Restoration works in Selimiye Mosque, the masterpiece of Mimar Sinan, continue simultaneously in the interior and exterior. Work in the mosque, which was restored by the General Directorate of Foundations in November 2021, continues under the supervision of the scientific committee. While the work is carried out in stages, the mosque is kept open for worship and visits. Restoration teams working to carry the monument, which is on the UNESCO World Heritage List, safely into the future are carrying out works in accordance with the original at every point of the building.
Within the scope of the works, lead renewal and stone repair operations in the mosque were completed. Work has been completed on three of the mosque’s four minarets, which can be seen from every point of the city, and work on the last minaret has come to an end. The restoration of the dome of Selimiye Mosque, with a diameter of 31 meters and a height of 43 meters from the ground, has been completed. The finial, consisting of 29 pieces, was repaired and covered with gold leaf. The stone finials of the portico domes were installed and the work in this area was completed. While Horasan mortar was used in the restoration of Selimiye instead of the cement left over from previous works and damaged the structure, significant progress was made in the repair of the exterior. The windows of the mosque were also renewed in accordance with the original. Scraping operations have been completed in the interior of Selimiye, and the renovation of the wooden doors and shutters with the engraving works continues.
“A masterpIece for our cIvIlIzatIon”
Edirne Culture and Tourism Director Kemal Soytürk said in his statement on the subject that the restoration work in the mosque was carried out meticulously. Stating that every area of the building was examined and the necessary interventions were made in accordance with the original, Soytürk stated that the mosque was carried to the future in a healthy way and said: “Selimiye Mosque is a masterpiece for our civilization. It is a sensitive process accompanied by scientific and academic studies. It is a great thing to witness the restoration of Selimiye. Works are continuing intensively. Remarkable work is done in glass, stone and wood workshops. We are eagerly waiting for the restoration of Selimiye Mosque to be completed. Restoration work is a very delicate process. We expect the work to be completed within the planned time.” Soytürk pointed out that Selimiye Mosque is an important value of city tourism. Emphasizing that even the restoration works in the mosque attract visitors, Kemal Soytürk stated that the mosque will host more visitors once the works are completed.
