The iconic 8-century-old Sivas Grand Mosque minaret, known for its 117-centimeter slope resembling Italy’s Leaning Tower of Pisa, will be preserved under a newly developed project. The structure, built in 1197 during the Anatolian Seljuk period, leans 1.5 centimeters annually and is monitored via satellite.
A unique preservation method involving eight 40-meter-long steel piles will secure the minaret under the guidance of Turkish and Italian scientists. Inscribed with phrases such as “El Mülk-ü Lillah” (The Property is Allah’s), the minaret’s inscriptions and turquoise tiles will also undergo restoration.
Sivas Foundations Regional Director Cemal Karaca emphasized the urgency of the project, which awaits final approval from Ankara, stating, “This place stands with prayers, and it needs to be safeguarded for future generations.”
Rahmi Meyveci – Yunus Çiftci