Istanbul Hagia Irene Museum Repairs

Hagia Irene is one of the oldest known church structures in Istanbul; after its initial fourth-century phase, it was rebuilt by Justinian in the wake of the Nika revolt of 532.

Commissioned by Emperor Constantine in the 4th century AD, the building was rebuilt by Emperor Justinian and later used as an armoury and military museum. Thanks to its use as an arms depot in the outer courtyard of Topkapı Palace, it is one of the rare Byzantine monuments to have reached the present day without being converted into a mosque. During the restoration carried out in 2002, the interior timber staircase was renewed and the lead sheathing of the dome was replaced. Today it hosts elegant receptions and concerts.