whether the 4th-century Nur Sura calligraphy, covered by the Fossati brothers 177 years ago, remains intact. This scientific result is expected in the coming months.