Turkey's historic Hagia Sophia Mosque is undergoing renovation in a bid to protect its domes from seismic activity. The new phase of restoration for 1,500-year-old landmark includes reinforcing its domes. Officials overseeing the project have said that reinforcing the main dome and half domes will involve replacing the worn-out lead coverings and upgrading the steel framework as well. They also added that the restoration will be carried out in a manner which will allow worshippers to pray inside the mosque. Watch in for more details!

Turkey's Hagia Sophia Mosque to be renovated; bid to protect the structure with modern methods

Pope Francis said Sunday he was "very distressed" over Turkey's decision to convert the Byzantine-era monument Hagia Sophia back into a mosque. "My thoughts go to Istanbul.

Pope Francis voices distress over Turkey's Hagia Sophia conversion to mosque

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Saturday rejected worldwide condemnation over Turkey's decision to convert the Byzantine-era monument Hagia Sophia back into a mosque, saying it represented his country's will to use its "sovereign rights".

Turkish President Erdogan rejects criticism over Hagia Sophia's conversion to mosque

A top Turkish court on Friday revoked the Byzantine-era Hagia Sophia's status as a museum, clearing the way for it to be turned back into a mosque, according to reports.

Top Turkey court revokes Hagia Sophia's museum status, paving way for mosque

A top Turkish court has revoked the Byzantine-era Hagia Sophia's status as a museum, removing the way for it to be reconverted into a mosque. Watch report.

Your Story: Turkish court rules on Hagia Sophia status, Court unanimously declares museum status null & void

Turkey's famous museum, Hagia Sophia, is at the centre of international political debate. Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan has proposed restoring the mosque status of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, a sixth-century building at the heart of both the Christian Byzantine and Muslim Ottoman empires and now one of Turkey’s most visited monuments.

Erdogan's bid to turn Hagia Sophia museum into a mosque sparks political row

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan wants to turn the iconic Hagia Sophia into a mosque again. Russia says this move would be unacceptable. WION's Palki Sharma tells you why this move has triggered a major controversy.

Gravitas: Politics over Istanbul's Hagia Sophia

Russian officials and the Orthodox church on July 06 urged caution over calls in Turkey to alter the status of Hagia Sophia. Watch report.

Your Story: Russia, US warm Turkey over the conversion of Hagia Sophia

An official from the Russian Orthodox Church feels converting the Hagia Sophia from a museum to a mosque would be an "unacceptable" move and would take them back in time.

Respect feelings of believers: Russian Orthodox Church comments on conversion of Hagia Sophia

The Turkish government is all set to change the religion-neutral status of a century-old structure and a UNESCO world heritage site Hagia Sophia. Watch report.

UNESCO world heritage site Hagia Sophia to be turned into a Mosque