1,600-Year-Old Mystery Beneath Hagia Sophia as Turkey Confirms 9km of Tunnels

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A centuries-old mystery beneath Hagia Sophia in (Constantinople) Istanbul has drawn renewed attention after Turkey’s Minister of Culture and Tourism, Mehmet Nuri Ersoy, confirmed the existence of an extensive network of underground tunnels stretching approximately 9 kilometers.

Ersoy said sections of the tunnels are currently being cleaned and restored, with access blocked in several areas by collapses and debris.

Speaking at a press conference in Kahramanmaraş, the minister said authorities would consider opening suitable sections to visitors once restoration and safety work has been completed.

“Once the work is completed, we can evaluate opening the appropriate and safe sections to visitors,” Ersoy said.

Tunnels dating back around 1,600 years

The minister’s latest comments follow an announcement he made in February 2026 about the documentation of underground tunnels believed to date back around 1,600 years.

The discovery has renewed interest in the complex underground structures beneath Hagia Sophia and the surrounding historic area of Istanbul.

Hagia Sophia was completed in the sixth century during the reign of Byzantine Emperor Justinian I and has undergone major changes throughout its long history.

Restoration work continues at Hagia Sophia

Ersoy also provided an update on extensive restoration, conservation and structural reinforcement work being carried out at Hagia Sophia.

He described the program as among the most comprehensive interventions undertaken at the landmark during the history of the Turkish Republic, with the stated aim of preserving the nearly 1,500-year-old structure for future generations.

According to Ersoy, restoration work has been completed on several areas, including the tombs, the Children’s School, the Clock Tower and the floor of the gallery.

Structural reinforcement of the northeastern minaret has also been completed.

Work is continuing on the main dome, including structural reinforcement and conservation of its mosaics.

A temporary metal roof and protective covering system have been installed to safeguard the main dome during the restoration.

Ersoy said a specially constructed platform inside the building is being used for documentation, cleaning and conservation work on the dome’s mosaics.

Religious services and visitor access are continuing during the restoration program.

Further structural work planned

According to the minister, structural assessments have identified a need for additional reinforcement around the eastern half of the dome.

A new phase of conservation work is also being prepared for the mosaics, painted decorations and marble surfaces in that section.

The discovery and documentation of the underground tunnels add another layer to the history of one of Istanbul’s most important landmarks, while restoration teams continue their efforts to study and preserve the vast structure.

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