3 minarets of Selimiye mosque restored in major project

Three out of the four minarets undergoing repairs at the iconic Selimiye Mosque in Edirne have been successfully restored. This progress marks a significant step forward in the comprehensive restoration project aimed at preserving Mimar Sinan's architectural masterpiece.

Initiated in November 2021 by the General Directorate of Foundations of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, this comprehensive restoration project aims to ensure the mosque's longevity. The work encompasses the mosque's interior and exterior, ensuring a holistic approach to its rejuvenation.

Restoration updates

Reinforcement and injection works have been completed on the mosque's main dome, ensuring its structural integrity.  Following this crucial step, the dome's lead coating was meticulously restored. Inharmonious cement applications were removed from the building, and the mosque's windows – both glass and wooden – were completely refurbished. These efforts highlight the comprehensive nature of the restoration, ensuring the preservation of Selimiye Mosque for generations to come.

During the restoration of the mahfil floor (a raised platform in the mosque), crews discovered that a cement screed had been applied at some point in the past. This layer was carefully removed, revealing the mosque's original kufeki floor beneath. Küfeki is a type of limestone prized for its durability and aesthetics.

Of the 264 plaster interiors inside the mosque, those that were made of flat glass or Plexiglas in the 1983 repair were renewed with stainless steel structure and bottle bottom glass. All white cement exteriors were replaced with water-resistant plaster (anhydrite or sugar plaster) with stainless steel fittings and bottle bottoms.

The original wooden shutters on the main space's windows and doors were inspected, especially their lower skirts, and repairs were made for decay, loss of material, and missing parts.

Deterioration in the pencil works was repaired.

Minarets were the most worn out

During the restoration process, it was determined that the minarets were the most worn parts of the structure.

Three out of the four 85-meter-long minarets were fully restored, showcasing intricate balconies reminiscent of lace and meticulously designed in three distinct styles.

The restoration efforts included comprehensive stone repairs, cleaning works, and the replacement of 64 tiles to recreate the original turquoise tile under the minaret cone. Notably, the balconies of these minarets, described as thin as pencils, now stand as a testament to the delicate craftsmanship of the era.

While these three minarets gleam with renewed beauty, the restoration work continues on the right minaret at the entrance from the main gate on the west side.

Once this final phase is completed, the scaffolding will be dismantled, marking the conclusion of the extensive restoration journey on these historic minarets.

Source: Newsroom & AA