Source: European Parliament
The Commission is aware of the reports on transformations of Hagia Sophia’s surroundings. Istanbul Municipality sealed a historical cistern next to Hagia Sophia used as a spa complex, and, in December 2024, took a decision to ban the unauthorised use of the cistern as a spa. In January 2025, concrete instructions for the required restoration were issued.
Türkiye should respect the letter and the spirit of the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco) 1972 World Heritage Convention and, therefore, avoid any implementing measure, without prior discussion with Unesco, that would affect the protection and conservation of the site in its original, historical context. Any steps that would endanger its outstanding value should be prevented.
The Commission will continue following the developments regarding the site of Hagia Sophia, also in the framework of its annual Türkiye report[1], as it has done over the past years.
- [1] https://enlargement.ec.europa.eu/turkiye-report-2024_en.