The Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism has successfully completed a meticulous digital scan of Hagia Sophia, producing an exact "digital twin" of the iconic monument. This endeavor is part of a broader initiative to establish a comprehensive "holistic record" of the historic site, as reported by Turkish state broadcaster TRT Haber.
Initiated in 2022, the project utilized cutting-edge scanning technologies to capture high-resolution data of Hagia Sophia. The resulting digital model has been meticulously archived in a specialized database. This digital twin ensures that in the event of an earthquake or other disasters leading to partial collapse, the monument can be reconstructed with precision, preserving its original form and integrity, according to TRT Haber.
Beyond the creation of the digital twin, the project has also contributed to the academic study of Hagia Sophia. Numerous scholarly papers and books detailing the construction and history of the monument have been published and included in the database. These academic contributions offer in-depth insights into the current condition of Hagia Sophia, aiding in its preservation. The data gathered facilitates protective measures that do not compromise the monument's historic attributes or its outstanding structural quality.
This initiative underscores Türkiye's commitment to preserving its cultural heritage, ensuring that Hagia Sophia remains an enduring symbol of historical and architectural significance for future generations.
