The Turkish Ministry of Culture is currently executing a cleaning initiative aimed at making the underground sections of the renowned Hagia Sophia in Istanbul accessible to visitors.
This undertaking involves the restoration of tunnels, vaults, corridors, and a three-room underground tomb located beneath the historic edifice, one of the world’s most celebrated architectural masterpieces.
These subterranean features served multiple purposes, such as ventilation, storage, and burial. They are interlinked, forming a concealed network that experts have described as the “lifelines” of Hagia Sophia.
Among the most intriguing discoveries is the “Hypogeum,” a three-room underground tomb situated four metres beneath the northeast façade of Hagia Sophia. This tomb dates back to the fourth century A.D., predating the construction of Hagia Sophia in the sixth century.
Although the existence of this particular underground structure has been known since 1946, it was buried under four tonnes of mud and sediment. The tomb’s grandeur has been uncovered after extensive cleaning operations initiated by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism in 2020.
Over the centuries, the tomb underwent various modifications and was connected to other underground facilities via ventilation shafts, making it one of the oldest architectural remnants in the region.
Dr. Hasan Fırat Diker, a member of the Hagia Sophia Science Council, stated that they have been studying Hagia Sophia’s underground structures for five years. The structures surrounding Hagia Sophia extend approximately one kilometre, and the cleaning process is expected to take one year.
“This study is highly significant and valuable as it allows for public access to parts of these spaces while ensuring that the findings are handled with care under the supervision of the Hagia Sophia Museum. The discoveries have the potential to illuminate the history of Istanbul,” said Dr. Diker.
He further emphasised the importance of addressing both the superstructure and the infrastructure of the site. “It is gratifying to see that not only the superstructure but also the infrastructure is being taken into consideration,” he added.