Ancient Roman tunnels revealed beneath Istanbul's Hagia Sophia

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 13 Nov, 17:28 · Archive

Archaeologists have removed roughly 3,000 tons of debris from 1,600-year-old Roman tunnels beneath Istanbul's Hagia Sophia.

Archaeologists have removed roughly 3,000 tons of debris from a centuries-old network of underground tunnels beneath Istanbul's Hagia Sophia, revealing previously inaccessible passages beneath one of the world's most historic religious landmarks. The findings were announced by archaeologist Hasan Fırat Diker at a presentation in October in Istanbul. The tunnels have been undergoing excavation and clearing work since February 2025, allowing researchers to explore sections that were previously buried beneath mud and debris.

The roughly 1,600-year-old tunnels were built by the Romans and originally functioned as part of the city's water distribution and drainage network, whilst also providing a protected underground space. Some underground structures predate the present-day Hagia Sophia, which was completed in 537 A.D. under Byzantine Emperor Justinian I. Diker compared the intricate network to a modern subway system. The tunnels were designed to carry rainwater from surrounding streets into the sea. Researchers have cleared nearly 558 feet of an underground route connected to a fifth-century Roman street, which extends from the Sarayburnu area toward Little Hagia Sophia.

Although the underground network has been known for decades, much of it has remained difficult to access. The ongoing excavation work is allowing researchers to examine previously buried sections of the historic site. The landmark is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is visited by millions of tourists each year.

How it is being reported

• Ancient Roman tunnels beneath Turkey’s famed Hagia Sophia explored after tons of debris clearedArchaeologists have removed roughly 3,000 tons of debris from a centuries-old network of underground tunnels beneath Istanbul's iconic Hagia Sophia.New York Post · 13 Nov, 17:16
• Ancient tunnels beneath famous Hagia Sophia explored after 3,000 tons of debris clearedRevealing 1,600-year-old Roman passages beneath Istanbul, archaeologists removed roughly 3,000 tons of debris from Hagia Sophia's underground tunnels recently.Fox News · 13 Nov, 13:00

In this story: Hagia Sophia · Istanbul · Hasan Fırat Diker · Justinian I · Sarayburnu · Little Hagia Sophia

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