833-Year-Old Leaning Minaret of Sivas Ulu Cami Enters Critical Restoration Phase

A major restoration project at the historic Sivas Ulu Cami has reached a decisive stage, as work intensifies on its iconic leaning minaret, a structure that has defined the city’s skyline for more than eight centuries.

Ongoing conservation efforts, led by regional heritage authorities, are now focusing on stabilizing and preserving the minaret’s exterior—an intervention that could also reveal previously undocumented construction details hidden beneath centuries of wear.

Scaffolding Signals a Turning Point in Minaret Restoration

One of the most visible developments at the site is the installation of a steel scaffolding system around the leaning minaret. This structure, expected to be completed by the end of April, will allow specialists to carry out detailed surface restoration and structural assessments.

The minaret, long noted for its subtle but unmistakable tilt, is not only an architectural curiosity but also a fragile historical element. Any intervention requires a careful balance between preservation and minimal alteration, ensuring that its distinctive form is maintained.

Structural Reinforcement Underway Inside the Mosque

While the minaret draws public attention, equally critical work is unfolding inside the mosque. A comprehensive foundation reinforcement program is currently in progress, aimed at strengthening the building’s long-term stability.

So far, 30 out of 50 planned support columns have been completed. Work continues steadily on the remaining columns, reflecting a methodical approach designed to safeguard the structure without compromising its historical integrity.

This phase is particularly important, as it addresses structural vulnerabilities that may not be immediately visible but are essential for the building’s future resilience.

Next Phase to Focus on Wooden Roofing and Interior Restoration

According to the restoration schedule, the next stage will begin in May, when teams will start installing wooden upper flooring elements in line with the mosque’s original architectural character.

Following this, interior leveling works will be carried out, along with the replacement of stones that do not match the building’s authentic material fabric. These interventions aim to restore visual coherence while respecting the mosque’s original construction techniques.

Such decisions are critical in heritage conservation, where the goal is not to “renew” a monument, but to preserve its historical authenticity as faithfully as possible.

More Than a Restoration: Reinterpreting a Landmark

The Sivas Ulu Cami is widely regarded as one of central Anatolia’s most significant medieval structures. Its leaning minaret, in particular, has become a defining symbol of the city—often compared, in local discourse, to other famous tilted towers around the world.

As restoration progresses, researchers and conservators anticipate that the project may also shed light on lesser-known aspects of the mosque’s construction history, including techniques used to accommodate—or possibly correct—the minaret’s inclination.

In this sense, the project represents more than routine conservation. It is an opportunity to re-examine a landmark monument, deepening our understanding of Anatolian architectural heritage.