“Preparations in Hagia Sophia for a possible earthquake in Istanbul” reports the Turkish channel TRT, as broadcast by Manolis Kostidis.

Due to predictions of a strong earthquake in Istanbul, there are fears of a possible collapse.

Many preparations are being made, among them for the symbol of the City, Hagia Sophia.

They have digitally recorded every part of the temple to have a copy so that it can be rebuilt in case of collapse.

“The digital copy of Hagia Sophia was created. If it is destroyed, it can be rebuilt,” say the Turkish media.

Sengyul Kojagyul, president of the Vakufion service construction projects department: “Of course there are previous studies, but now we have created the digital twin of Hagia Sophia and found the relationship of the monument with the surrounding buildings. In the event of any damage or destruction of the monument due to a natural phenomenon, there will be the technical possibility of constructing the building itself. So in case of damage to the Hagia Sophia in the event of the possible Istanbul earthquake, the Hagia Sophia will be able to be rebuilt as a true copy as we will have evidence and data.

We didn’t just stop at recording. All the information has been collected, all the research, the books written about Hagia Sophia and all the detailed information is there. For the mosaics, for the cracks in the dome, for the condition of the foundations, for the gaps in the walls. We are working to maintain the same condition of the building from the day it was built until today.

And in addition, we are doing the static studies of the building in order to prevent the possible earthquake”.

Reaction of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkey to the participation of the Ecumenical Patriarch in the meeting on Ukraine.

“Explanations were requested for Bartholomew’s signature on the joint declaration”

“Our state policy has not changed, it is the Patriarchate of Phanarios. There was no meeting between Fidan and Bartholomew”

Onçu Ketseli, spokesperson of the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs: “The news that the Roman Patriarchate of Phanarius participated with state status in the Peace Summit for Ukraine held in Switzerland on June 15-16, 2024 and that our minister had an official bilateral meeting with the Roman Patriarch of Phanarios Bartholomeus on the sidelines of the Synod. Clarifications were sought from the organizers of the Summit, Switzerland and Ukraine, regarding allegations that the name of the Hellenic Patriarchate of Fener was subsequently added as a signatory to the Joint Declaration, which was accepted at the end of the Summit and shared.

On the other hand, it is explained that there has been no change in our state policy regarding the position of the Roman Patriarchate of the Phanarius.”

Hurriyet: “The surprise for joint candidacy with Athens”

“Joint letter of Athens and Ankara for candidacy to the OSCE”.