Turkish TV Network “aTV” has reported that the Hagia Sophia has suffered vandalism anew, saying that the UNESCO structure has become a “target of the uncivilised”. After the destruction of the imperial gate, the walls and the marbles, the metal plates (emblems ), which adorn the main entrance were the latest focus of the vandals.

“Once again Hagia Sophia became the target of the uneducated. You will remember that in the past they caused damage to the imperial gate, the walls, and the marbles. So, now one of the emblems on the door of Hagia Sophia has disappeared. First, it was the imperial gate, then the walls and marbles, and now the emblems. Every side of Hagia Sophia is sacred and that’s probably why someone considered it sacred and took it home” said the “aTV” reportage (time stamp at 46:30 minutes in the video).

“We are next to the imperial gate which is one of the most important points of Hagia Sophia. Right next to the gate is a very sad picture. See there are many emblems but one of them does not exist at the moment. Either it was stolen or it disappeared,” says the journalist, pointing to the spot at the main gate through which hundreds of people pass every day.

A citizen also spoke in the reportage, stating that he is disappointed by the vandalism that has taken place at the monument recently: “It really saddens me to see Hagia Sophia in this state. A series of unpleasant events happened to its detriment. I see no end to this,” he said.

Last June the use of a floor cleaning machine, used inside the monument, resulted in a breakage of the marble floor.

Closure
Exactly two years after Hagia Sophia was reopened as a Muslim mosque by President Tayyip Erdogan, vandalism and destruction continue at the UNESCO-listed monument.