Hagia Sophia Mosque Remains Open During Dome Restoration – Travel Tips Inside!

For many Muslim travellers, a visit to Istanbul wouldn’t be complete without stepping into the breathtaking Hagia Sophia—now officially known as Ayasofya-i Kebir Cami-i Şerifi. Whether it's to pray, marvel at centuries-old architecture, or soak in the spiritual atmosphere, the Hagia Sophia is more than just a historical monument; it’s a deeply significant site for both Islam and global heritage.

And now, this awe-inspiring landmark is beginning a major new chapter. As of Apr 2025, Turkey has launched an ambitious restoration project on the Hagia Sophia’s iconic dome, marking one of the biggest repair efforts in the building’s nearly 1,500-year history.

Also read: 7 Reasons Istanbul is the Ultimate Travel Destination for Every Muslim

Why now?

Located in a region crisscrossed by fault lines, the Hagia Sophia has long faced the risk of earthquake damage. Engineers and historians have been running simulations to determine how the structure might fare in the event of a large quake. The findings were clear: the dome has several structural weak points that need urgent reinforcement.

So, the Turkish authorities, along with a team of art historians, architects, and restoration experts, are now taking action.

What’s being done?

Image credit: Harun Uyanık | Anadolu Agency

According to cultural property expert Ahmet Gulec, the first step will be to gently cover the dome to protect it during the repairs. Then, workers will remove the existing lead cover so they can fully inspect and reinforce the structure beneath.

But as with many historical restorations, not everything can be predicted. Asnu Bilban Yalcin, a renowned Byzantine art historian, explained that such work often uncovers surprises: “You plan and design everything, but when you open it up, things can develop differently.”

That’s part of what makes this restoration so significant—it’s not just maintenance; it’s an exploration into the unknown depths of history.

Will the Hagia Sophia still be open?

Image credit: Levent Yucelman | Canva Pro

Yes! One of the most traveller-friendly decisions made by the restoration team is to keep the Hagia Sophia open to both worshippers and visitors throughout the process.

This is fantastic news for Muslim travellers planning to visit Istanbul soon. Whether it’s for daily prayers, Jumu’ah, or simply to admire the serene beauty of the mosque, visitors will still be able to enter and experience the space. However, there may be scaffolding or restricted sections, especially around the dome area.

So, while the sight of restoration work might slightly change the usual experience, it also offers something unique—a chance to witness history being preserved, right before your eyes.

A glimpse into the past

Image credit: Han Kaya | Canva Pro

For those unfamiliar, here’s a quick recap of why Hagia Sophia holds such an important place in the Muslim world:

• Originally constructed in 537 AD as the world’s largest cathedral.

• Converted into a mosque in 1453 by Ottoman Sultan Mehmet the Conqueror after the conquest of Constantinople.

• Functioned as a mosque for nearly 500 years before being turned into a museum in 1935 by the secular Turkish Republic.

• In 2020, it was reconverted into a mosque by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, reopening its doors to Muslim worshippers once again.

Its layered past makes it one of the most fascinating places to explore for travellers who are curious about the intersection of Islamic and Byzantine history.

When will the work be completed?

Experts haven’t given a specific end date, citing weather conditions and unexpected findings that could extend the timeline. As Hasan Firat Diker, a professor of architecture, noted, the real structural issues will likely become clearer only after the lead cover is removed.

In other words, this is careful, patient work—done not just to preserve the structure, but to honour its legacy for future generations of Muslims and global visitors alike.

Also read: The Ultimate Halal Travel Bucket List: 50 Experiences to Have Before You’re 30

Final thought

The Hagia Sophia is more than just a destination—it’s a living story of faith, history, and cultural evolution. With restoration underway, now is a remarkable time to visit. You’ll not only see its grandeur but also become part of its ongoing legacy as it enters a new era of preservation.

Thinking of planning a trip to Istanbul? Now might be the perfect moment.