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The restoration of the dome of Selimiye Mosque in Edirne, described by the celebrated Ottoman architect Mimar Sinan as his “masterpiece,” has been halted after public backlash and a legal challenge.
The restoration program, which focused on redesigning the dome’s decoration, had initially been rejected three times by the Science Board of the Directorate General of Foundations.
Despite these rejections, the High Council later gave approval to the project.
Following this, a citizen filed a lawsuit at the Edirne Administrative Court demanding both the suspension and annulment of the plan.
The court ruled in favor of suspending the restoration, stating in its decision that “if the project is implemented, it may cause irreparable damage to the structure.”
The restoration was presented under the title “Return to the 16th century” by the Selimiye Review and Research Committee.
However, restorers, art historians and several civil society organizations strongly objected, arguing that the project was “incompatible with the historical fabric and the principles of restoration.”
In addition to the suspension, the court has requested all relevant documents and information concerning the project from the High Council.
The judges also asked for clarification on whether any part of the work has already been completed or if it is still at the planning stage.
The proposed restoration drew widespread criticism on social media, with many users voicing concerns that the intervention would harm one of the most iconic works of Ottoman architecture.
A public petition calling for the project’s cancellation quickly gained traction, adding further pressure on authorities to reconsider.
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