The image that infuriated İlber Ortaylı: If the structure collapses, the world will blame the Turks.

26.11.2025 08:25

Historian Prof. Dr. İlber Ortaylı reacted strongly to images showing heavy machinery entering Hagia Sophia during restoration work. Ortaylı stated, "Not even a car can enter there. The effects of these interventions will eventually become apparent. The structure is completely filled with tunnels; everyone who comes treats Hagia Sophia as if it were their father's property. I repeat: If that structure collapses, the world will hold the Turks accountable for it."

Shown as one of the rarest cultural heritages in the world and having survived countless adversities for 1500 years, the restoration works at Hagia Sophia have ignited a new debate.

DEBATES HAVE ESCALATED

The entry of two cranes, each weighing 45 tons, into Hagia Sophia during the restoration has caused the discussions to flare up.

"THE BASE OF THE STRUCTURE IS COMPLETELY FILLED WITH TUNNELS"

Historian Prof. Dr. İlber Ortaylı shared a photo of construction machinery entering Hagia Sophia and reacted strongly to the events. In a post on his Instagram account, Ortaylı stated, "Forget the truck, the crane... Not even a car can enter there. The effects of these interventions will emerge sooner or later. The base of the structure is completely filled with tunnels; everyone who comes treats Hagia Sophia as if it were their father's property."

"ON WHAT DATA ARE THOSE WHO DO THIS BASED?"

I repeat: If that structure collapses, the world will hold the Turks accountable. So how do they know how many tons of load it can carry? On what data are those who do this based? Did they ask Anthemios or Mimar Sinan?" he expressed.