Hagia Sophia restoration turns to Edirne’s distinctive limestone
EDİRNE
Istanbul’s iconic Hagia Sophia is welcoming a piece of northwestern Türkiye into its ancient walls as ongoing restoration efforts introduce a distinctive limestone from Edirne to the monument for the first time in its history.
The küfeki limestone, sourced from quarries in the Süloğlu district, has long been used in major restoration projects across Türkiye, including the rehabilitation of the Selimiye Mosque and the revival of the historic Edirne Palace.
Conservation experts said the stone closely matches the physical and structural characteristics of the original material used in Hagia Sophia, making it the most suitable replacement for deteriorated sections.
