Hagia Sophia to introduce restrictions on number of visitorsApril 28, 2011 - 09:55 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Istanbul's famous Hagia Sophia museum has announced plans to introduce restrictions on the number of visitors to the site each day in response to a recent influx of visitors to the former Byzantine church-turned-mosque, according to Today’s Zaman. The number of people visiting Hagia Sophia averages 10,000 daily. However, recently there has been a general increase in visitors to the site, with numbers exceeding 17,000 on some days. The museum, which is expected to attract more than 3.5 million visitors by the end of year, will have new restrictions imposed on the number of people visiting the site at any one time. The measures are being introduced to avoid damage to the marble and mosaics on the walls of the historic building. Overcrowding tends to causes humidity in the structure, which contributes to the erosion of the mosaics. These restrictions will in particular be geared towards large groups and school field trips. Haluk Dursun, president of the Hagia Sophia museum, said that agreements have been signed with the Education Ministry to impose some restrictions on school field trips, particularly those arriving during peak times. This is will be a first step toward managing the number of visitors to the site. In another measure, an appointment system will be introduced for large groups. Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Czech-Armenian military cooperation discussed in Yerevan A delegation led by the Director General for the Industrial Cooperation Division of the Ministry of Defence of the Czech Republic visited Armenia. U.S. welcomes efforts to define Armenia-Azerbaijan border The United States welcomes efforts to define the border between Armenia and Azerbaijan, says Vedant Patel. Biden honors resilience of Armenian people on April 24 U.S. President Joe Biden has issued a statement on the 109th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. Ex-Karabakh leader moved to solitary confinement cell in Baku, his son says David Vardanyan is the son of former Karabakh leader Ruben Vardanyan who who is currently imprisoned in Azerbaijan. |