TRThe ongoing restoration of Istanbul's Hagia Sophia is incorporating limestone from Edirne's Süloğlu district for the first time in the monument's history. The chosen material, known as küfeki limestone, is renowned for its compatibility with historical construction techniques and its ability to harden naturally after exposure to air. Originally, the Hagia Sophia was built using küfeki stone from quarries in Bakırköy, but these areas have since been urbanized, making the original material unavailable. Conservation experts determined that prior repairs used less stable stones from other regions, prompting the search for a suitable alternative. After extensive testing, the Süloğlu limestone was selected for its structural and visual compatibility with the original material.
Bias read (Center): The article provides a balanced overview of the restoration process, focusing on technical and historical aspects without overtly favoring any political perspective. It includes quotes from officials and conservation experts, presenting multiple viewpoints and emphasizing the practical reasons for选用
